A NUMBER of Malvern schools have decided not to release their exam results amid widespread criticism of the government’s “triple-lock” grading system.
Schools including Dyson Perrins, The Chase and Malvern college all decided not to publish their data after a group of Worcestershire headteachers decided not to enforce it.
In a statement, the Worcestershire Association of Secondary Head Teachers, Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire Children’s First said schools in the county were under no obligation to publish results.
The statement said: “Given the government’s announcement about the removal of the publication of school level data this year, and the unique method of arriving at grades for students, Worcestershire County Council supported by Worcestershire Children First have also undertaken not to collect and publish school level data.
READ MORE: Exam results day live-blog
"Worcestershire schools and colleges are therefore not required to collate or publish individual school level data.
“Our thoughts and energies at this time of results publication are with the students receiving their grades. Unfortunately, these young people have been denied the opportunity to prove themselves in the usual way.
"As schools and colleges we regret that we could not complete that journey with them.
"We would like to pay tribute to the hard work of each and every student, prior to the notice that exams were cancelled, and the resilience shown by them in the period of great uncertainty between March and August.”
Hanley Castle High School did publish its results, however. Headteacher Lindsey Cooke said: “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate every Hanley Castle student on their excellent A level results.
READ MORE: Controversial application for Cliffe Arms resubmitted
“As a school we were extremely disappointed to be unable to provide these results to our students in person and recognise and celebrate their achievements in the normal way.
“However, I am speaking on behalf of all members of staff at the school when I say that we are full of pride that our students have accomplished so much in the face of such a prolonged period of unprecedented challenge.
“A large proportion of students achieved outstanding individual results, ensuring that the vast majority secured their places at Cambridge, Russell Group and other top universities.”
Jacob Evans was the stand-out performer with A* grades in mathematics, further mathematics and his extended project, and A grades in chemistry and physics.
READ MORE: Here is why Malvern's Theatre of Small Convenience was lit up in red this week
Jacob will now take up his place at Warwick University to study computer science. Will Gilchrist was delighted with his A* grades in economics, history and his extended project, and an A grade in mathematics and is off to Cambridge.
Daisy Haynes gained A* grades in geography, history and her extended project, as well as an A grade in English literature and will now complete a summer Latin course before taking up her place at Corpus Christi to read Classics.
Euan Lilly is also celebrating an exceptional set of results. He gained an A* in French and two A grades in economics and mathematics.
He is off to Exeter where he will be studying economics.
Mrs Cooke added: “It should be noted that students do not have an automatic right to appeal against the grades awarded by the exam board.
"We are certainly looking to challenge some grades in biology, chemistry, economics, English literature, geography, history, maths, physics and politics, as many of the grades awarded in these subjects are lower than those achieved by students in their March mocks.
READ MORE: Boris Johnson visits new health centre built by Malvern firm Speller Metcalfe
“It is so sad that this wonderful year group of outstanding young people has been denied the opportunity to prove itself in the usual way, and that we were not able to complete the Year 13 journey with them.
"Finally, we would like to remind all of our students that the sixth form team and other staff at Hanley Castle will continue to be available for any student who needs help, support or advice in the coming months.”
Students from Malvern St James school are celebrating their results.
A spokesman said: "We are expecting some upward movement in individual grades, but currently students have achieved 21% of grades at A*, 52% at A*-A, 76% at A*-B and 90% at A*-C.
"We are delighted to announce excellent A Level results for our Class of 2020.
"The majority of girls have got in to their first-choice university and course.
"Our girls holding Oxbridge offers have all gained places, studying English, Engineering and Veterinary Medicine.
"As ever, there is a diverse range of interests, with UCL, Bristol, Exeter and Durham being notably popular this year.
"At UCL, girls will be studying Psychology and Language Sciences, Maths, Statistics, Economics and Archaeology and Anthropology.
"At Bristol, Film and Television, Classics, Computer Science and Law.
"At Exeter, they will read Law, History and Drama and Philosophy and Politics.
"At Durham, Anthropology and Computer Science."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here