Essex schools have decided against publishing overall A-level results this year.

Schools across the county have come to a decision not to post results after exams were cancelled as Covid-19 swept the nation.

Instead of examinations, pupils are receiving results based on exam board calculated grades.

The county's head teachers made the decision not to publish overall results before breaking up for the summer following discussions betwen schools and the Association of Secondary Heads in Essex.

Helen Gascoyne, head of Debden Park High School, explained: "The exam boards have applied their own calculations, taking account of performance in previous years, to generate each individual student’s final grades. 

"None of the usual benchmark data or headline figures which lend themselves to comparisons between this year and other years, or between schools, have any validity this year.

"Schools in this area have therefore come to an agreement that it would serve no purpose to release such figures into the public domain."

Adam Thorne, headteacher at Davenant Foundation School Sixth Form in Loughton, said withholding overall results was not a "knee-jerk decision" but reflective of the fact results did not count towards performance tables for schools, colleges or local authorities.

While schools have not been forthcoming with overall results, many have published the results of their top students.

A spokesperson for West Hatch High School in Chigwell said it would not be releasing overall results “as a result of the processes by which students have been awarded grades".

Essex County Council has also confirmed it will not be publishing its usual headline figures of this year's grades.

Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “The past few months have meant an extraordinary period of disruption for A-Level students, never before experienced by a cohort of pupils.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to all those receiving their results during what I know has been an extremely challenging and stressful time.

“I’d also like to pass on my thanks to all our teaching and school colleagues for their ongoing hard work and dedication throughout this period.

“If anyone is disappointed with their grades, there is an appeals process which their school or college will be able to support them with.

“I’d like to wish everyone that collected their results today the very best of luck in the future and hope that they enable individuals to take their chosen next steps.”

Yesterday (August 12), it was announced a new 'triple lock' process will give young people added security as they receive their grades.

Students can accept their calculated grade, appeal to receive a valid mock result, or sit autumn exams.

Epping Forest Guardian:

For more breaking news, local headlines and features, ‘like’ our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter account: @EppingFGuardian

Follow us to keep up-to-date with news in Epping Forest.