Students across Reading are collecting their GCSE results this morning (25 August).

This year’s candidates are the first to have sat their GCSE exams since 2019. Students in the previous two years have had their grades assigned by teachers, due to COVID restrictions being in place.

This year’s students will still have suffered disruption to their learning due to the pandemic and this has been reflected in the way papers have been graded.

Some students will also be receiving their vocational and technical qualifications (VTQ) results today.

While most will be pleased with their results, anyone who is disappointed has help at hand. Elevate careers service, run by Brighter Futures for Children, is on standby to offer education, training and employment advice and guidance to young people in Reading.

Brian Grady, Interim Director of Children’s Services and Director of Education at Brighter Futures for Children, said: “Well done to all Reading students collecting their results today. You have really had to focus on your studies and carry on working through the distractions and disruption caused by COVID.

“I hope your resilience has paid off and your results confirm your chosen next stage of education through school, college or apprenticeship.

“For those students who have not received the grades they were hoping for, please be assured that you are not alone and there will be ways of achieving your ambitions. Please do contact our advisors at Elevate careers service to help you plan your next steps.

“Also, thank you to all school staff in Reading who have worked so hard to support their pupils through challenging times.”

Cllr Ruth McEwan, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Education and Public Health, said: “There have been some great results coming out of Reading’s schools today and I would like to congratulate all those pupils who have done so well.

“Any young people who were disappointed with their results should not worry as there is an array of opportunities available to them. I would urge them to take advantage of the expert advice and guidance on offer from our Elevate careers team.

“I would also like to extend my thanks to Reading’s schools for doing so much for our children and young people and their local communities.”

The team at Elevate careers service can be contacted in the following ways:

There is also lots of information and guidance available to parents and students on the Education Hub published by the Department for Education at: https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/.