A student from Shropshire has opened about how the disruption caused by coronavirus has affected her mental health.
Thousands of young people across the county have had their final year’s in school or college brought to a premature end by the Covid-19 pandemic.
With end-of-year exams cancelled, the Department for Education has said pupils in England will instead be awarded grades based on teacher assessments.
The days leading up to results day can be a stressful time for students, and the uncertainty caused by the pandemic has added to the anxiety felt by young people like Ellen Parsons.
Ellen, 18, is a sixth-form student at Haberdashers’ Adams’ Grammar School.
“Lockdown has had a huge impact on my mental health,” Ellen said.
“Not being able to sit my A-level exams felt as if two years of hard work now count for nothing.
“As well as the academic side, I have also missed my friends and the opportunity to experience things like our end-of-year prom.
“I am worried about my future because the grades I will be awarded might not be a true reflection of what I could have achieved in my exams. This does lead me to question my future employment and whether I will get the same opportunities as someone who achieved their grades in previous years.”
Despite the challenges she has faced in recent months, Ellen was full of praise for the support she has received from her teachers.
She added: “My sixth form has provided support to all students and all the staff are here for us. Teachers have also provided us with information about apprenticeships and employment opportunities which have been helpful. “
To help students, Shropshire Council have set up two virtual drop-in sessions where young people can discuss their concerns about the future. The sessions will take place via Zoom and have been organised by Shropshire Council in association with Shropshire Mind, BEAM, Shropshire Public Health Nurses and the Midlands NHS Partnership Foundation Trust
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