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Provisional A-Level figures released by the Isle of Wight's five secondary schools today have shown the percentage of students achieving A-Level passes has slightly decreased compared to 2011.
The overall pass rate (A - E grades) has dropped two percentage points to 95.7% compared to 97.7% in 2011. This is below the national average of 97.8%.
Despite the overall drop, Medina College and Carisbrooke College, who have released their A-Level figures collectively, have performed well with 97.8% of students achieving at least one A*-E grade. This is in line with the national average.
Ryde Academy has shown significant improvements in students attaining A-grades, rising from 20% in 2011 to just over 26% which is in line with the national average.
There was also good news with the overall percentage of students achieving one or more A* - A Grades increasing compared to last year, up from 19.1% to 20.9%, bucking the national trend.
Sandown was able to maintain its high passes at A - A* in line with last year at 21%, although overall results at Cowes Enterprise College slipped compared to last year.
Isle of Wight Council deputy director for schools and educational services Janet Newton said "After an improvement in A-Level results last year, it is disappointing that we have seen this marginal decrease in 2012. We should however recognise that some improvements have been made.
"The council works very closely with the secondary providers and we will be supporting the secondary schools over the next year to make sure our results improve."
Dawn Cousins, cabinet member responsible for children’s services and education said “Firstly, I would like to wish all students who got their grades today the best of luck for the future and if they are choosing to go into further education, that they are offered a place in the university of their choice.
"I would also like to particularly congratulate Medina and Carisbrooke’s sixth form at Nodehill, which has performed in line with the national average. Ryde Academy’s improvements in A-grades is also to be welcomed. However, we have seen some underperformance which has contributed to the overall reduction in pass rates, and the local authority will support schools in addressing this over the coming months.
"Our task is to ensure that where there have been improvements, such success is replicated across the Island next year when we will see the first set of A-level results that have been delivered entirely under the two-tier system.
"It is clear that the long-term benefits of moving to a secondary model of education will be fully realised over the coming years once pupils have been in those schools continuously from the age of 11. The local authority will work with the secondary providers to realise this ambition. We are already seen improvements in primary schools with this year’s excellent Key Stage 2 results, which provides an excellent platform for this success following through to the secondary sector.
"I look forward to seeing the secondary providers appear before the Scrutiny Panel this autumn to discuss these results and ascertain what steps they will be taking to secure improvements in the coming years.”
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 – 12:30pm then 1pm – 4pm and Friday 9:30am – 12:30pm then 1pm – 4pm.
A qualified participation adviser will meet with you in a safe and confidential environment and help you to explore the full range of options that are open to you including further and higher education, as well as training and employment opportunities.
If you are not returning to full-time education or training, a dedicated adviser can work with you 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.
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