MP Sir John Hayes discusses A level results in latest column

Along with countless other local parents and students, Susan and I met the day A level examination results were published with a mixture of nervous anticipation and excitement.

As last week’s events unfolded, it was a delight to discover that so many students - including our son Edward - had done so well.

We can all take proud pleasure in the scale of success here in South Holland and the Deepings.

Spalding High School (recently awarded Secondary School of the Year at this newspaper’s annual Education Awards) achieved a 46% A* - A rate, far higher than the national average.

While the University Academy in Holbeach delivered the most A*s grades there ever.

Meanwhile my son’s school, Spalding Grammar, recorded its best set of results. Such news confirms (again) that our area enjoys exceptional schools.

These accomplishments are, foremost, a credit to individual students.

However, realisation of young people’s potential is made possible by the support of families and the dedicated skill of teachers, for it is they who encouraged, nurtured and, when necessary, cajoled this outstanding cohort of young people.

The turbulent nature of the last few years changed many established norms, not least in education as routine patterns of teaching and learning were upended by the pandemic.

For some time separated from school, teachers, and classmates, our young people have faced unexpected challenges.

Remote learning and predicted grades became the new-normal, as diligent teachers and students did their best to make what was necessary work.

It bodes well for our nation’s future that, despite such trials, so many young people in Lincolnshire and beyond have excelled.

All possible pathways to fulfilment must be open to Britain’s children.

Which is why, I have long argued that, alongside recognising academic accomplishments, celebrating the achievements of all those who choose technical or vocational learning matters just as much. Training beyond the specifically academic is essential, not only in the interests of individuals with practical tastes and talents, but, through the application of their acquired skills, for the good of the country.

The growth in apprenticeships - work I was proud to begin as the responsible Government Minister from 2010 - has begun to erode the prejudice that only academic achievement confers status.

Nevertheless, there is much more to do. In particular, careers education deserves greater emphasis.

The news that many of last week’s graduates will choose to move on to an apprenticeship illustrates the importance of gaining the right advice at the right time on the likely outcomes of different options. Whichever route they take young people deserve a chance to prosper.

Which is why worrying recent data showing that British universities are accepting fewer British students than ever before is such a concern.

International connections are a valuable aspect of scholastic endeavour which help to make our universities amongst the world’s best, but the balance between domestic and international student numbers is tilting away from British school leavers.

One can only conclude that this imbalance comes down to cash.

Overseas students pay £15,000 more a year than domestic applicants and our higher-education sector is driven by its commercial interests. Yet, surely it would be wrong to see potential British doctors, scientists, engineers, writers, and thinkers rejected by a university sector which provides ever more opportunities to students from abroad - notably China!

In congratulating those who did so well last week - and thanking their teachers and families - I wish them well, whatever they do next.