YOUNGSTERS in Witham are celebrating success in their A-Level and BTEC results, despite huge upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Schools have been closed to most students since March due to Covid-19, and on the eve of Thursday's A-level results day, the Government announced it would be adopting what officials have called the ‘triple-lock’ system.

This means students can ultimately choose how to determine their final grades, which this year are based on predictions in lieu of them being able to take actual exams.

Although they can still appeal the decision if unhappy, they can now also pick whichever result is the highest from either estimated grades, previous mocks, or exams which they can take in the autumn.

The pass rate this year, the percentage of A* to E grades, rose in England from 97.5 per cent to 98.2 per cent, but headteachers have raised concerns about the latest set of results.

At Witham Sixth Forms, teachers were tasked with producing Centre Assessed Grades, based on work they had already completed and ability they had proven.

Teachers have spoken of their pride of the work students have done, in very difficult circumstances.

Top Achievers include Sean Smith, which picked up two As and a Distinction, Jack McLaughlin, who picked up two As and a B and Harry Taylor, who received three Distinctions.

Louis Reeve and Abbie Gibbons also received three Distinctions each and Aimee Gannon picked up two Distinctions and a Merit.

Debbie Kershaw, Witham Sixth Forms director, said: “While students have had to learn and adapt in very different circumstances this year, what has been evident throughout their time at sixth form is they have worked extremely hard and deserve the results they have received today.

“Our primary focus now is to ensure all of our students make a smooth transition onto the next stages of their life, whether that be university, apprenticeship or employment.”