Early indications show Croydon’s A-level students have done well in external assessments announced yesterday (Thursday) as replacements for cancelled summer examinations.
As a result of the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown in March, all GCSE and A-level examinations due to be sat in summer 2020 were cancelled. On Thursday, A-level students received alternative grades based on both their own school’s analysis of past performance and external independent assessments.
With most schools’ results already in for the borough, Croydon schools have achieved a preliminary pass rate of 98.5%, which is above the borough’s 2019 results (95.72%), its 2018 results (96.13%) and anticipated national average of 98.3%.
Croydon schools’ A*-A grades increased by 4% to 23%, while the percentage of A*- B grades also increased in Croydon by 7% to 50%. The overall A*- C rate has increased in Croydon by 9% to 78%.
Any students wanting to appeal their grades have 15 days to do so. For council assistance, contact educationenquiries@croydon.gov.uk with “A-levels – urgent” or similar in the email subject box. This account reaches Shelley Davies, Mike McKeaveney, Denise Bushay, Sarah Bailey and Julie Ralphs.
Two A grades in Computer Science and Maths, and a B in Physics, means that Archbishop Tenison’s C of E student Winston McCarthy will be studying Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at Southampton University from October. The 18-year-old from South Croydon said: “I’m pleasantly surprised – initially I thought the grades would be lower by quite a bit, but it’s better than I thought it would be.”
Archbishop Tenison’s C of E headteacher Richard Parrish said: “We are pleased that for most of them it has worked out well. This is a cohort of students that was looking forward to doing their exams and showing what they can do. We have done our best to make this work for them, and in most cases we are delighted that they are able to progress as hoped.”
At Oasis Academy Shirley, around 90% of their Year 13 students have secured a place at university compared to 92% of a smaller year group last year. University destinations include the academy’s first-ever Cambridge entry, as well as Manchester, Bristol and the London School of Economics.
Ian Walsh, Head of Sixth Form, said: “We’re pleased; it is a decent set of results overall. I was very nervous about this results day for obvious reasons, but it’s been fine – lots of the universities have been flexible like they said they would be.”
Oasis Academy Shirley student Juan Lucena, from East Croydon, got A* grades in Maths and Physics, an A in Further Maths and a B in Chemistry. The 18-year-old will now study aerospace engineering at Bristol University. He said: “I was very nervous and a bit scared, but now it’s fine; I can relax and look forward to Bristol. I’m really excited and want to start studying now!”
“Because of Covid-19 it’s been a difficult and disrupted year for all Croydon pupils – but especially those who were meant to take exams but couldn’t.
“Results day is tough enough for students without the added uncertainty and, in some cases, the disappointment of this year’s grades system that takes their fate out of their hands.
“In spite of this, Croydon pupils can all be proud of their resilience and achievements, and we are incredibly proud of them. Whatever their planned next steps are, their schools and the council are there to help, and that includes supporting students to access the appeals process if they didn’t get the grades they expected. We are also arranging a series of events so students get any extra support they need to work towards their long-term aspirations.”
Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people and learning
The council-run events are open to young people aged 16-18 who either live in the borough or attend a Croydon school. They include a roadshow in North End from 2-5pm on Thursday 20 August. For more information, call 0208 726 7485 or email post16@croydon.gov.uk
