Dear students, parents and carers,

Congratulations to all of you on making it through an incredibly tough two years. Many of you were unable to sit GCSEs in 2020 and so this summer’s exams were the first external assessments you took. It’s a tremendous achievement, and we are very proud of you. 

As you receive your results this week, we know that you have many questions and that there are a lot of conflicting news reports and articles about what may happen which can be quite stressful and may be causing you to feel anxious about the future.

We have always known that this year was a ‘transition year’ between 2021 (when assessment was done directly by schools and colleges) and 2019 (the last year exams took place). This means that overall grades will be about halfway between the two nationally.

It does not mean that marking was harsher – the marking was done by exam boards in the usual way. Instead, it means that when setting the grade boundaries, exam boards have been more generous than in a normal year to bring grades closer to 2021 levels.

This is also unaffected by any of our school’s individual historical data, including what our students achieved last year. Marking and grading are done at a national level, with all students across the country being treated the same way.

Lots of you will already have a firm and an insurance offer for a place at university or an apprenticeship. Universities knew how grading would work this summer and have made you an offer on what they think you can achieve. We’re really excited to see so many of you receiving confirmation of your first choices today and pleased to hear of those who have secured apprenticeships and employment too.

If you don’t meet the conditions of your offer – don’t panic. Many universities may still be able to offer you your place. If not, there are still thousands of courses available through UCAS Clearing. Both the UCAS site and Unifrog have lots of support available so log on to your account and take a look.  If you need some additional help, please email Mrs Osborn on eosborn@coombedean.co.uk and we can support you through the process.

Finally, remember that you are more than a grade. The resilience you have shown under such conditions is remarkable. You are all exceptional, inspiring, and talented young people and we couldn’t be prouder of you.

Congratulations again on your achievements this week.

Emma Osborn

Leader of Post 16

Assistant Head Teacher