Today students in England, Northern Ireland and Wales received AS level, A level and vocational and technical qualification awards, and in Scotland National 4 and 5, Higher and Advanced Highers. GCSE students will receive awards on Thursday 12 August.

Due to cancellation of the traditional exam season in 2021, grades have largely been awarded through the use of evidence gathered by teachers.

Lauren McLeod MRSB, head of education policy, said: “The Royal Society of Biology would like to congratulate students, their teachers and all those who have supported them through another challenging year due to pandemic disruptions.

"We will continue to engage with Ofqual and UK governments on the best ways to support these students as they progress into post-16 qualifications and higher education, and long term plans to support education recovery following the disruptions to education faced by students of all ages.”

For more information on how grades were awarded across the UK nations, please see the following webpages for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.