A-levels head for a record year
SOME RECORD-BREAKING SCORES EXPECTED
SCHOOLS and colleges across Derby and Derbyshire are likely to be celebrating some recordbreaking results despite it being the first complete exam cycle for a new generation of tougher A-levels.
This has led to warnings that pass rates in subjects such as maths will be eased to prevent a dramatic fall in results compared to previous years, when maths dipped by up to 20%.
Several Derbyshire schools have reported that they have achieved their best ever A-level results.
With many opening as early as 7am this morning to give out results, students would soon know if they had the grades to go to the university or apprenticeship of their choice.
Some will be looking for UCAS clearing after getting their results – especially if they have not secured a university place. Others may also get better results than expected and trade up to another university through clearing.
School and college staff will be available to give help and advice to those students needing it - whether their results are better or worse than anticipated. Here’s how some schools fared:
ALLESTREE WOODLANDS
Head Alan Brady, who retires at the end of August, said he is “delighted” for his 135 students who have achieved “excellent” results. At total of 11% of grades were either A* or A, 32% were A* to B and there was an overall pass rate of 96%.
Mr Brady said: “We are immensely proud of the achievements of all Year 13 students who took their exams this year. We wish them well as they embark on the next stage of their lives and are so pleased all students have secured places at university, on higher apprenticeships and in jobs with training.
“We have maintained our record of excellent A-level results. I congratulate them all on doing so well, particularly in the light of new, more rigorous and final exam-focused A-level courses. I pay tribute to their hard work and commitment.
“A-level results day is always a highlight of the year as we see students who came to us in Year 7 as little 11-year-olds now leave as confident, successful young adults ready to meet the opportunities and challenges of the modern world.”
CHELLASTON ACADEMY
Head Kevin Gaiderman said that his students had achieved “a really pleasing set of results with some exceptional performances”.
He added: “This cohort has experienced significant challenges during their sixth-form careers, including losing a very close friend during Year 12. All should be commended for their resilience, dedication and hard work.”
Two of the students are going to Oxford to study chemistry and biology, while a number of others are going on to study medicine elsewhere.
Mr Gaiderman said there had been “significant improvement” in art, computing, physics and English literature and language results, “which are all above the expected national average.
The percentage of A* and A grades was 25%, 52% of grades were A* to B, 73% were A* to C and there was an overall pass rate of 94%. There was a rise in the number of students with AAB grades from 9% to 13%.
DERBY HIGH SCHOOL
Head Amy Chapman said she is “delighted” with her school’s “impressive results”. The Littleover school is celebrating an “excellent set of results” with 33% of A-levels being A* to B grades and 38% A* or A.
In addition, almost half of the year group completed an extended project qualification, which universities value highly for the independent skills developed in the process.
Exploring a diverse range of challenging topics, 75% of these students achieved an A* to B grade.
Mrs Chapman said: “The hard work and motivation of our students has ensured that the results are a real credit to them and we wish them every success as they prepare for the next chapter in their lives.
“They reflect just how hard our students and staff have worked to ensure that all have achieved excellent outcomes.” Claire Bellman, head of sixth form, added: “We are a small sixth form so teachers know our students really well, meaning they get the individual support needed to be successful.”
“It is a great finale for a fantastic year group, many of whom joined us in the primary school, showing how continuity in education is so important for successful outcomes.
“I have been thrilled to see how easily students, who joined us in the sixth form from other schools, settled into our supportive community and have made the most of the many opportunities available.”
DERBY GRAMMAR SCHOOL
The Littleover school is reporting a large increase in the number of top A-level grades this year with 31% of grades being A* or A - up from 22% in 2018.
A total of 60% of grades are A* to B and 78% A* to C. In maths and further maths, 44% of grades are A* to A, in physics, chemistry and biology, 49% are A* to B and almost half of all grades in science, technology, engineering and maths subjects are A* to C.
Head Dr Ruth Norris said: “I am extremely proud of the achievements of our pupils. This has been down to their hard work and the outstanding expertise of our teaching staff.
“I am particularly proud of the significant increase in the achievement of the top grades, A* and A. With the world of university admissions becoming increasingly competitive, our pupils are ever better placed to succeed.”
LITTLEOVER COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Littleover is celebrating its best A-level results. Over a third of grades were A* and A and nearly 66% were A* to B, with
Many through sheer hard work, as well as ability, matched or exceeded their targets Head Ash Venkatash
87% of grades being C or above. The average was a B.
Head Ash Venkatesh, who is handing out A-level results to students for the last time as he retires in December, said: “These results are a significant improvement on last year and represent a fantastic achievement for our students.
“More than half the students achieved at least one grade A, with 80% gaining at least one grade B or above. Nearly half achieved three Bs or better and the overall pass rate is 100%.
“Although the number of high grades is very pleasing and enables a large number of students to access the most competitive universities, courses and apprenticeships, it is important to note that there are many who have, through sheer hard work as well as natural ability, matched or exceeded their target grades.”
OCKBROOK SCHOOL
Another year with a 100% pass rate at Ocbrook School.
This has led head teacher Tom Brooksby to remark: “Our 23 year 13 pupils have achieved beyond their predictions and the learning experience at Ockbrook has added significant value.”
A total of 14% of grades were A* and A and 49% were A* to Bs.
ST BENEDICT CATHOLIC ACADEMY
Students were celebrating their A-level results at St Benedicts, with more than 70% of all grades at A* to C and the overall pass rate at 97%.
Head Kevin Gritton said: “Our students worked hard for their grades and we would like to thank our dedicated staff who supported them. Many are now heading off to the next step in their lives and we wish them the best of luck at university, in an apprenticeship or employment.”
Sean McClafferty, chief executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, added: “The trust adds its congratulations all our young people for their achievements and wishes to thank staff, governors, parents and pupils for their hard work and commitment which has helped them get to this point. “We wish them all the very best as they embark on the next stage of their young lives.”
WILSTHORPE SCHOOL
Students at Wilsthorpe in Long Eaton achieved a 99% pass rate, with 82% of students gaining at least one A* to C grades, 18% achieved at least three A* to Bs. The average points score per student was 98.1 and average points per A-level entry was 33.02.