This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
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.
93 per cent achieved national benchmark
Early provisional results indicate that students have been successful with 93 per cent 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 per cent 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 per cent achieved against the same measure. Results also show that 14 per cent of A-level passes on the Island were at A* or A, a drop of four per cent from 2014, compared to 26 per cent nationally.
Pass rate maintained
The overall A-level pass rate has been maintained at 98 per cent (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.
Celebration
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.”
Advice and support
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.
