‘Results testament to dedication of students’
TWO years of hard work paid off for thousands of students across Oldham.
Oldham Sixth Form College celebrated an increase in its A-level pass rate with 98 per cent gaining A*-G grades, with 4pc more entries scoring top grades than in 2017.
More than 250 students achieved at least 3 As or equivalent despite tough changes to the A-level curriculum in the past two years.
Jayne Clarke, college principal, said: “This is a fantastic set of results. There has been a greater level of uncertainty about outcomes with linear exams and the new tougher A-level specifications.
“I am very proud of the achievements of our students.
“To have seen improvements in both pass rates and high grades in this context is outstanding and testament to the hard work and dedication of both the students and our staff, who have supported students wonderfully well.
“We wish all our students the very best of luck on the next steps in their futures, whether this be at university, on an apprenticeship or in employment.”
Council chiefs were full of praise for Oldham youngsters, too, but alluded to the impact of changes to A-levels on results across the borough. Coun Paul Jacques, cabinet member for education and culture at Oldham council, said: “First of all we’d like to say congratulations and well done to all our students – hopefully you’ve achieved the grades to get you into higher education or employment. “Today is the culmination of years of hard work by all our students, teachers, parents and staff. “Some of our young people may not have achieved the grades they wanted. “Please don’t worry as the council, colleges and schools, along with our partners, are here to help and give support, so please get in touch if this is the case.
“Changes to a large number of subjects have been underway since September 2015 and all exams are now taken at the end of the course.
“Different subjects are being updated in different years, with the last set of changes being made next year.”
Council chiefs plan to compare local results with regional and national data to review the full impact of the A-level changes.
“We will be looking at our results closely and comparing these with the regional and national picture before making any assumptions about what the data is actually telling us,” added Coun Jacques.
This is a fantastic set of results. I am very proud of the achievements of our students Jayne Clarke, college principal