Burnley MP Antony Higginbotham column: Exam results give us a great amount to celebrate

This year it is unlike any other year, with results not based on the normal exams, but based on a calculation.

Cancelling exams was a really tough decision to make, and in the circumstances I think it was the right decision. But we must ensure that young people don’t miss out on opportunities as a result.

We saw a few weeks ago how disruptive that was for Scottish students with many getting grades they didn’t expect and the attainment gap widening.

I’ve been in close contact with the Department for Education this week to make sure the same problems don’t occur here too.

Recognising the unique situation, this year results will be based on an assessment provided by teachers of what they would expect a student to achieve.

This is then balanced by a model created by the independent exams regulator to remove any bias and allow for a final grade to be calculated.

To avoid any issues though, a clear appeals process has been created, giving students and parents a route to use if they disagree with the grading. Importantly, this will allow students to sit an exam if they decide that’s the best route for them.

And locally we have a great amount to celebrate, with our results being amongst the best we’ve ever seen. When I joined students at Burnley College on Thursday morning I saw the apprehension get taken over with excitement, as plans to go to university or enter the world of work got a step closer. It was brilliant to see so many A’s and A*s.

I’ve also been able to spend some time talking to the college about its plans too. It is one of the big centre pieces of our borough, with its sixth form ranked number one in the country for achievement. It contains a world class Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, and with student numbers growing rapidly it has ambitious plans for the future too.

I’m excited to be working with them on making those plans a reality; giving young people from across our borough and beyond access to world-class educational facilities and teachers.

A big part of my job is also encouraging local companies to take on apprentices, developing the skills and talents that we need and ensuring that young people don’t lose out as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. But it isn’t enough to talk about taking on apprentices, I firmly believe I should set an example.

That’s why I have decided to hire an apprentice in my team, working with me to support people across Burnley and Padiham.

I’ll be working with Burnley College to recruit that person, offering a unique opportunity to get involved in the broad range of issues and challenges that I do. And, importantly, learning at our world-class college at the same time.

If you know someone who might be interested in this please do let them know about it and encourage them to get in touch with me.

In the meantime, I want to say a huge congratulations to all those who now have their A-Level results and good luck to those about to get their GCSEs.