Colleges across Essex decided against publishing A-level results

It is understood a number of schools across the county have come to a decision not to post results due to the nature of how they are being awarded.

Exams were cancelled this year as Covid-19 swept the nation and as such pupils are receiving results based on exam board calculated grades.

Yesterday, it was announced a new 'triple lock' process will give young people added security as they receive their grades this year, the Education Secretary has announced.

Students can accept their calculated grade, appeal to receive a valid mock result, or sit autumn exams.

Read more >>> A Level Results Day 2020 - reaction across north Essex​

The Gazette understands the county's schools made the decision not to publish overall results 'months ago' through the Association of Secondary Heads in Essex.

However some schools in north Essex did publish results and top achievers.

Colchester’s Sixth Form College principal Ian MacNaughton slammed the Government for its “significant inconsistency” on A-level results day.

Mr MacNaughton believes the 'triple lock' system makes a mockery of the results and the students.

“Schools and colleges are disappointed and frustrated about the turbulence and uncertainty that the changes are having on their students and staff,” he said.

“We are also perplexed there is significant inconsistency regarding the award of results in Scotland in comparison to those in England.

“In the context of the dreadful last-minute Government changes, at least students in Scotland now know their results.”

As a result of Downing Street’s results day U-turn, Colchester’s Sixth Form College would not release their students’ grades to the Gazette.

The belief is they are not confirmed, final results.

“The A-level results issued are now only interim results and the final results will not now be made clear until the autumn or even the early winter period,” added Mr MacNaughton.

“It is not fair the students and parents will need to wait weeks and months before final results become available.”

Essex County Council has also confirmed it will not be publishing its usual headline figures of this year's grades.

Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “The past few months have meant an extraordinary period of disruption for A-Level students, never before experienced by a cohort of pupils.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to all those receiving their results during what I know has been an extremely challenging and stressful time.

“I’d also like to pass on my thanks to all our teaching and school colleagues for their ongoing hard work and dedication throughout this period.

“If anyone is disappointed with their grades, there is an appeals process which their school or college will be able to support them with.

“I’d like to wish everyone that collected their results today the very best of luck in the future and hope that they enable individuals to take their chosen next steps.”