The Sutton Trust comment on Results Day 2021

Today thousands of students received their results after very difficult year.

In response to today’s GCE results, Sir Peter Lampl, founder and chair of the Sutton Trust and chair of the Education Endowment Foundation, said:

“Students getting their exam results today face major challenges and my congratulations to them for overcoming these challenges. I wish them all the best for the future, whether that’s taking up a university place, starting an apprenticeship or going straight into the workforce.

“Since March 2020, our research has consistently shown how much harder state schools – particularly those in less affluent areas – have been hit by the pandemic. The pandemic has compounded existing inequalities and today’s results are a reflection of that. We’re seeing growing gaps between independent and state schools at the top grades.

“This poses an immediate challenge for university admissions. While it’s encouraging to see more students from less affluent areas going to university this year, it’s of real concern that the gap between those from less affluent areas and those from well-off areas has grown. Given that disrupted learning has affected lower income youngsters more, we urge universities to give additional consideration to disadvantaged students.”