A-level results in Southwark have improved across the board.  

Grades rose by between 0.9 per cent and 4.7 per cent, with the biggest improvement in the ranges A* to B and A* to C – these two bands were two and 1.8 per cent better than the national figure respectively.

The percentage of students who got a A* or A grade rose by more than two per cent to 27.5 per cent – 55.8 per cent received between an A* and B grade, up from 51.1 per cent last year.  

81.4 per cent got between an A* and B grade compared to 77.1 per cent last year. 

Councillor Jasmine Ali, cabinet member for children, schools and adult care, said the past months “have been extraordinarily challenging for everyone”.

“But lockdown and the closure of schools has been especially tough on students, teachers and parents.  

“Uncertainty around national arrangements has only made it more stressful for our young people, yet Southwark’s A-Level and BTec students have been incredibly resilient.  

“They have continued to work hard, stayed committed and produced their best throughout this period.  

“I wish to commend all concerned for ensuring that students in Southwark’s schools receive the support and guidance they need during this difficult time.  

“We will continue to do all we can to support students from all backgrounds to get the best start in life: in education, training or employment opportunities,” she said. 

This data is provisional and subject to revision, particularly as this year’s results have been mired in controversy with 40 per cent of pupils’ results downgraded from their teachers’ predictions.  

The algorithm used also took into account the historical performance of the school, leading to some students in underperforming schools having their grades slashed.  

The Government announced that the appeal process will be free but some universities, such as Cambridge and Oxford, said they cannot guarantee places for students who did not receive the necessary grades the first time around.