THURSDAY, 13 August certainly proved unlucky for many students across the country as there was widespread disappointment from students, their colleges and sixth forms following publications of this year's A-level results.

Students across the UK have been reflecting on their A-level and vocational qualification results and there have been many reports of disappointment following a government decision, implemented only yesterday, to downgrade many teacher-based assessments.

Because exams were cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, many have seen their teacher-predicted grades lowered, leading to disappointment and confusion.

In Thurrock, local further education providers have been upbeat about their results though there has been acknowledgement that many students have not received the grades they expected.

USP campus in Grays, formerly Palmer's College, saw a seven per cent increase in students receiving higher grades in their A-Levels with almost half of students receiving A* to B grades, but the college has already said it plans to appeal against many of the other gradings.

Dan Pearson, Principal and CEO of USP College said: "I'm thrilled for those students who have achieved high grades this year and have achieved what they need for their next steps as hoped. I'm also very proud of the resilience all our students have shown through a challenging few months and how they adapted to and engaged with distance learning.

"We are disappointed that around 45% of our center submitted grades have been downgraded and we intend to launch an appeal on behalf of those students as a college.

"In the meantime I would like to reassure students who are disappointed with their results that there are still plenty of options available. We have a dedicated team on hand to provide information, advice and well-being support, and students can call us on 01206 756 111 if they have any concerns or queries."

Among those happy and relieved to have received the grades they needed at USP was Grays student Joseph Hurr, 18. His results were Maths A*, Further Maths A, Computer Science A, Physics B, EPQ B and Joseph, who previously studied at The Gateway Academy, said: "I am feeling really happy, I achieved what I wanted and I have reached the requirements of my conditional offers for university. I enjoyed the way I was treated at USP, there was a much more mature approach to my studies, a real step up from school and I am much more confident when it comes to working independently now."

After receiving the results he needs, Joseph is looking to go to the University of Bristol to study Aerospace Engineering.

In addition to the rise in numbers of students receiving higher grades, USP College's overall pass rate rose by four per cent, with a large number of courses achieving 100% pass rates including Law, Economics, Art and Design, English Language and Literature, Computer Science and Geography among many others.

One of the borough's other significant providers of further education is the Ortu Sixth Form Centre at Corringham.

Again there is a sense of disappointment in the results for many students and headteacher Ceri Evans, , said: "I am saddened that some of our students' efforts will not be justly rewarded with their results, but the school will be following this up to ensure that Ortu Sixth Form Centre students get the grades they fully deserve. Our intention at the moment is to ensure every student is able to secure their place at university or get the apprenticeship that they initially chose."

Dr Sophina Asong, CEO of Ortu, is keen that all students take their next steps successfully. She said: "This year our students have prevailed under some of the most difficult circumstances ever seen. Throughout their course and continuing into lockdown, they have shown great determination and commitment to their studies."

The centre says that despite the issues, the majority of its students have secured their places at university or apprenticeships.

It has highlighted some notable performances which include:

• Zara Farcy, 18 from Fobbing, studied Psychology and English Literature and will be attending Bristol University in September. She thanks the Ortu 6th Form Centre for giving her so much support during this time.

• Emily Mitchell, 18, from Corringham, will be going on to a higher degree and legal apprenticeship after getting her results in Law, Criminology and Psychology. She praised the Ortu 6th Form for their smaller classes, extra help and one-on-ones with teachers throughout the year.

• Liam Berry, 18 from Stanford-Le-Hope, would advise younger students joining the Ortu 6th Form Centre to work hard, believe in themselves to get to where they want. Liam studied Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry. He plans to go to university and start his own business.

• Maya Price, 18 from Corringham, studied Biology, Psychology and English Literature and plans to go to Loughborough University. She said: "The school has provided me to provide a more personal education for me. Smaller study groups and classes allowed me to get a more thorough understanding and friendly teachers made me never afraid to ask for help."

The deputy leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Shane Hebb, commented on today's results, saying: "ruption to the usual end of year and exam process due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Cllr Shane Hebb, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: "I would like to pass on my many congratulations to our students who, after months of uncertainty, have either received their A-level results this week or are due to receive them by post soon.

"Despite the many disruptions caused by COVID-19 and no final exams taking place in education across the country as we would have expected, our young people have worked incredibly hard and have continued with their studies, striving to achieve their best.

"A number of students may choose to appeal their calculated grades through their school or college, or would like to improve their grades by sitting examinations in the autumn and I wish anyone in this position the best of luck.

"Everyone should be proud of what they have achieved during this challenging academic year and I want to reassure you that there is plenty of support available across the borough to guide you with next steps. I wish all our young people every success in the future."

In addition to the support available from individual schools, young people in the borough aged 16+ can receive free, virtual support in deciding their next steps including education, employment and training, from Thurrock Careers advisors based at Inspire Youth Hub in Grays. For more information visit the council's careers support webpage or call the team on 01375 413 735.

Useful tips and guidance are also available for those thinking about the next steps to take with jobs and careers across the borough via Thurrock Opportunities.