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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
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| A-level results day 2015: news, analysis and reaction – as it happened | A-level results day 2015: news, analysis and reaction – as it happened |
| (6 days later) | |
| 3.45pm BST | 3.45pm BST |
| 15:45 | 15:45 |
| Wrapping up A-level results day | Wrapping up A-level results day |
| With college leaves across the UK getting ready to party late into the night, it’s time for me to sign off this live blog. Here are some of the key points of today. | With college leaves across the UK getting ready to party late into the night, it’s time for me to sign off this live blog. Here are some of the key points of today. |
| And to all those celebrating tonight: have fun! | And to all those celebrating tonight: have fun! |
| 3.44pm BST | 3.44pm BST |
| 15:44 | 15:44 |
| A final contribution from GuardianWitness. Congratulations to all the students that passed at Leyton sixth form college! And to those who didn’t, you can always re-sit - it happens to the best of us... | A final contribution from GuardianWitness. Congratulations to all the students that passed at Leyton sixth form college! And to those who didn’t, you can always re-sit - it happens to the best of us... |
| Leyton Sixth Form College celebrates record 99.7% A Level Pass Rate | Leyton Sixth Form College celebrates record 99.7% A Level Pass Rate |
| The results day mood at Leyton Sixth Form College was buoyant with staff and students celebrating a record 99.7 per cent A level pass rate. Of a massive 1257 subject entries, 1253 produced successful outcomes. As a delighted Principal, Kevin Watson, pointed out, “Given the huge numbers involved these results represent success on a grand scale and take still further the advances of previous years.” | The results day mood at Leyton Sixth Form College was buoyant with staff and students celebrating a record 99.7 per cent A level pass rate. Of a massive 1257 subject entries, 1253 produced successful outcomes. As a delighted Principal, Kevin Watson, pointed out, “Given the huge numbers involved these results represent success on a grand scale and take still further the advances of previous years.” |
| Sent via Guardian Witness | Sent via Guardian Witness |
| By ID8802099 | By ID8802099 |
| 13 August 2015, 15:21 | 13 August 2015, 15:21 |
| 3.42pm BST | 3.42pm BST |
| 15:42 | 15:42 |
| Students at Southfields Academy, London, find out whether they have achieved the grades they need to go to the university of their choice on Thursday morning. | Students at Southfields Academy, London, find out whether they have achieved the grades they need to go to the university of their choice on Thursday morning. |
| 3.30pm BST | 3.30pm BST |
| 15:30 | 15:30 |
| The Institute of Engineering is warning that today’s results have revealed a low proportion of students studying physics, which it calls “a crucial gateway engineering subject”. | The Institute of Engineering is warning that today’s results have revealed a low proportion of students studying physics, which it calls “a crucial gateway engineering subject”. |
| Figures released today by the Joint Council for Qualifications show no increase in entries to physics, design and technology and ICT A-levels. The figures also show a decline in performance in some science A-levels, including physics, which is down 0.1 percentage points. Paul Davies, IET Head of Policy, said: | Figures released today by the Joint Council for Qualifications show no increase in entries to physics, design and technology and ICT A-levels. The figures also show a decline in performance in some science A-levels, including physics, which is down 0.1 percentage points. Paul Davies, IET Head of Policy, said: |
| This year’s results show no increases in students studying the crucial engineering gateway subjects of Physics, Design & Technology and ICT. If we don’t reverse this trend thousands of young people are effectively closing the door on an exciting, creative career as engineers. | This year’s results show no increases in students studying the crucial engineering gateway subjects of Physics, Design & Technology and ICT. If we don’t reverse this trend thousands of young people are effectively closing the door on an exciting, creative career as engineers. |
| There continues to be huge demand for engineers so it is important that young people continue their studies into higher education. The country needs more people studying science and engineering subjects at university taking up apprenticeships. | There continues to be huge demand for engineers so it is important that young people continue their studies into higher education. The country needs more people studying science and engineering subjects at university taking up apprenticeships. |
| We are at risk of stifling economic growth if we do not encourage more students to study STEM subjects which are crucial to ensuring a healthy and balanced economy. | We are at risk of stifling economic growth if we do not encourage more students to study STEM subjects which are crucial to ensuring a healthy and balanced economy. |
| 3.23pm BST | 3.23pm BST |
| 15:23 | 15:23 |
| Sir Winston Churchill’s great-granddaughter Isabella Soames is celebrating three A* grades in her A-levels. | Sir Winston Churchill’s great-granddaughter Isabella Soames is celebrating three A* grades in her A-levels. |
| The 18-year-old deputy-head girl at independent Brighton College will now study History at Oxford University’s Keble College after top grades in Latin, English and History. | The 18-year-old deputy-head girl at independent Brighton College will now study History at Oxford University’s Keble College after top grades in Latin, English and History. |
| Headmaster Richard Cairns said: “She feels inspired by her teachers like so many of our pupils. She has a particular love of history and a great warmth towards her history teachers who she credits with a lot of her success.” | Headmaster Richard Cairns said: “She feels inspired by her teachers like so many of our pupils. She has a particular love of history and a great warmth towards her history teachers who she credits with a lot of her success.” |
| Soames is the daughter of Nicholas Soames, the Conservative MP for Mid Sussex and grandson of the wartime prime minister. | Soames is the daughter of Nicholas Soames, the Conservative MP for Mid Sussex and grandson of the wartime prime minister. |
| Brighton College achieved the best A-level results ever achieved by a co-educational school in England. | Brighton College achieved the best A-level results ever achieved by a co-educational school in England. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.24pm BST | at 3.24pm BST |
| 3.16pm BST | 3.16pm BST |
| 15:16 | 15:16 |
| Although most of Britain’s college-leavers are probably off getting drunk or at least preparing for a night of partying right now, Schools Minister Nick Gibb has published an audio message congratulating them. He also took a minute to hail the government’s attempt to refocus education on “core academic subjects”: | Although most of Britain’s college-leavers are probably off getting drunk or at least preparing for a night of partying right now, Schools Minister Nick Gibb has published an audio message congratulating them. He also took a minute to hail the government’s attempt to refocus education on “core academic subjects”: |
| What we have seen today is a significant increase in the numbers being entered for those core academic subjects - maths, English, science, modern languages. Those are the subjects that the top universities say give students the greatest opportunities, the greatest choice of degree course and therefore the best chance of securing a university place. | What we have seen today is a significant increase in the numbers being entered for those core academic subjects - maths, English, science, modern languages. Those are the subjects that the top universities say give students the greatest opportunities, the greatest choice of degree course and therefore the best chance of securing a university place. |
| 3.08pm BST | 3.08pm BST |
| 15:08 | 15:08 |
| Results day at Abbeywood Community School, Bristol | Results day at Abbeywood Community School, Bristol |
| Aisha Gani | Aisha Gani |
| Freya, 18, tears open the crisp white envelope in her hands, writes Aisha Gani. She pauses. Then beams as she realises she has got the grades from her local Bristol sixth form to study English literature at Cardiff university. | Freya, 18, tears open the crisp white envelope in her hands, writes Aisha Gani. She pauses. Then beams as she realises she has got the grades from her local Bristol sixth form to study English literature at Cardiff university. |
| Like many other teenagers around the country, the 42 A-level students at Abbeywood Community School in Bristol, Gloucestershire, have been waiting anxiously over the summer to learn their grades after two years of intense studying. | Like many other teenagers around the country, the 42 A-level students at Abbeywood Community School in Bristol, Gloucestershire, have been waiting anxiously over the summer to learn their grades after two years of intense studying. |
| “I did really well,” said Freya, “I did better than I expected. I got ABB in geography, biology and English.” | “I did really well,” said Freya, “I did better than I expected. I got ABB in geography, biology and English.” |
| In a small huddle of friends, Emily Morris, the outgoing headgirl of the school, scanned the slips of paper with her grades printed on. “I got straight Cs,” she said. “I knew I had got into university last night, but just found out my results.” | In a small huddle of friends, Emily Morris, the outgoing headgirl of the school, scanned the slips of paper with her grades printed on. “I got straight Cs,” she said. “I knew I had got into university last night, but just found out my results.” |
| Morris will be going to Portsmouth to study human geography. “I’m looking forward to leaving home and starting something new. But it’s weird, it doesn’t feel like I’ve left school yet”, she said. | Morris will be going to Portsmouth to study human geography. “I’m looking forward to leaving home and starting something new. But it’s weird, it doesn’t feel like I’ve left school yet”, she said. |
| Ethan Dyke, 18, said he was very pleased and looking forward to “moving onto the next chapter” and is going on to study physical and sports education at nearby Hartpury College. | Ethan Dyke, 18, said he was very pleased and looking forward to “moving onto the next chapter” and is going on to study physical and sports education at nearby Hartpury College. |
| George Stephens, 18, got a distinction in business and is already working in retail but is now looking forward to getting an apprenticeship. “When I got the envelope in my hand I just wanted to get it open. I can relax now,” he said. | George Stephens, 18, got a distinction in business and is already working in retail but is now looking forward to getting an apprenticeship. “When I got the envelope in my hand I just wanted to get it open. I can relax now,” he said. |
| 2.55pm BST | 2.55pm BST |
| 14:55 | 14:55 |
| After the heartwarming tales of students moving on to new stages of their lives, here’s one that might leave a bitter taste in the mouth. | After the heartwarming tales of students moving on to new stages of their lives, here’s one that might leave a bitter taste in the mouth. |
| A student celebrating 4A*s at A Level faces not being able to take up his offer to study chemical engineering at Imperial College, after disputes over his immigration status. | A student celebrating 4A*s at A Level faces not being able to take up his offer to study chemical engineering at Imperial College, after disputes over his immigration status. |
| Hassan Al-Sherbaz, 18, was refused student finance even though the Iraqi-born has lived in Milton Keynes for 9 years with definite leave to remain. “I have to wait 2 years until my Visa is considered acceptable so that I can have the Home fee Status,” he said. | Hassan Al-Sherbaz, 18, was refused student finance even though the Iraqi-born has lived in Milton Keynes for 9 years with definite leave to remain. “I have to wait 2 years until my Visa is considered acceptable so that I can have the Home fee Status,” he said. |
| Despite knowing at the start of year he would not get funding he is happy to get his results: “ I was very motivated to prove myself that I can get through this and show that I can achieve my results with all the unique challenges that I faced which thankfully lead to a successful outcome.” | Despite knowing at the start of year he would not get funding he is happy to get his results: “ I was very motivated to prove myself that I can get through this and show that I can achieve my results with all the unique challenges that I faced which thankfully lead to a successful outcome.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 2.56pm BST | at 2.56pm BST |
| 2.47pm BST | 2.47pm BST |
| 14:47 | 14:47 |
| Of course, even if you do get the grades you’re looking for, university is not for everyone. Apprenticeships offer an alternative route into work and are increasingly attracting strong candidates. Here are two: | Of course, even if you do get the grades you’re looking for, university is not for everyone. Apprenticeships offer an alternative route into work and are increasingly attracting strong candidates. Here are two: |
| Emma Gray, 22, is a higher apprentice in the Mayor of London’s environment team. She left school with three great A-Levels in Politics, Philosophy and Art, all at B grade. Emma decided against going to university, and after a stint of part-time work in a pub and working with a solicitor, decided that an apprenticeship was for her. She says: | Emma Gray, 22, is a higher apprentice in the Mayor of London’s environment team. She left school with three great A-Levels in Politics, Philosophy and Art, all at B grade. Emma decided against going to university, and after a stint of part-time work in a pub and working with a solicitor, decided that an apprenticeship was for her. She says: |
| At school, it was expected that everyone went to university and there was no guidance on other options. I was interested in politics and luckily saw Boris Johnson calling for apprentices on his Twitter feed, so I applied to the City Hall scheme. I thought it looked great and it sounded like my dream job. | At school, it was expected that everyone went to university and there was no guidance on other options. I was interested in politics and luckily saw Boris Johnson calling for apprentices on his Twitter feed, so I applied to the City Hall scheme. I thought it looked great and it sounded like my dream job. |
| I wanted to gain some practical life experience and earn money, so an apprenticeship was perfect for me. Since I’ve been at City Hall I’ve met and worked with MPs and ambassadors, which has been great for improving my people skills and a fantastic experience. | I wanted to gain some practical life experience and earn money, so an apprenticeship was perfect for me. Since I’ve been at City Hall I’ve met and worked with MPs and ambassadors, which has been great for improving my people skills and a fantastic experience. |
| Chloe Jervis, aged 21, joined Frank PR as an apprentice in September 2012 and is now the youngest Senior Account Executive at the firm. She left school with three A-grade and one B-grade A-Levels. She said: | Chloe Jervis, aged 21, joined Frank PR as an apprentice in September 2012 and is now the youngest Senior Account Executive at the firm. She left school with three A-grade and one B-grade A-Levels. She said: |
| In August 2012, I finished Sixth Form with a strong set of A-Level results and a place at The University of Sheffield – but I knew that I didn’t want to pay £9,000 a year for a degree I wasn’t sure I wanted to do. | In August 2012, I finished Sixth Form with a strong set of A-Level results and a place at The University of Sheffield – but I knew that I didn’t want to pay £9,000 a year for a degree I wasn’t sure I wanted to do. |
| Instead of taking the place, I decided to pursue an apprenticeship and looked for PR opportunities online after my mum said I’d be good at it. Turns out she was right; PR seems to come naturally to me. I’m now nearly three years in, working on award winning campaigns at an award winning agency and even heading to Rio soon after winning 2014’s employee of the year. | Instead of taking the place, I decided to pursue an apprenticeship and looked for PR opportunities online after my mum said I’d be good at it. Turns out she was right; PR seems to come naturally to me. I’m now nearly three years in, working on award winning campaigns at an award winning agency and even heading to Rio soon after winning 2014’s employee of the year. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 2.58pm BST | at 2.58pm BST |
| 2.36pm BST | 2.36pm BST |
| 14:36 | 14:36 |
| And here are some more A-level results contributions from GuardianWitness. Thank you to everyone who’s shared your thoughts, feelings and pictures with us so far! | And here are some more A-level results contributions from GuardianWitness. Thank you to everyone who’s shared your thoughts, feelings and pictures with us so far! |
| Alfie Denness from Hastings celebrates getting a place at Cambridge | Alfie Denness from Hastings celebrates getting a place at Cambridge |
| Alfie Denness who is a student at Ark Sixth Form East Sussex got Alfie Denness got three A*s in Geography, English Literature and Sociology and an A in History and is off to study history at Cambridge University. | Alfie Denness who is a student at Ark Sixth Form East Sussex got Alfie Denness got three A*s in Geography, English Literature and Sociology and an A in History and is off to study history at Cambridge University. |
| Alfie said: “It was a relief because it was quite stressful. I knew that I would get some of the grades, but some of the subjects could be subjectively marked, so I was a bit nervous that I had let myself down on at least one of them on the day. My Mum said she was very proud because of all the work that I put in and she thought I deserved it. All the teachers I had were really good, I couldn’t have done it without them.” | Alfie said: “It was a relief because it was quite stressful. I knew that I would get some of the grades, but some of the subjects could be subjectively marked, so I was a bit nervous that I had let myself down on at least one of them on the day. My Mum said she was very proud because of all the work that I put in and she thought I deserved it. All the teachers I had were really good, I couldn’t have done it without them.” |
| Sent via Guardian Witness | Sent via Guardian Witness |
| By ARKSchools | By ARKSchools |
| 13 August 2015, 13:16 | 13 August 2015, 13:16 |
| City of London Academy Islington pupils score big in the sciences | City of London Academy Islington pupils score big in the sciences |
| Charles Anuyagu (18) and Shakiru Adefuwa (18) from City of London Academy Islington achieved great results in the sciences. Charles secured ‘A’ in Maths ‘B’ in Chemistry and ‘B’ in Physics. He will study mechanical engineering at University of Surrey in Guildford. He said, “I’m really happy with my A in maths. When I graduate I would love to design F1 racing cars at McLaren.” Shakiru Adefuwa is off to Reading University to study chemistry, after achieving ‘B’ in chemistry, ‘C’ in Biology and a ‘D’ in Physics. | Charles Anuyagu (18) and Shakiru Adefuwa (18) from City of London Academy Islington achieved great results in the sciences. Charles secured ‘A’ in Maths ‘B’ in Chemistry and ‘B’ in Physics. He will study mechanical engineering at University of Surrey in Guildford. He said, “I’m really happy with my A in maths. When I graduate I would love to design F1 racing cars at McLaren.” Shakiru Adefuwa is off to Reading University to study chemistry, after achieving ‘B’ in chemistry, ‘C’ in Biology and a ‘D’ in Physics. |
| Sent via Guardian Witness | Sent via Guardian Witness |
| By CityofLondonPress | By CityofLondonPress |
| 13 August 2015, 13:17 | 13 August 2015, 13:17 |
| Tom | Tom |
| Just got A*AA in Biology, Chemistry and Maths with Statistics respectively, and I've got a place to study an MEng in Chemical Engineering at the University of Leeds in 2016 (deferred entry). Over my gap year I'm going to retake two of my Maths A2 units to bring my grade up to an A* so that I can get an engineering scholarship and some grant money. Really happy with these results. | Just got A*AA in Biology, Chemistry and Maths with Statistics respectively, and I've got a place to study an MEng in Chemical Engineering at the University of Leeds in 2016 (deferred entry). Over my gap year I'm going to retake two of my Maths A2 units to bring my grade up to an A* so that I can get an engineering scholarship and some grant money. Really happy with these results. |
| Sent via Guardian Witness | Sent via Guardian Witness |
| By tom_maher | By tom_maher |
| 13 August 2015, 13:15 | 13 August 2015, 13:15 |
| 2.32pm BST | 2.32pm BST |
| 14:32 | 14:32 |
| James Walsh | James Walsh |
| Attention students! You can still send in your thoughts (or pictures) with the Guardian via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44 (0) 7867 825056Here’s Tino Gwashavanhu, of Woodbridge High School in London. | Attention students! You can still send in your thoughts (or pictures) with the Guardian via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44 (0) 7867 825056Here’s Tino Gwashavanhu, of Woodbridge High School in London. |
| I applied for Animation Production in Arts University Bournemouth. I got accepted into the university as I got the grades I needed! I got BCD and I couldn’t be happier, which is Ironic as last year I got BCDE (I was doing four A Levels, I dropped one) and I was quite disappointed! All’s well that ends well, having a positive mindset lead to a positive outcome and now I’m excited for university! | I applied for Animation Production in Arts University Bournemouth. I got accepted into the university as I got the grades I needed! I got BCD and I couldn’t be happier, which is Ironic as last year I got BCDE (I was doing four A Levels, I dropped one) and I was quite disappointed! All’s well that ends well, having a positive mindset lead to a positive outcome and now I’m excited for university! |
| And here’s Izinegbe Akhabau, who is celebrating with her friends Eva Wainaina and Misan Aviomoh. Izinegbe said: | And here’s Izinegbe Akhabau, who is celebrating with her friends Eva Wainaina and Misan Aviomoh. Izinegbe said: |
| Me, and my two best friends got into Russell Group Universities. Two of us are from a council estate. | Me, and my two best friends got into Russell Group Universities. Two of us are from a council estate. |
| We’re at St. Dominics Sixth Form College in Harrow, London. It’s actually down the road from Harrow boys. We all prayed this morning on the hills near us before we went in! | We’re at St. Dominics Sixth Form College in Harrow, London. It’s actually down the road from Harrow boys. We all prayed this morning on the hills near us before we went in! |
| Eva has been accepted at Birmingham University to study International Law, Misan will be studying History at UCL, and Izinegbe is weighing up whether to do Politics, International Studies and French at Warwick or to pursue a digital journalism apprenticeship at the BBC. | Eva has been accepted at Birmingham University to study International Law, Misan will be studying History at UCL, and Izinegbe is weighing up whether to do Politics, International Studies and French at Warwick or to pursue a digital journalism apprenticeship at the BBC. |
| 2.12pm BST | 2.12pm BST |
| 14:12 | 14:12 |
| Here are some more contributions from GuardianWitness. The first, a very happy mum! | Here are some more contributions from GuardianWitness. The first, a very happy mum! |
| The reaction says it all – Eesha Savani reveals results to mum – 3A*! | The reaction says it all – Eesha Savani reveals results to mum – 3A*! |
| Eesha Savani from Loughborough High School achieved 3 A*in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Chemistry, guaranteeing her place at the University of Warwick to study Mathematics. | Eesha Savani from Loughborough High School achieved 3 A*in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Chemistry, guaranteeing her place at the University of Warwick to study Mathematics. |
| Sent via Guardian Witness | Sent via Guardian Witness |
| By LHSPR1850 | By LHSPR1850 |
| 13 August 2015, 11:30 | 13 August 2015, 11:30 |
| A nice sentiment from someone who didn’t grades they what they wanted in 2013 | A nice sentiment from someone who didn’t grades they what they wanted in 2013 |
| Don't give up quite yet | Don't give up quite yet |
| I received disappointing results in 2013 and wasn't accepted a position to study Biomedical Science by any University. However, I was offered a place on the Chemistry course at one University and although I was worried about my ability (I got a C in Chem), I hastily accepted. I've now moved to the University of Liverpool studying an MSc Chemistry and loving it! Remember, be open to alternatives. You may just enjoy them much more than you expect. | I received disappointing results in 2013 and wasn't accepted a position to study Biomedical Science by any University. However, I was offered a place on the Chemistry course at one University and although I was worried about my ability (I got a C in Chem), I hastily accepted. I've now moved to the University of Liverpool studying an MSc Chemistry and loving it! Remember, be open to alternatives. You may just enjoy them much more than you expect. |
| Sent via Guardian Witness | Sent via Guardian Witness |
| By Millie Thomas | By Millie Thomas |
| 13 August 2015, 11:21 | 13 August 2015, 11:21 |
| And a slightly confusing table listing the re-mark and script fees for various exam boards | And a slightly confusing table listing the re-mark and script fees for various exam boards |
| Remark choices | Remark choices |
| I want to get one of my further maths papers looked at and it feels like working out how to do it is a maths problem itself! | I want to get one of my further maths papers looked at and it feels like working out how to do it is a maths problem itself! |
| Sent via Guardian Witness | Sent via Guardian Witness |
| By SAe123 | By SAe123 |
| 13 August 2015, 11:25 | 13 August 2015, 11:25 |
| Remember, you can share your A-level results photos and stories by clicking on the “contribute” button at the top of this live blog. You can also share your stories, photos and videos with the Guardian via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44 (0) 7867 825056 - please include ‘A levels’ in the caption. | Remember, you can share your A-level results photos and stories by clicking on the “contribute” button at the top of this live blog. You can also share your stories, photos and videos with the Guardian via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44 (0) 7867 825056 - please include ‘A levels’ in the caption. |
| 1.55pm BST | 1.55pm BST |
| 13:55 | 13:55 |
| A particularly moving story has come out of the north west, where 18-year-old student Georgina Morris discovered she had the grades to go on to study medicine, inspired by her father, who died of cancer while she was studying. | A particularly moving story has come out of the north west, where 18-year-old student Georgina Morris discovered she had the grades to go on to study medicine, inspired by her father, who died of cancer while she was studying. |
| Morris, who studied at Winstanley College, near Wigan, said the death of her father Stephen had made her decide she wanted to give something back to those who had helped him. | Morris, who studied at Winstanley College, near Wigan, said the death of her father Stephen had made her decide she wanted to give something back to those who had helped him. |
| “It is what I have been working so hard for and I feel elated that I have managed what my dad always told me I could do,” she said. “I feel like I would be making him proud. I’m ecstatic, I still don’t think it has sunk in.” | “It is what I have been working so hard for and I feel elated that I have managed what my dad always told me I could do,” she said. “I feel like I would be making him proud. I’m ecstatic, I still don’t think it has sunk in.” |
| We had a picture of Georgina holding up her results sheet earlier, but here’s another with her mum, Leslie, as they celebrated her grades earlier today. | We had a picture of Georgina holding up her results sheet earlier, but here’s another with her mum, Leslie, as they celebrated her grades earlier today. |
| 1.50pm BST | 1.50pm BST |
| 13:50 | 13:50 |
| Congratulations to Greg Henderson, who has actually managed to get three A* grades in Maths, Further Maths and Physics - achieving a phenomenal 100% in two of those. He’ll be off to Oxford in a month’s time. Well done! | Congratulations to Greg Henderson, who has actually managed to get three A* grades in Maths, Further Maths and Physics - achieving a phenomenal 100% in two of those. He’ll be off to Oxford in a month’s time. Well done! |
| Triple A* Success for Greg! | Triple A* Success for Greg! |
| Eighteen year old Central Sussex College student, Greg Henderson, has been awarded three A*s in Maths, Further Maths and Physics, achieving an astounding 100% in two out of the three subjects. Greg has been accepted to study Physics at the University of Oxford. | Eighteen year old Central Sussex College student, Greg Henderson, has been awarded three A*s in Maths, Further Maths and Physics, achieving an astounding 100% in two out of the three subjects. Greg has been accepted to study Physics at the University of Oxford. |
| Sent via Guardian Witness | Sent via Guardian Witness |
| By Amy Ward | By Amy Ward |
| 13 August 2015, 10:47 | 13 August 2015, 10:47 |
| 1.43pm BST | 1.43pm BST |
| 13:43 | 13:43 |
| The British Council has said that A-level entry figures for language courses have remained “disappointingly low for yet another year”. | The British Council has said that A-level entry figures for language courses have remained “disappointingly low for yet another year”. |
| Figures show a 1% drop in the number of French exams taken and a 4.25% drop in German. Spanish is the exception with a 14% rise in entries. | Figures show a 1% drop in the number of French exams taken and a 4.25% drop in German. Spanish is the exception with a 14% rise in entries. |
| Vicky Gough, schools adviser at the British Council, said: | Vicky Gough, schools adviser at the British Council, said: |
| Despite languages being crucial for life and work in an increasingly connected world, A-Level entry figures remain disappointingly low for yet another year. | Despite languages being crucial for life and work in an increasingly connected world, A-Level entry figures remain disappointingly low for yet another year. |
| While it is good news to see Spanish – one of the languages the UK needs the most – buck the trend with a rise in entries at both A and AS level, this isn’t enough to compensate for the long-term decline in other key languages. In particular, entries for French and German, which are still valued very highly by employers, have more than halved since 1999 with language entries as a whole falling by almost a third in the past two decades. | While it is good news to see Spanish – one of the languages the UK needs the most – buck the trend with a rise in entries at both A and AS level, this isn’t enough to compensate for the long-term decline in other key languages. In particular, entries for French and German, which are still valued very highly by employers, have more than halved since 1999 with language entries as a whole falling by almost a third in the past two decades. |
| The reality is that as this decline continues, the UK risks falling behind on the international stage - we need far more of our young people to develop their language skills in order to effectively connect, work and trade with their counterparts around the globe as well as to become the language teachers of the future. | The reality is that as this decline continues, the UK risks falling behind on the international stage - we need far more of our young people to develop their language skills in order to effectively connect, work and trade with their counterparts around the globe as well as to become the language teachers of the future. |
| 1.40pm BST | 1.40pm BST |
| 13:40 | 13:40 |
| Just a quick note to say that the Clearing live Q&A has now begun. Hop over to put your questions about where to turn next to a panel of experts. | Just a quick note to say that the Clearing live Q&A has now begun. Hop over to put your questions about where to turn next to a panel of experts. |
| Related: Live Q&A: A-level results and Clearing | Related: Live Q&A: A-level results and Clearing |
| 1.39pm BST | 1.39pm BST |
| 13:39 | 13:39 |
| We know that parents’ social status significantly affects a young person’s likelihood of going to university. But now a fascinating map shows how the city you grow up in also has a significant influence on your educational attainment. | We know that parents’ social status significantly affects a young person’s likelihood of going to university. But now a fascinating map shows how the city you grow up in also has a significant influence on your educational attainment. |
| Research by the Centre for Cities found that just on five young people from Hastings go to university compared to nearly 1 in 2 young people from Cambridge. Indeed, it shows that with a few notable exceptions, such as Preston, the further you live from London, the less likely you are to get a degree. | Research by the Centre for Cities found that just on five young people from Hastings go to university compared to nearly 1 in 2 young people from Cambridge. Indeed, it shows that with a few notable exceptions, such as Preston, the further you live from London, the less likely you are to get a degree. |
| “These trends reinforce economic and social divides across the country. On the whole, cities with fewer young people going to university have higher youth unemployment rates,” the centre says in a statement. | “These trends reinforce economic and social divides across the country. On the whole, cities with fewer young people going to university have higher youth unemployment rates,” the centre says in a statement. |
| It is calling for the government to break down barriers to higher education for young people living in cities like Hastings and, with six in 10 young people not going to uni, for a greater focus on alternative routes into work. | It is calling for the government to break down barriers to higher education for young people living in cities like Hastings and, with six in 10 young people not going to uni, for a greater focus on alternative routes into work. |
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| Disquiet among first graduates to face £9,000 fees | Disquiet among first graduates to face £9,000 fees |
| More than half of the full-time students graduating under the post-2012 fees and loans system believe their degree was not worth the cost of tuition fees, according to research from the National Union of Students. | More than half of the full-time students graduating under the post-2012 fees and loans system believe their degree was not worth the cost of tuition fees, according to research from the National Union of Students. |
| Research published to coincide with A-level results day found one in 20 graduates saying that if they could turn back the clock they wouldn’t have bothered going to university. The cost of study and level of debt were cited as the main reasons. | Research published to coincide with A-level results day found one in 20 graduates saying that if they could turn back the clock they wouldn’t have bothered going to university. The cost of study and level of debt were cited as the main reasons. |
| Meanwhile, a separate poll carried out by NUS found 91% of 16-18 year olds were concerned about the financial implications of going to university. | Meanwhile, a separate poll carried out by NUS found 91% of 16-18 year olds were concerned about the financial implications of going to university. |
| The report, Debt in the first degree (pdf), also found: | The report, Debt in the first degree (pdf), also found: |
| Commenting on the findings, Sorana Vieru, NUS vice president for higher education, said: | Commenting on the findings, Sorana Vieru, NUS vice president for higher education, said: |
| Graduates are rightfully worried about their future, not only in terms of finding a graduate job, but also in how their finances will be affected by larger debts that the majority will be repaying until they are in their 50s. | Graduates are rightfully worried about their future, not only in terms of finding a graduate job, but also in how their finances will be affected by larger debts that the majority will be repaying until they are in their 50s. |
| These results show how the myth of consumer empowerment is being questioned by graduates who, on reflection, are able to see that the quality of the student experience is not linked to an increase in tuition fees. | These results show how the myth of consumer empowerment is being questioned by graduates who, on reflection, are able to see that the quality of the student experience is not linked to an increase in tuition fees. |
| We urge government to take note of the views of students and the real concerns they have about student debt, particularly those from widening participation backgrounds. Cuts to maintenance grants in particular could seriously harm access, as our evidence suggests that students from poorer backgrounds may think again about university if they have to incur higher debts. | We urge government to take note of the views of students and the real concerns they have about student debt, particularly those from widening participation backgrounds. Cuts to maintenance grants in particular could seriously harm access, as our evidence suggests that students from poorer backgrounds may think again about university if they have to incur higher debts. |
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| So the very first thing a lot of students will be doing on receiving their A-level results today will be to tell their friends all about them on social media. Social media management platform Falcon Social have sent through these infographics showing the kinds of sentiments they are expressing: | So the very first thing a lot of students will be doing on receiving their A-level results today will be to tell their friends all about them on social media. Social media management platform Falcon Social have sent through these infographics showing the kinds of sentiments they are expressing: |
| Positive tweets have been dominating the social stratosphere so far | Positive tweets have been dominating the social stratosphere so far |
| Looking at the top 10 trending keywords, we can see that positive affirmations like ‘congratulations’, ‘good’, ‘luck’ and ‘remember’ are popular | Looking at the top 10 trending keywords, we can see that positive affirmations like ‘congratulations’, ‘good’, ‘luck’ and ‘remember’ are popular |
| #Alevelresults has been the most used hashtag so far | #Alevelresults has been the most used hashtag so far |
| The majority of conversations are playing out on twitter, with Instagram the next most popular platform | The majority of conversations are playing out on twitter, with Instagram the next most popular platform |
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| And the prize for the success jump of the day, comes from this guy, pictured third from the right in this tweet from the Manchester Evening News. | And the prize for the success jump of the day, comes from this guy, pictured third from the right in this tweet from the Manchester Evening News. |
| A Level results 2015: Live - results and pictures as students find out their grades http://t.co/YGzeOARZnJ pic.twitter.com/1poAPLUuCy | A Level results 2015: Live - results and pictures as students find out their grades http://t.co/YGzeOARZnJ pic.twitter.com/1poAPLUuCy |
| Thank you to my colleague Alexandra Topping for spotting this one. “Looks like he’s been practising for that leap all his life,” she says. | Thank you to my colleague Alexandra Topping for spotting this one. “Looks like he’s been practising for that leap all his life,” she says. |
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| Rebecca Ratcliffe | Rebecca Ratcliffe |
| Rebecca Ratcliffe has just sent another dispatch from Sussex University’s Clearing nerve-centre. | Rebecca Ratcliffe has just sent another dispatch from Sussex University’s Clearing nerve-centre. |
| She spoke to Molly Raymer, a third year English and art history student at Sussex University, who is one of the many undergrads running the clearing phone lines today. | She spoke to Molly Raymer, a third year English and art history student at Sussex University, who is one of the many undergrads running the clearing phone lines today. |
| Molly used clearing herself, so she knows how stressful it can be. She said: | Molly used clearing herself, so she knows how stressful it can be. She said: |
| It’s that sinking feeling, your stomach dropping because you haven’t got what you were hoping for. It’s not just the disappointment, but also the worry because you don’t know where you can go to university. | It’s that sinking feeling, your stomach dropping because you haven’t got what you were hoping for. It’s not just the disappointment, but also the worry because you don’t know where you can go to university. |
| Young people are under a huge amount of pressure - especially, I found, with Facebook and Twitter - it’s a day of constant updates from people, which is the last thing you want. | Young people are under a huge amount of pressure - especially, I found, with Facebook and Twitter - it’s a day of constant updates from people, which is the last thing you want. |
| The best thing to do is just to stay calm, you probably haven’t done as terrible as you think. I thought my grades were terrible but they weren’t. Do your research, look at websites, universities will list what they’re looking for - got to college and talk to an adviser. Get your mum and dad to help you research.” | The best thing to do is just to stay calm, you probably haven’t done as terrible as you think. I thought my grades were terrible but they weren’t. Do your research, look at websites, universities will list what they’re looking for - got to college and talk to an adviser. Get your mum and dad to help you research.” |
| It’s a really emotional day - not just because people are scared or sad, but also because you can see how happy people are when we can offer them a place. I went through clearing and for me, things couldn’t have worked out better. | It’s a really emotional day - not just because people are scared or sad, but also because you can see how happy people are when we can offer them a place. I went through clearing and for me, things couldn’t have worked out better. |
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| Here are a couple of pictures coming in from Westminster Kingsway College in King’s Cross, London. ` | Here are a couple of pictures coming in from Westminster Kingsway College in King’s Cross, London. ` |
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| With all this celebration of young people, let’s not forget about who got them there. The National Union of Teachers, the UK’s largest teaching union, has hailed the success of pupils, but sounded the alarm over cuts to funding and proposals to reform qualifications. | With all this celebration of young people, let’s not forget about who got them there. The National Union of Teachers, the UK’s largest teaching union, has hailed the success of pupils, but sounded the alarm over cuts to funding and proposals to reform qualifications. |
| Kevin Courtney, deputy general secretary of the NUT, said: | Kevin Courtney, deputy general secretary of the NUT, said: |
| The results for A and AS-Levels reflect the hard work of students and their teachers. Many young people will rightly be celebrating their achievements and considering their options for the future, and nothing should detract from that. | The results for A and AS-Levels reflect the hard work of students and their teachers. Many young people will rightly be celebrating their achievements and considering their options for the future, and nothing should detract from that. |
| In celebrating success, however, we should also note that debate about the appropriateness of A-Levels as a high-level qualification is by no means closed. Proposals for an inclusive national baccalaureate are once again under discussion, through the work of the National Baccalaureate Trust. Those are important discussions for the future, in which the teaching profession, further and higher education, and employers are all involved. | In celebrating success, however, we should also note that debate about the appropriateness of A-Levels as a high-level qualification is by no means closed. Proposals for an inclusive national baccalaureate are once again under discussion, through the work of the National Baccalaureate Trust. Those are important discussions for the future, in which the teaching profession, further and higher education, and employers are all involved. |
| There will be considerable upheaval to qualifications in coming years, and it is vital that schools, colleges and learners are properly supported as changes are introduced from September this year and in subsequent years. Schools and colleges are facing substantial real terms funding cuts for post-16 education, and it is vital that those cuts are reversed to ensure that future cohorts of learners are not disadvantaged and are able to achieve their potential and realise their aspirations. | There will be considerable upheaval to qualifications in coming years, and it is vital that schools, colleges and learners are properly supported as changes are introduced from September this year and in subsequent years. Schools and colleges are facing substantial real terms funding cuts for post-16 education, and it is vital that those cuts are reversed to ensure that future cohorts of learners are not disadvantaged and are able to achieve their potential and realise their aspirations. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 12.18pm BST | at 12.18pm BST |
| 12.10pm BST | 12.10pm BST |
| 12:10 | 12:10 |
| James Walsh | James Walsh |
| Amid the excited teenagers sharing their A-Level stories and pictures on WhatsApp, we’ve been getting stories from people wishing to reassure those who may not have got the results they’d been hoping for that it isn’t the end of the world. | Amid the excited teenagers sharing their A-Level stories and pictures on WhatsApp, we’ve been getting stories from people wishing to reassure those who may not have got the results they’d been hoping for that it isn’t the end of the world. |
| This is from Dr Elizabeth Butler-Meadows, who is in Portsmouth, Hampshire: | This is from Dr Elizabeth Butler-Meadows, who is in Portsmouth, Hampshire: |
| A level results: for those who didn’t get what they needed, 10 years ago today I missed my offer to study medicine at Liverpool, by quite a long way. I chose not to do a course I didn’t really want to do via clearing and instead to a year out to resist my A-levels. | A level results: for those who didn’t get what they needed, 10 years ago today I missed my offer to study medicine at Liverpool, by quite a long way. I chose not to do a course I didn’t really want to do via clearing and instead to a year out to resist my A-levels. |
| I used the extra year to work as a nursing assistant and taking blood - those skills helped enormously later on and allowed me to save for uni. Many people advised it wasn’t an option but I succeeded the following year. | I used the extra year to work as a nursing assistant and taking blood - those skills helped enormously later on and allowed me to save for uni. Many people advised it wasn’t an option but I succeeded the following year. |
| I have been a doctor for three years now and am married with a young baby - I wouldn’t have met my husband if things went my way in 2005. | I have been a doctor for three years now and am married with a young baby - I wouldn’t have met my husband if things went my way in 2005. |
| Failure isn’t what you think it is | Failure isn’t what you think it is |
| Want to share your own story of life after disappointing results? We have an assignment for that: | Want to share your own story of life after disappointing results? We have an assignment for that: |
| Related: Life after disappointing exam results: share your positive stories | Related: Life after disappointing exam results: share your positive stories |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 12.23pm BST | at 12.23pm BST |
| 12.05pm BST | 12.05pm BST |
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| Northern Ireland students still outperforming England and Wales | Northern Ireland students still outperforming England and Wales |
| Henry McDonald | Henry McDonald |
| Northern Ireland A Level students achieved slightly less A and A* grades compared to last year while still outperforming their counterparts in England and Wales, writes Henry McDonald in Belfast.The Joint Council for Qualifications said that 29.3% of students in the region achieved A or A* grades, a drop on last year’s 29.9%. | Northern Ireland A Level students achieved slightly less A and A* grades compared to last year while still outperforming their counterparts in England and Wales, writes Henry McDonald in Belfast.The Joint Council for Qualifications said that 29.3% of students in the region achieved A or A* grades, a drop on last year’s 29.9%. |
| But the overall pass rate this year for more than 12,000 students who took the exams is up by 0.1%, with 98.2% achieving grades A* to E. | But the overall pass rate this year for more than 12,000 students who took the exams is up by 0.1%, with 98.2% achieving grades A* to E. |
| There has also been a significant shift in the number of students taking A levels in Mathematics. There has been a 10.6% rise in the number of girls taking Maths at A levels in Northern Ireland. | There has also been a significant shift in the number of students taking A levels in Mathematics. There has been a 10.6% rise in the number of girls taking Maths at A levels in Northern Ireland. |
| Northern Ireland’s Education Minister John O’Dowd congratulated the peformance of the region’s A level students: | Northern Ireland’s Education Minister John O’Dowd congratulated the peformance of the region’s A level students: |
| After their years of hard work, I am delighted to congratulate the thousands of young people on their achievements today, and of course their parents and teachers... | After their years of hard work, I am delighted to congratulate the thousands of young people on their achievements today, and of course their parents and teachers... |
| Our young people have performed well and I wish them well in their next step. | Our young people have performed well and I wish them well in their next step. |
| For other young people, today’s results will not be what they had hoped and I would encourage them not to be disheartened. | For other young people, today’s results will not be what they had hoped and I would encourage them not to be disheartened. |
| The pathways through study and training to employment are not the same for everyone, and help and advice is available. Teachers, careers advisers and parents can offer good advice and support on the options available to you. | The pathways through study and training to employment are not the same for everyone, and help and advice is available. Teachers, careers advisers and parents can offer good advice and support on the options available to you. |
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| So record numbers are set to start university next month, Ucas has revealed today. But what if you’re not ready? Or maybe you didn’t get the grades you wanted? After 13 years of education, maybe you just need to take some time out. | So record numbers are set to start university next month, Ucas has revealed today. But what if you’re not ready? Or maybe you didn’t get the grades you wanted? After 13 years of education, maybe you just need to take some time out. |
| If that sounds like you then read up on your gap year volunteering options. Experts told the Guardian some of the things to look out for when choosing a placement, answering crucial questions such as: | If that sounds like you then read up on your gap year volunteering options. Experts told the Guardian some of the things to look out for when choosing a placement, answering crucial questions such as: |
| Gap year volunteering: how to do it right | Gap year volunteering: how to do it right |
| 11.56am BST | 11.56am BST |
| 11:56 | 11:56 |
| Tristram Hunt, Labour’s shadow education secretary, has issued a statement congratulating students on their results, but warning that the country continues to waste far too much potential. He says: | Tristram Hunt, Labour’s shadow education secretary, has issued a statement congratulating students on their results, but warning that the country continues to waste far too much potential. He says: |
| Congratulations to all the young people receiving their results today – the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance and curiosity. I hope their grades allow them to pursue whatever new chapter of their life they decide is right for them, whether that be work, training, entrepreneurship or further study. And congratulations too to all the teachers and leaders who have inspired them on their journey. | Congratulations to all the young people receiving their results today – the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance and curiosity. I hope their grades allow them to pursue whatever new chapter of their life they decide is right for them, whether that be work, training, entrepreneurship or further study. And congratulations too to all the teachers and leaders who have inspired them on their journey. |
| Sadly, as a country we still waste far too much potential. These results remind us that progress on increasing the number of young women taking subjects like physics, maths and computing is still too slow. The need to increase options for university-level vocational and technical study is still being ignored. And we saw earlier this week that the ability of many sixth form institutions to offer the broad and stretching curriculum our young people need to thrive in a modern economy could be under threat. | Sadly, as a country we still waste far too much potential. These results remind us that progress on increasing the number of young women taking subjects like physics, maths and computing is still too slow. The need to increase options for university-level vocational and technical study is still being ignored. And we saw earlier this week that the ability of many sixth form institutions to offer the broad and stretching curriculum our young people need to thrive in a modern economy could be under threat. |
| This country’s future success depends upon making sure every young person has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. At the moment, the Government’s narrow and backward-looking education policies are simply not up to that task. | This country’s future success depends upon making sure every young person has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. At the moment, the Government’s narrow and backward-looking education policies are simply not up to that task. |
| 11.53am BST | 11.53am BST |
| 11:53 | 11:53 |
| Words of advice for young people from John Cridland, the CBI director-general. “There’s more than one way to be successful in the labour market,” he says. | Words of advice for young people from John Cridland, the CBI director-general. “There’s more than one way to be successful in the labour market,” he says. |
| 11.50am BST | 11.50am BST |
| 11:50 | 11:50 |
| Pupils switch to more rigorous courses | Pupils switch to more rigorous courses |
| Sally Weale | Sally Weale |
| A-level students have dropped so-called “soft” subjects such as general studies overwhelminglyin favour of more rigorous traditional courses, with geography, history and maths all showing a marked increase in A-level entries, writes Sally Weale. | A-level students have dropped so-called “soft” subjects such as general studies overwhelminglyin favour of more rigorous traditional courses, with geography, history and maths all showing a marked increase in A-level entries, writes Sally Weale. |
| National results published today showed there were 15,000 more entries in the core facilitating subjects generally required to get a place at a top university - a 13.3% increase since 2010 - a trend which will be seen by the government as vindication of their drive to encourage the study of more academic subjects. | National results published today showed there were 15,000 more entries in the core facilitating subjects generally required to get a place at a top university - a 13.3% increase since 2010 - a trend which will be seen by the government as vindication of their drive to encourage the study of more academic subjects. |
| The biggest single increase in the number of A-level entries this year however is in computing, with a 29.1% spike in the number of A-level candidates, up from 4171 in 2014 to 5383 this year. Take-up among female students is still low with only 456 women candidates. | The biggest single increase in the number of A-level entries this year however is in computing, with a 29.1% spike in the number of A-level candidates, up from 4171 in 2014 to 5383 this year. Take-up among female students is still low with only 456 women candidates. |
| Modern languages, which have long been in decline, also received a boost with a 14.4% increase in the numbers studying Spanish, regarded as a vital language in the global business market. Numbers are still small but the increase is significant, up from 7601 last year to 8694, though the number of students taking German A-level continued to fall with a 4.3% drop from last year. | Modern languages, which have long been in decline, also received a boost with a 14.4% increase in the numbers studying Spanish, regarded as a vital language in the global business market. Numbers are still small but the increase is significant, up from 7601 last year to 8694, though the number of students taking German A-level continued to fall with a 4.3% drop from last year. |