‘I’ve been a wreck’: students on facing A-level results after Covid disruption

Students expecting their A-level results this week are the first to have sat exams since 2019. Measures were introduced – including advance notice of topics – to mitigate the disruption caused by the pandemic.

Here four students describe facing their first public examinations since primary school, after the cancellation of their GCSEs, and their state of mind in the run-up to results day.

Lucy-Anne Wilkinson, 18, in Cheshire, hoping to study business management at Durham University

“I felt, for all students, A-levels were hugely stressful this year. Firstly, we were deprived of the GCSE exam experience and so managing nerves and stress during the exam season was very hard. I physically couldn’t sleep properly during the exam season and due to exhaustion one of my exam papers went really badly.

“Secondly, we had to learn months’ worth of A-level content online due to the lockdowns and Covid measures, making it even more difficult for dyslexic students like me who need that in-person and interactive learning. Lastly, the actual university offers were much more difficult this year. With limited offers and high grades necessary to get in, it has been very competitive.

“I am very concerned about the results, as that determines my short-term future. If I do not achieve my offer of AAB then there is uncertainty about my future. It would be disappointing to work so hard all year and then be rejected.”

Baye David, 18, in Brighton, hoping to study law at the University of Cambridge

“Exams were as stressful as any exam is but there was definitely this consistent looming dread over everyone as to how the examiners would be marking our papers.

“Many of my friends used exam boards that contained questions on topics they were specifically told not to study. I personally had a question on one of my law exams that asked us to talk about a very niche topic that had never been asked before on a paper, completely throwing many on the course. At times we all felt isolated, even from teachers, as they were unsure how to navigate exams this year and how to guide us.

“I’ve been a wreck leading up to results day, having nightmares and crying. I think it’s very unfair that many students in my year group are going up against students from the previous years, who have deferred, that obtained teacher-assessed grades. My firm choice is a university that is known for being very strict in regards to meeting offer conditions, so my anxiousness has definitely skyrocketed.”

Grace Taylor, 18, in Huddersfield, who has decided against going to university

“My personal experience of the A-level exams this year was a generally positive one. I feel fairly confident that I did OK and I didn’t have any issues with my exams. However, some of my friends had disastrous exams where the papers got leaked or the advanced information was incorrect, and I know this has been really stressful for them in what is already a stressful situation.

“I am concerned for my friends that they won’t get the results they deserve because of events that were out of their control. I only hope that exam boards take these issues into consideration when marking the papers.

“I’m personally not worried about results as I’m not going to university – I just didn’t feel it was the path for me – but I know it’s a very worrying time for those who do want to go due to the lower number of places available this year.”

Katie Taylor, 18, in Rayleigh, Essex, who is doing a degree apprenticeship

“The 2022 exams were strange – the first public examinations I’d done since my ones in year 6. We did have advance information that helped, despite my first PE exam not sticking to this at all.

“Although I have an apprenticeship, I am still anxiously anticipating results day on Thursday as I hope I have done well. Regardless, these grades I will carry with me for life. It is a scary thought. I think I did well; but only time will tell.”