Congratulations to Wiltshire's GCSE students

We offer our congratulations and support to students across Wiltshire who are collecting their GCSE results today (12 August).

Students are receiving their results by email from some schools this year, while others are opening their doors for students to come in pick up their results.

All exams are now graded on the number scale which runs from nine (highest) to one (lowest), rather than the old letter grades. A grade 4 is a 'standard pass' with a grade 5 or above a 'good pass'. The bottom of a grade 7 is comparable with the bottom of an old grade A.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: "Congratulations to all our students who are picking up GCSE results. Young people work hard in their studies and this group of students have had to deal with unprecedented circumstances while studying for their exams. I would like to praise them for their determination and perseverance in overcoming lockdowns and adapting to remote learning.

"This year students will be receiving teacher-assessed grades. I would like to thank all our dedicated teachers and school staff who have had to undertake additional training and have worked so hard to carry out these assessments as fairly and consistently as possible.

"For those whose results are not as hoped or are unsure about what they want to do next, there are lots of options available to you and a great deal of information and support available."

Students that didn't receive the grades they anticipated should initially speak to their school or college who can offer help and advice about options available to them and the appeals process.

Alternatively, students can contact, Young Work Wiltshire on Thursday 12 August, between 10am to 4pm on 01225 716890. Young Work Wiltshire, is a Wiltshire Council service, that offers advice in planning the next steps in education (opens new window), training or apprenticeships (opens new window), visit workwiltshire.co.uk/young/ (opens new window) or email workwilts@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).

The National Careers Service advice lines will also be open between 9 - 27 August on 0800 100 900.

If students are concerned that a grade they have received is wrong, there is a national appeals process in place and schools and colleges can advise on this or Ofqual has produced the 'Student guide to awarding: summer 2021' available on their website at www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofqual (opens new window).