Good evening

For as long as most of us can remember exam results have polarised the country, with some saying tests are getting easier and others that improvement in teaching has led to better outcomes.

The pandemic has meant that the process by which 16 and 18-year-olds receive their results has changed with teacher assessments being used instead of exams. That was the sensible thing to do in a time of crisis and it is not surprising that results are the best ever.

Every teacher knows their students are capable of good results. Sadly, some are unable to achieve that under exam conditions and that is why there are disappointments on results day.

Our schools have never before been the political football they are now, with the Left claiming the divide between private and state schools is down to resources and the Right saying state schools are being held back by unions.

In the middle of this are the students who have had to endure a pandemic as well as the pressure of getting the grades they need.

It is time to give them a break, just say well done to them all and let them get on with their future free from political rows.

Until next time, take care,

Gillian

Drop me a line at gillian.parkinson@jpimedia.co.uk with your views and please subscribe to support sustainable local journalism in your community. Click here to view our offers.

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