This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
During the 2013/14 academic year, 715 post 16 students have been working towards A-level and equivalent advance level qualifications in the college, school sixth forms and training providers on the Isle of Wight.
Early provisional results provided by schools and colleges indicate that students have been very successful with 98 per cent achieving the target of two A* to E passes at A-Level, or their vocational equivalent, a seven percentage point improvement on the 91 per cent result in 2013.
Limited national figures are only available so far for 2014 but the Isle of Wight results compare favourably with the national picture compared to 2013 where 92 per cent achieved against the same measure. Results also show that 17 per cent of A-level passes on the Island were at A* or A, an improvement of one percentage point from 2013. The overall A-level pass rate has been maintained at 97 per cent (A*-E). This compares to a national pass rate of 98%, a decline of one percentage point from last year.
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 Richard Priest, Isle of Wight Council Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:
“I would like to congratulate all post-16 students on their achievement. These early provisional results suggest that we can celebrate a good year for post-16 outcomes on the Island.
“The qualifications achieved today in both academic and vocational subjects will support more young people to take the next step in their careers whether that is to progress to university or into employment, including the increasing number of apprenticeships available on the Island that are so valued by employers.
“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 found at 29 High Street, Newport, P030 1SS and can be contacted on (01983) 525927.
The team operate a ‘drop-in’ service where no appointment is necessary. The opening times are Monday to Thursday 9:30am to 12:30pm then 1pm to 4pm and Friday 9:30am to 12:30pm then 1pm to 4pm.
A qualified participation advisor will meet with students in a safe and confidential environment and help them to explore the full range of options that are open including further and higher education, as well as training and employment opportunities.
If students are not returning to full-time education or training, a dedicated adviser can work with them and can then be contacted directly either by phone, email or by visiting the centre. The service can also make referrals to a wide range of training providers, employers and other agencies.
Image: Comedy Nose under CC BY 2.0
