On the 18th and 25th of this month, students across Central Bedfordshire opened their exam results. This year is the first year since 2019 that students have sat exams in the pre-pandemic format and I can only imagine that must have been quite daunting for some. It was great news that the average point score per entry for our A-level students came out as 35.31 or ‘B  grade’ as I know it. A 5.14 points increase from 2019’s (30.17), or ‘C grade’.

Whatever your individual results were, or if you are uncertain about your future plans, Central Bedfordshire Council has plenty of free advice and support regarding what to do next. Our careers portal, Find Your Future is for 14-to-19-year-olds. Also, our Youth Support Service offers support to 16 to 18 years olds, or up to 25-year -olds for those with Education, Health and Care Plans. Simply email: youth.services@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

I mentioned this last time, but Central Bedfordshire Council has over 70 apprentices this year in a diverse range of roles which is another excellent career avenue for all ages to apply for.

I hope that you are enjoying the summer and I’m glad it has not been as hot as it was last month. Unfortunately, we’ve seen an increase in fires because everywhere has been so dry and although we don’t have a hose pipe ban in our area, it is certainly making us all the more conscious about wasting water. Through the heatwave, we created our ‘Cool Places’ – venues across Central Bedfordshire where residents could go to stay cool. This offer was well received along with our work to make sure shelter was provided to those who are homeless. Please be assured that if we have a very hot spell again, then this offer will be made available for all that need it.

As the summer holiday draws to a close, I would just like to wish all students a successful start to the 2022/2023 school year.