Anxious wait for Derbyshire A-Level students almost over

Thousands of students across Derbyshire have just a week to wait to find out how they've done in their A-levels.
Students from Tupton Hall School celebrate their results last year.Students from Tupton Hall School celebrate their results last year.
Students from Tupton Hall School celebrate their results last year.

Derbyshire County Council maintained schools and academies which offer post-16 education last year reported a 99.6% pass rate continuing a long trend of A-level success for the county’s students.

The county is hoping for similar success this year but is also offering advice and support to students who do not get the grades they want when results are published next Thursday (August 18).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services Councillor Jim Coyle said: “Next Thursday is a very important day for thousands of young people in Derbyshire with their results representing two years of hard work.

“There’s often a lot riding on the outcome as their grades will determine what they do next which can naturally be an anxious time, but I would urge students not to worry if things don’t go to plan.

“I want to reassure everyone that no matter what their results may be, help and support is available.”

Students who do not get the grades they hope for should get in touch with their school or college which will be able to help them access support and advice to consider all the alternatives.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Advisers can help students consider their options and decide on the best way forward. That might involve resitting some or all of their exams or taking other qualifications.

If young people have just missed their grades they can try their chosen university or college to see if they can still get in or go through the clearing process to find an alternative place.

Councillor Coyle added: “For some students there will be the fantastic news of having done better than expected but there are also bound to be some who are disappointed that their results are not what they hoped for or needed.

“We would advise students not to panic and jump into anything too quickly. Take the advice and support that’s on offer, do your research and consider your options before acting.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Students with A-levels who are not thinking about higher education can check out the apprenticeship website at www.apprenticeships.org.uk or visit one of the county council’s Derbyshire Skills Festivals – the county’s largest careers events for young people.

This year’s events will be held at:

- Queen’s Park Sports Centre, Boythorpe Road, Chesterfield, S40 2ND on Thursday 15 September between 3.30pm and 8pm.

- The Roundhouse, Derby College, Roundhouse Road, Derby, DE24 8JE on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 September between 3.30pm and 8pm.

Training providers, the Armed Forces and larger employers will be on hand to talk to young people.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They will also be invited to take part in a range of have-a-go activities including forensic science, 3D printing and the use of technology in manufacturing.

There will be sessions for young people with special educational needs and disabilities and NEET’s (young people who are not in education, employment or training) will also be invited.

Meanwhile, Derbyshire County Council has apprenticeships available throughout the year with the latest vacancies available at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/apprenticeships.