RESULTS day across the region will look a little different today as coronavirus restrictions mean the usual crowds of celebrating sixth formers will not be allowed.

With results day taking place today, August 13, colleges and sixth forms in North Wales have put a variety of measures in place to allow pupils to collect their A-level grades safely.

Some pupils will not be able to collect their results in person at all, with some sites across the region coordinating the whole day remotely.

But even those schools where pupils are being allowed to physically pick up their results will have had to adapt to the demands of the coronavirus pandemic – including social distancing measures, one-way systems and students receiving staggered times throughout the day to pick up results.

After this summer’s exams were cancelled, teachers were told to submit the grades they thought each of their students would have received if they had sat the papers based on a formula using mock exam grades, classwork, non-exam assessments and any other relevant evidence.

The predictions were sent to the exam boards alongside a rank order of which students they believed would do best within each grade for each subject.

Exam boards have moderated these school-assessed grades to ensure this year’s results are not significantly higher than previous years and the value of students’ grades are not undermined.

As part of the standardisation process, exam boards have also considered historical performance data to determine the proportion of students who achieved each grade in previous years.

The grades awarded this year will have equal status to grades in previous years and should also be treated the same way as they always have been by universities and employers.

While things are a little different, we aim to give the Class of 2020 the coverage they deserve. If you have a story to share, send it via email to news@bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk or call 01691 655321.