The St John Rigby College ‘class of 2020’ have experienced an A level results day like no other. SJR students, in common with those from across the nation, discovered their results by checking their emails at 8.00am. This is the first ever time that the College has released results in this way and it is hoped that next year they will be able to return to the personal touch of students being at their College, along with family members, to celebrate their results and speak to staff who have supported them during their time at College.
Headline results from subjects across St John Rigby College have once again demonstrated outcomes of which students can be justifiably proud. The highest available grades have been achieved in 60% of grades awarded, these being A*, A, B or equivalent. The pass rate for Advanced Level courses is once again above 98% and has been so for six consecutive years. These grades certainly give cause for celebration in these difficult times. This year, rather than reflecting their performance in end of course assessments, they reflect the progress that the students made and the grades which they were deemed likely to achieve had they been able to complete their studies.
Principal Peter McGhee said:
“The morning of A level results day feels different this year but it will still be one of celebration for a great many students. Students can be proud of having achieved grades that they needed to move onto their chosen universities or careers. Throughout this crisis we have worked hard to support and care for each and every one of our students. St John Rigby College is more than bricks and mortar, we are a community of staff and students who work together to achieve shared goals. Our students work extremely hard to become the best that they can possibly be and are supported in doing this by staff who remain tireless in their efforts. 2020 has proved to be a challenging year for all of us, both staff and students. Anyone who works in education will tell you that the best days are the ones which you share with students. No matter how good the College results are on paper, today doesn’t quite feel the same because we cannot celebrate together.
“It is also worth remembering that not all students will achieve the grades they hoped for to help them to progress to their chosen destination. This is always the case with examinations and the results allocated this year indicate that it will also be the case in 2020. Over the coming days the college will be open to Y13 students so that they can make appointments to speak to teachers, careers advisors and senior members of staff either virtually or face to face. It is important that students who need our help and support can access it when they need it, irrespective of the ongoing national situation.
“It has been a joy and a privilege to work with these young people and I wish them well in their future careers and the opportunities that they have now created for themselves. Needless to say, we are already planning a reunion party so that when all of this is over we can come together and give these amazing young people the send-off that they so thoroughly deserve.”