Valerie congratulates students on A Level and BTEC results

“I am delighted and send my congratulations to all students in Walsall receiving their A Level and BTEC results. Our Students have worked exceptionally hard in challenging circumstances – they should be very proud of all they have achieved this year and I wish them the very best of luck for the future. Thank you to all the teaching staff and the parents in Walsall South supporting them.

I am concerned that the awarding of grades this summer has exacerbated inequalities in education. The increase in A grades is 50 per cent higher among private schools, while Black students, students on free school meals and in areas of high deprivation are being increasingly out performed by their more advantaged peers.

The Government’s inadequate recovery plan will also see half a million students leave school this summer without any support to recover lost learning or boost their wellbeing. I am calling on the Government to support all students with a Next Step Guarantee, so no young person loses out on future opportunities because of the pandemic.”