Hutton Grammar students are A class act - but little chance of celebrating

Headteacher Mark Bradshaw, said: “I am so proud of our students who have achieved outstanding results and indeed the staff who have supported and nurtured them.”

But, he feels sorry for the teens who can't out and celebrate due to Covid-19 restrictions.

"I remember my A-level results year. We went out celebrating. We were all talking about where we were going to go, where we were going to be.

“I’m not sure there’s going to be much of that this year – or it will certainly be very different if there is,"he said.

The good news doesn’t stop at exam results. Hutton has once again had students accepted at Oxbridge and also many going to a prestigious Russell Group university.

The head said the cancellation of the 2020 examination series was a blow to staff and pupils alike. All were working determinedly for the examinations and they were tantalisingly only a few weeks away from taking place.

Throughout April and May, staff followed Ofqual guidelines to provide estimates that comprehensively reflected each individual pupils’ performance and potential, and , he says, with the publication of results today Hutton C ofE Grammar School, its pupils and its staff have much to celebrate.

Yet the school’s outstanding exam results are just one part of the Hutton experience. Mr Bradshaw continues: "The distinctive Hutton experience is to develop young people who have a thirst for life-long, independent learning and a vital commitment to making a real difference to the world around them. These outstanding results are a significant and important step forward into making that dream a reality for each and every one of our students. I would like, once again, to thank the staff for continually going the extra mile for the students, parents and carers for their continued support and all of our Year 13 students for always giving of their best"

John Hill, director of the Liverpool Road school's Sixth Form added: " We are thrilled for the students going onto the next stage of their lives and wish them every success in the future. Our Year 12 students have also laid excellent foundations for the coming year and I am sure they will continue to push themselves in trying to emulate or surpass those who have just left."

Across the country, many parents and young people will be feeling the same. Covid-19 has denied teenagers their traditional milestones – the last day of school, exams, Year 11 meal, a normal summer holiday, even exam results day.

With pupils awarded results based on predicted attainment, Mr Bradshaw believes it is essential that students contact school in case they do not receive the results which enable them to make their next step. If this happens, teachers will be on hand to provide help with university admissions and advice. “There’s a lot of anxiety around this year because it’s so different,” he . added: "It will be a “weird year” because the standard celebrations and commiserations will not be possible given the continued risk posed by Covid-19."

He added: "The pupils and our fantastic staff have shown such dedication and resolve, staying focused and continuing their teaching and learning, particularly given the circumstances in which we have all found ourselves. In many ways, it has been inspiring."