Celebrating the Achievements of Sutton’s Young People

As Chair of the People Committee at Sutton Council, I would like to congratulate all our young people across the borough who have received their A-level, Vocational Training Qualifications (VTQs), and GCSE results over the past week. This is an incredibly important milestone, and I am delighted to share in your pride and success.

Whether you have achieved the results you were hoping for, or if the outcomes were different from what you expected, you should be proud of the hard work and dedication you have shown. This has not been an easy journey. The past few years have brought unique challenges that you have faced with determination and resilience. You have navigated not only demanding academic pressures but also a global pandemic that changed the way you learned and interacted with others. 

To the teachers, school leaders, and support staff, I want to express my gratitude for your ongoing commitment to our young people’s education and wellbeing. You have all played a vital role in guiding students through their studies and helping them achieve their goals.

A special thank you must also go to parents and carers for the support and encouragement  you have given your children throughout this journey. 

However, we understand that not everyone may feel satisfied with their results. For those who feel disappointed or unsure about the future, it is important to know that there are many paths to success, and no single set of results defines your potential. 

The government has lots of information about the next steps and options for young people following their results.

We are also very aware of the impact that academic pressure and exam results can have on mental health. If you are feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed, please reach out for support. Sutton has a range of mental health resources available for young people, including if you are experiencing anxiety over your exam results. Kooth.com has lots of information for young people to help support them. No one should face these challenges alone - help is available, and it’s okay to ask for it.

Congratulations once again to everyone. I wish you all the very best in your next steps, whatever they may be.

Councillor Marian James,
Lead Member for People