Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said:

"Today we join families and schools across the country in congratulating young people for their success, as they receive their A-level results. In amongst all the argument over the way in which grades were determined this year, let’s not lose sight of the fact that these awards are the culmination of hard work, determination and success of young people through 14 years in education.

"The awarding process this year was not a perfect solution, but with flexibility and pragmatism from employers and universities, and commitment from awarding bodies to put grading mistakes right quickly, students can move forward with confidence, knowing that their hard work will be valued in the same way as in previous and future years.

"If a student’s results make a material difference to their next steps, their school or college will support them, as they do every year, advising them on what decisions to take and helping them to progress. Schools and colleges must utilise the appeal routes where they believe they apply; this, along with the autumn exam series, is the key process in place to redress any disadvantage the statistical model has caused.

"NAHT is particularly concerned about the results which have been lowered by two grades or more. Schools used a wide range of evidence to submit grades for their students and we would question how a change this significant could be fair to those students. It is vital that these students get the results that they deserve and not the results which fit a school or college’s past performance profile."

Press and Media contacts:

Steven George
NAHT Head of Press and Media
01444 472886
07970 907730

Rose Tremlett 
Senior Press Officer 
07545 354363

Email : press.office@naht.org.uk