As results season swings into gear in schools across Northern Ireland we celebrate with the successful pupils and try to reassure and console those who have not done as well as they needed to. Apart from the exceptional cases where teachers are shocked by unexpected failures by pupils or surprised by unpredicted excellence, A level and GCSE grades should normally be a validation of the hard work and perseverance of pupils over a number of years. Exam courses are a marathon, not a sprint and like in athletics, the ability to do well depends on an extended period of training, self discipline and the right advice and support.

The last two years have been different of course and the validation