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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 |
| (7 months 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. |
| 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. |
| 1.01pm BST | 1.01pm BST |
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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. |
| 12.52pm BST | 12.52pm BST |
| 12:52 | 12:52 |
| 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 |