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Students 'looking at work' after getting A-Level results

BBC Sofia Raza, Shannon Cairns & Zornitsa Nacheva standing in front of wooden slat panels in a school hall. They are smiling and holding brown paper envelopes which contain their resultsBBC
Students gathered at their schools to open their exam results together

Students across the West say they are heading in different directions after getting their A-Level results on Thursday.

Bill Spanjers, head of sixth form at All Saints Academy in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, says he has noticed "a bit of a shift" in students' plans, with many now pursuing employment instead of further education.

He believes this is due to a reluctance to incur students debt amid the cost of living crisis.

However, other students say they are "following their dreams" after being accepted into university.

Mohamed Farhoud standing in the school hall wearing a grey zip up Nike hoodie and smiling at the camera
Mr Farhoud says he has plans to open up a business one day, but for now, says his dream remains "to go to university, just to go up a step"

All Saints Academy student, Mohamed Farhoud couldn't speak English when he moved to Gloucestershire from Syria in 2017.

He has now been accepted into Gloucestershire University to study international business management.

“It was a very difficult life in Syria, with the war and no education," he said.

"I didn’t know I was going to make it but I did. I’m really proud of myself."

Mr Farhoud said he is "following his dreams" by pursuing further education, but added that he tries not to think too far ahead.

“I leave my future for the future," he said.

"Now, today, here is where I should be living. I don’t overthink it."

Jacob Redwood wearing a grey jumper with his hood up and a beige and blue jacket. He is standing beside a girl wearing a white t-shirt, and they are both holding they A-Level results and looking at each other
Jacob Redwood (R) wants to break into the drag scene in Bristol

Students at St Brendan's Sixth form in Brislington, Bristol, also arrived early this morning to tear open their brown envelopes.

Drama student, Jacob Redwood, said his "stomach was in knots", but is thrilled to learn he secured two As and an A*.

“I’m really happy, and very overwhelmed. The hard work has paid off," he said.

Mr Redwood has plans to take a gap year before making any decisions about university, and wants to stay in Bristol to explore his city more.

"I’m a drag queen as well, so I’m in the creative arts sector," he said.

"Getting performances in Bristol and just meeting people is what I want to do for now."

Deputy headteacher explains how new T-Levels work

Mr Spanjers says this year, he has noticed more students from All Saints Academy heading straight into the world of work.

"We have a really wide curriculum, offering both academic and vocational subjects," he said.

"What that means is we have a big disparity in terms of aspiration as well.

"As the cost of living has risen, more people are a little bit cautious about thinking, do they want to burden themselves with student debt? And so might be looking at other alternatives."

He said while some students are writing personal statements for Oxford and Cambridge, there are others preparing job applications or pursuing degree-level apprenticeships.

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