Support for students across Cornwall as they get their A-Level results
A record number of students across Cornwall and the south west have grabbed the top grades
Students across Cornwall collecting their A-Level or GCSE results this week are being reminded that there is support available.
Official figures show A-level students across Cornwall and the south west have got more A and A* results than ever before.
Figures show almost 45% grabbed the top grades this year.
They are based on teacher assessments after the pandemic meant exams were cancelled for another year.
A record number of pupils have also got into their first choice university.
But whatever your reaction to your grades, you might be feeling a bit confused about which steps to take next.
Cornwall Council has a range of support and advice for students collecting their results; from a career page packed with useful contact information and advice on making the transition between school and college or beyond.
Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Cornwall Council, Barbara Ellenbroek, said: “Congratulations to all those collecting their results this week. It has been another year of ups and downs because of COVID and I hope the hard work has paid off and you have achieved the results you wanted.
“And as well as students, I’d like to give praise to teachers, staff, Governors, parents and carers for their role in helping young people fulfil their potential.”
Head of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Careers Hub, Carrie Childs, said: “Collecting results can be an emotional time for teenagers and their families alike, however, young people now have access to more pathways than ever before.
“While young people now continue in learning or training until they are 18, this does not mean they need necessarily to stay on in a classroom. Many will choose to remain in full time education, such as a school sixth form or FE College, however they can also opt for work based learning such as an apprenticeship or take part in part time education or training if they are employed, self-employed or volunteering for 20 hours or more per week.
“For anyone who is unsure what to do next, check out our website or they can contact the National Careers Service which offers free and impartial advice and access to a range of online tools, including skills tests, course search, job search advice and personalised help from careers advisers.”
Where to get help
The National Careers Service can be contacted in confidence by telephone on a dedicated careers helpline 0800 100 900, via web chat and email by searching online for the National Careers Service.
If young people have concerns about making those next steps, the Transition Mission pages of the Start Now website are packed with lots of useful information and there is a free guide for young people to download, to help them navigate the first weeks in their new school.
The Transition Mission booklet has been created thanks to working with young people. Barbara concluded: “We want to reassure young people across Cornwall and their families, who may be feeling anxious; they are not alone. Our teams have lots of resources, schools are prepared and also understand the anxieties, most importantly you won’t be the only person feeling like this and we would ask you to reach out for support.”
More information for children can be found at www.startnowcornwall.org.uk/back-to-school/transition-mission/