Post 16 students studying in the Island’s sixth forms have been successful this year in national A-level examinations and vocational qualifications.
During the 2014/15 academic year, 706 post-16 students have been working towards A-level and equivalent advance level qualifications in the Isle of Wight College, school sixth forms and training providers on the Isle of Wight.
Early provisional results indicate that students have been successful with 93% achieving the national benchmark of two A* to E passes at A-Level, or their vocational equivalent. This is a two percentage point improvement on the 91% result in 2014.
Limited national figures are so far available for 2015 but the Isle of Wight results compare favourably with the national picture in 2014 where 91% achieved against the same measure. Results also show that 14% of A-level passes on the Island were at A* or A, a drop of 4% from 2014, compared to 26% nationally.
The overall A-level pass rate has been maintained at 98% (A* to E), the same as the indicative national pass rate.
The Isle of Wight Council, working in partnership with Hampshire County Council, retains a responsibility for the outcomes achieved by young people to the age of 18 (age 25 for young people with learning disabilities), and supports the Island’s post-16 providers in continuing to offer a wide range of education and training opportunities.
As well as A-level and Vocational Diplomas, students studied for a range of other qualifications including AS level and Foundation Level qualifications.
Councillor Steve Stubbings, Deputy Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said:
“I would like to congratulate all post-16 students on their achievement. These early provisional results suggest that we can celebrate some successes for post-16 on the Island.
“The qualifications achieved today in both academic and vocational subjects will support young people to take the next step in their careers whether that is to progress to university or into employment.
“As we go forward, we need to continue the drive for further improvement, particularly in aiming for the higher grades which are so important for students who wish to access the most competitive universities and career routes.
“This summer’s results are a reflection of the hard work of students and the work of those providing education and training to the post-16 sector. I also wish to acknowledge the support students are given by the teaching and support staff, as well as the students’ parents and carers.”
The Isle of Wight Council’s participation team offers independent and impartial support to all young people during the exam results period. The team can be contacted on (01983) 525927.
A qualified Careers Advisor will help you to explore the full range of options that are open to you including further and higher education, as well as training, apprenticeships and employment opportunities.
The team also operate a ‘drop-in’ in locations across the Island, details of which can be found at www.iwight.com/choices.
Featured photograph: Cowes Enterprise College students Lily Flood, Danielle Hobbs, Aaron Wheeldon, Niall Casson and Alex Hamilton celebrate their results
