Hundreds of thousands of students right across the UK received results today - from Btecs to A levels and SQA qualifications. 

Here is what further education sector leaders had to say: 

David Hughes, Association of Colleges chief executive:   

“I’d like to congratulate all students receiving their A-level and vocational results today. They have worked so hard in a hugely disrupted year and they should be proud of their results. Teachers and colleges have done an amazing job in supporting people to progress onto their next steps. It’s good to see record numbers getting their higher education places at universities and colleges, but we must also celebrate the many students moving onto great apprenticeships, further training and work. Whatever students decide to do after today, I offer my best wishes and good luck. 

Every single result has been earned by the student and is a fair reflection of their performance and abilities. The changes implemented owing to cancelled exams could never have addressed all the shortcomings in the system, but college staff have worked really hard to set and mark assessments and ensure they are consistent and fair. The grade profile is different to previous years, but we would expect that given the different approach to assessments.

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“There remain, though, big inequalities in our education system that need fixing. No one year will eradicate inequalities built into the system and we know the pandemic has impacted more on young people who are already disadvantaged. We will study the equalities impact analysis closely but it’s reassuring that today’s grade distribution suggests that there is no significant worsening of these achievement gaps this year.”

Bill Watkin, chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association:

“Our priority today is to congratulate students on successfully completing their sixth form education in extraordinarily difficult circumstances, and securing such excellent grades. Teachers’ dedication and relentless focus on high standards, and students’ determination and resilience have been the bedrock of this year’s results. Teachers have done all they can to keep students healthy and safe while continuing to deliver a high-quality education; students have worked tirelessly in the face of unprecedented change and challenge.

“Talk of grade inflation is wide of the mark. This years’ results cannot be compared to the pre-Covid era as students have been assessed in a very different way and have had a very different educational experience. Our hope is that the exam system will gradually return to normal from next year, and when it does, the pattern of results will broadly return to 2019 levels”.

Alissa Dhaliwal, head of skills at CBI: 

“Congratulations to those getting their Btec results, the culmination of many years of hard work. Whether they decide to enter employment or pursue further study, the qualifications students have gained will help them on their chosen path. But grades only tell part of the story. Employers value a wide range of characteristics like strong communication and teamwork.

“As school leavers start the next chapter of their lives, firms will provide support through jobs and training. Meanwhile, universities will do whatever they can to help students progressing onto higher education by showing as much flexibility as possible on admissions decisions.

“Young people should be proud of the determination and resilience they have shown over the last two years. These are the exact qualities firms look for when hiring.”

Jo Grady, University and College Union (UCU) general secretary:

“Today’s results are a reflection of hard work and dedication of both students and staff after an incredibly difficult year. 

“Sadly, in spite of these efforts, college employers saw fit to offer staff only a 1 per cent pay rise, which is actually a significant real-terms pay cut. They need to think again and demonstrate they value their workforce otherwise we will see sustained strike action at colleges across England come autumn.  

“University employers also need to put the same faith in staff that this year’s university applicants have and pay them fairly. A below-inflation pay offer cannot be justified with record numbers of students entering higher education this year.” 

Salsabil Elmegri, NUS vice president for further education:

“A massive congratulations to everyone getting their A-level and Btec results today. From a pandemic to the government messing about with exams, you’ve done this in an environment like no other - whether you’re off to uni, to college or on to an apprenticeship, well done!

“We’re so proud of the record numbers of students getting higher grades. It only goes to show that when grades are given based on the assessment of professional educators who know them well, rather than on one or two high-pressure exams, people can achieve their full potential.”

Tom Bewick, chief executive of the Federation of Awarding Bodies:

“On behalf of the federation, I would like to congratulate all learners across the UK who have received their level 2 or level 3 qualification results. I hope you’re proud of your significant achievement and can now take the next step in your journey - whether that’s into further education or the world of work.

“While many learners will use their results to get into university later this year, many others will take a different path. We welcome the recent commitment from Ucas to improve information and their services for those seeking to progress from level 3 study to an apprenticeship instead of a traditional university degree.

“Unlike GCSE and A levels, vocational and technical qualification results are released throughout the year to meet the needs of a broad range of learners and employers. While the spotlight isn’t always on achievement outside of ‘results days’, we must celebrate the accomplishments of every learner who has completed a qualification or apprenticeship this year - overcoming national lockdowns and closures to schools, colleges, training providers and workplaces.

“In addition to the determination shown by learners, the many thousands of educational successes this year were made possible by the hard work and commitment of teachers, tutors, assessors, support staff and colleagues at awarding organisations and EPAOs. Thank you to them all for their expertise and dedication.”

Shona Struthers, chief executive of Colleges Scotland:

“I hope everyone receiving their results today is rightly proud of their qualifications. The past 18 months have been some of the most challenging times any of us can remember, and I offer my congratulations to everyone who has gained a qualification at college or school.

“Thousands of SQA qualifications are gained every year at colleges. College staff worked incredibly hard to support students in 2020-21, in a really difficult year of learning for everyone.

“For people receiving their results today, and who are thinking about their future career options, qualifications are the gateway to taking up a college place. College is a first choice for full-time and part-time students, delivering world-class education and technical skills that get people ready to join the workforce and start their careers. The technical and “hands-on” learning which takes place at college is practical and unique, from laboratories to workshops to salons to kitchens. The skills and experience gained through a college course are what’s needed in the Scottish economy now as it recovers from the impact of the pandemic.

“Because of the first minister’s announcement last week on Scotland moving into ‘Beyond Level 0’ guidance, colleges are offering much more access to campuses, learning and teaching facilities, which is still in line with the guidance we all have to follow. Colleges are safe and student welfare is always at the forefront of everything we do, with advice, careers guidance, mental health and financial support, and holistic help readily available.  We would encourage anyone who hasn’t yet decided their next steps to contact their local college for more information about starting a course in 2021 now that they have their results.” 

Larry Flanagan, EIS general secretary:

“Scotland’s young people have endured a particularly difficult period over the past year, with the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic creating many challenges in all aspects of their lives including their education. The late decision to cancel the exam diet and to move to the Alternative Certification Model (ACM) inevitably created additional pressures on students, but it is clear that Scotland’s young people have performed exceptionally well in the most trying of circumstances and they can be extremely proud of all that they have achieved.”

“The additional pressure and workload created by the late move to adopt the ACM, compounded by a three-month lock-down, placed a particularly heavy burden on teachers and lecturers, and they deserve sincere thanks for their absolute commitment to ensuring that young people could receive the grades that they deserved.”

Iestyn Davies, ColegauCymru chief executive:

“We wholeheartedly congratulate learners, staff and parents in their collective achievements today and wish them every success for the future. Learners remain the priority for FE colleges and advice and guidance services are on hand to assist them to take the next steps.”

“This year’s learners have faced an extremely challenging time and we should celebrate their resilience while making sure they receive the support they need to continue their learning journey or to move into employment.”