COUNCIL leaders have praised the efforts of young people across East Sussex as this year’s A Level and GCSE results are announced.
Students across the county are collecting their results this week after another disrupted year due to the pandemic.
Cllr Bob Standley, lead member for education and inclusion, special educational needs and disability at East Sussex County Council, said: “Our young people have coped admirably with the disruption the pandemic has caused to their studies over the last academic year.
“I would like to offer my congratulations to all of them as well as my thanks to their families and our dedicated school staff for their continued support.
“The hard work and commitment shown by students across East Sussex will provide them with a solid foundation on which to continue their studies and build their future careers. I’d like to wish them the best of luck in the future.”
Advice for parents and young people on the next steps available including further education, work experience and volunteering, traineeships, apprenticeships, T Levels, being your own boss, the new Kickstart programme, and support for young people with additional needs can be found at https://careerseastsussex.co.uk/advice/
In addition, the Youth Employability Service provides one to one support for vulnerable 16 to 18 year olds who may need extra support with the next step in their education, employment or training. Teenage career advice, support and guidance is available at https://www.cxk.org/services/youth-employability-service-yes
Cllr Standley continued: “The past 18 months have posed many challenges to the younger members of our community, particularly when it comes to mental health, and students may find receiving their exam results and taking their next steps more difficult this year.
“Support is available to those who may be struggling and I would encourage people to seek help if they need to.”
Young people, parents and carers can find information on the help available to support their mental health and wellbeing at eastsussex.gov.uk/mentalhealthresources
Following the cancellation of A Level and GCSE exams for the second year running, this summer pupils are being awarded teacher assessed grades (TAGs). In line with government guidance, the council will not be publishing school performance data based on this year’s tests, assessments and exams.