This year’s A-level results show that the state sector is getting stronger
SIR – You report (August 25) that independent schools have fared less well in A-level examinations this year, with only 17.7 per cent of pupils achieving the top grade.
I was surprised by the suggestion of the chairman of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) that these schools’ commitment to alternative examinations – namely the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Pre-university (Pre-u) qualification
– is the most probable cause.
The relatively modest movement towards the IB and the Pre-u came about in large part because of some schools’ dissatisfaction with A-levels. The recent changes to A-levels, ending modularity and bringing greater challenges, may not provide a satisfactory response to those favouring the IB, which offers greater breadth and depth – but they may undermine the rationale for the Pre-u.
According to ISC’S most recent data, 2,135 final-year independent school pupils ( just 5.6 per cent of the total) took the IB last year, compared with more than 2,500 state-school entries. Furthermore, although there is a group of schools that enter pupils for the Pre-u, most independent schools are still committed to A-levels only. It is also a mistake to regard the Pre-u as being the preserve of the independent sector: many selective state schools offer this option.
I am more convinced by the reported judgment of Lord Lucas that, with a finite number of top grades, improvements at A-level in the state sector are a more likely cause, rather than any specific characteristics or failings of independent schools.
Dr Christopher Ray Chairman, Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference, 2012-13 Manchester
SIR – At a time when many top private schools are removing themselves from league tables, I wonder how relevant the drop in A-level grades is.
While private schools do celebrate academic achievement, this is alongside many other skills, such as emotional intelligence, resilience and problem-solving. These are hard to measure, but they are arguably as important in life as academic grades.
Alastair Speers Headmaster, Sandroyd School Tollard Royal, Wiltshire
SIR – Sir John Rowling, the chairman of the Partners in Excellence network of schools, recently revealed that the A-level pass rate at one of his member schools fell from 74 per cent to 14 per cent this year. When he asked why, he was told that many pupils had simply stopped attending after receiving unconditional university offers.
Damian Hinds, the Education Secretary, is rightly concerned about the 23-fold increase in unconditional offers over the past five years. Complete abolition of this practice is the right remedy. There is no reason why any pupil should not have a challenging offer to work towards during their final year of school.
Dr John Law London W2