BACKWELL School has said that students should be "immensely proud" of their GCSE results.

Students are collecting their results today (Thursday, August 24, 2023).

Headteacher, Jon Nunes, said: “Congratulations to all our year 11 students. They are a wonderful group of young people and can be immensely proud of what they have achieved.

"We are thrilled that many of them will be staying at Backwell School for their sixth form studies and we will follow with equal interest the progress of those who have chosen alternative courses or training next year.”

Despite having their education significantly disrupted over several years, this year group were graded ‘normally’ in a return to the pre-pandemic standards of 2019 and before.

North Somerset Times: Students achieved brilliant results.Students achieved brilliant results. (Image: Backwell School)

Exams regulator Ofqual has said a return to pre-pandemic grading means this year’s national GCSE results in England will be lower than last year and similar to levels in 2019 – the year before coronavirus.

It was thought that around 300,000 fewer top GCSE grades could be awarded, which could have an impact on students' next steps.

Speaking before results day, Prof Smithers, director of the Centre for Education and Employment Research at the University of Buckingham, said: “The restoration of the 2019 grade pattern in England will result in another record drop in top GCSE grades as the profligacy of teacher assessment is reversed."

North Somerset Times: They can now breathe a sigh of relief.They can now breathe a sigh of relief. (Image: Backwell School)

Nevertheless, many students will be moving on to study their course of choice. 

This may not necessarily mean A Levels. 

Dan Hutchinson, Vice-President, HR, UK & Ireland, Schneider Electric, shared some words of wisdom on pursuing alternative routes to your desired career. Speaking previously, he said: “GCSE results day is fast approaching, and many will be starting to think about higher education.

"With this, it is time to shine some light on alternative career routes, like apprenticeships, that don’t get as much recognition in schools as the traditional university path. 

“Fostering both technical and interpersonal skills directly in the workforce, these can be invaluable - especially for those most affected by the pandemic's educational disruptions. They are also crucial to shape much needed talent to future-proof the workforce and support the government’s focus on greener jobs. 

"Businesses have a vital role to play in changing perceptions."