Education chiefs at Cheshire East Council say they are proud of all students

Education chiefs at Cheshire East Council say they are proud of all students, receiving their exam grades this week, for their resilience and determination.

Due to the pandemic, students studying A levels, GCSEs and other technical and vocational qualifications did not sit traditional exams this year. Instead, teachers have assessed their performance based on what they have been taught.

The council has thanked schools and colleges across the borough for their outstanding work to best support their students under extremely challenging circumstances.

Jacky Forster, director of education and 14-19 skills at Cheshire East Council, said: “I am so proud of all young people receiving their exam grades this week. I’m proud of their endurance and how they have adapted their learning, amid long periods of disruption to their studies, isolation and home schooling and having to undertake weekly Covid testing.

“Through all this, they have maintained their commitment and drive to succeed and are a credit to themselves, their families and their schools and colleges in having the perseverance to strive for the highest standards possible. 

“This time of year is always an anxious one for young people and I want to reassure them that there is support out there, whether that be help with mental health and wellbeing or providing advice for their next phase of education, apprenticeship, training or employment.

“I want to thank teachers and all school and college staff, who have worked so very hard to support young people and complete a range of assessments from which grades are determined. I also want to thank family members and friends who have had an ever-increasing role at home supporting young people throughout the pandemic.

“Our priority remains that all young people leave school or college with the best qualifications they can achieve and the life skills they need to thrive into adulthood.”

Kerry Birtles, director of children’s social care at Cheshire East Council, who supports cared for children, said: “We have high aspirations for every child and young person and want to help them to achieve their ambitions, so that they can be happy and successful in their education, training and employment.

“I’m also very proud of the young people in our care for their achievements both in and out of school or college. 

“We work together with schools and carers to champion their needs in everything we do, keeping them safe, happy and healthy and supporting them into adulthood. I particularly want to celebrate their successes and support them in whatever they choose to do next.” 

The Ofqual website has useful strategies about how to manage worries around results day. Young people and their families can find local support for mental health and wellbeing on the Cheshire East Council website.

The council also has lots of useful information on its website for support with careers, jobs and skills.

Support for cared for children and young people is available by contacting the Cheshire East Virtual School on 01625 374974 or 01625 374988.