‘The Gov failed us’. So read a home-made banner held by a student on Monday protesting over A-level grades.

The measures put in place to combat Covid-19 prevented students from sitting public examinations. They’ve not been able to demonstrate their best effort. Instead, teachers made predictions, but 40 per cent of exam results have been reduced. Students felt powerless and at the mercy of an ‘algorithm’.

The strong feelings unleashed on results day were stirred further by a lack of clarity about the appeals process, followed by a decision to revert to school predictions. This has generated more difficulty with university admissions.

Young people, of course, aren’t statistics, they are individuals with hopes and dreams. I know some who have the sort of results they hoped for and are able to move on the next stage. I also know others who were mystified by their initial grades and felt that their dreams have been taken away. None of this feels right.

Jesus consistently reached out to those who felt powerless and who were not treated with justice and respect. So, we need to be particularly concerned for young people at this time. We pray for them, for their families and the teachers who have helped them along the way.

The last five or six months have been particularly difficult for many young people and so we pray especially for those whose mental health is put at greater risk as they receive their exam results. We also pray for those who have the responsibility of oversight of our education system.

Rev Tim Treanor

Team Rector, Wellington Team Churches