Long wait for A-level students finally over
THE anxious wait for thousands of sixth-formers and college students is finally over as they today find out their A-level results.
Youngsters will have woken up to see how they have performed in the wake of major exam reforms, with roughly one in four A-level entries expected to scoop the top grades.
Last year, 26.3pc of A-levels scored an A or A* nationally, with results expected to be similar this year. The overall pass rate for Manchester schools fell slightly in 2017 but the proportion of pupils reaching top grades increased.
Those still looking for a place at university are likely to find a wealth of choice, with hundreds of courses still to be filled at institutions in Greater Manchester alone.
University leaders suggested there could be more people using UCAS clearing this year to apply to university for the first time.
There have been major changes to A-levels in England, with a move away from coursework and modular exams throughout the course.
Another 11 subjects have been reformed this year with the first grades awarded today.
Amanda Brown, deputy general secretary of the National Education Union, criticised the changes, arguing students are unable to fully demonstrate what they can do.
“Changing the assessment of A-levels so they focus on highstakes exams taken at the end of two years of study does not allow students to properly demonstrate their ability and puts them under huge pressure,” she said.
“Coursework and other nonexam assessments are a better way for students to demonstrate their skills and are less of a memory test.”
For those looking for degree places through clearing, there are suggestions they are likely to find it is a buyers’ market.
The Press Association’s survey showed that, as of yesterday, 26,350 undergraduate courses were won the UCAS clearing website for students in England.
To share your story, email education reporter Charlotte Dobson at: charlotte.dobson@reachplc.com. She can also be found on Twitter: @ dobsonMEN.