A powerful statement from our Apprentice "The governments grading system has left many of us unsupported and vulnerable and without a future...."

In a recent conversation I (Dan Burke, CEO of YHF) had with one of our apprentices I was blown away with how the A-level goverment decision making algorithm has left her feeling abandoned and let down, here is what she had to say

"Many of us feel extremely alone with the government’s confusing and unfair system to give us A Level grades that determine our future. We have had the grades predicted by our schools lowered in order to fit the government’s algorithm which matches this year’s results to the schools’ previous performance. It does not account for students who could have outperformed their set expectations and includes student bias and has left many of us losing our university offers. Many students are now left unsure of how they can continue pursuing their dreams and many of us have been forced into taking clearing courses which they have no interest in. The whole system and handling of our grades has been utterly disorganised and has left us stressed, confused and completely upset. Many of us have had the opportunity to pursue our dreams torn from us and have added to the turbulent and stressful times faced by many teenagers across the country with their biased and unfair grading system. The system has seen a raise in A*/A grades in private school students and has seen children from vulnerable groups do worse, widening the educational gap between them now more than ever. This pandemic hasn’t been easy on any of us, but the governments reluctance to take any big measures that shake up our educational structure in a bid to give us the opportunities to continue our dreams means that we have been left alone and vulnerable and paying the price for the impacts of this pandemic."

"Regardless of my own results, I’m lucky that this year’s results haven’t impacted my university choices as I am entering into university in 2021 however this is not the same for many students who have not had the opportunity such as this apprenticeship for their gap year. In the mean time I am very fortunate to be able to develop new skills that will be extremely useful for my future academic and professional career as part of my apprenticeship with the Young Harrow Foundation".

So from me and our Apprentice, to everyone being forced to take a year out I hope you find jobs or apprenticeship schemes which provide you with support and practical skills until you are able to resume your academic career.