A-Level students should be proud
18th August 2006
A-Level results published today (Thursday 17 August) across Britain and in Southampton show improved results again.
Taunton's College A level students achieved its highest ever pass rate of just over 97%. Two thirds of the grades were at A, B and C. In the College's selective "Sixth Form Academy," 82% of grades were at A, B and C and there was a 99% pass rate.
Of the 41 A level subjects on offer at the college, 27 of them achieved 100% success rates. In Economics, Media Studies, Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, German and Physics, as many as one in three of the candidates achieved an A grade.
Southampton Test MP Dr Alan Whitehead congratulated the students:
"These are excellent results. They are a true reflection of the hard work students, teachers and parents have put in over the last two years. They fully deserve the praise they will be getting today.
"For the young people who have done well in their tests and exams it is a time of celebration
"Our focus needs to be on encouraging greater participation not denigrating the achievements of those who meet the standard.
"Of course, some people will always try and put our students' achievements down. Whenever you hear people say that- remember that less than half of all 18 year olds pass even one A-level. I believe that the more we improve our schools the fewer children will leave school without A-levels or equivalent vocational qualifications.
"Ofsted tells us that teachers are better trained and have more resources, and you will have seen improvements in school buildings since Labour came to power, so it's no surprise that students are getting better results - if they didn't I'd be asking some very serious questions.
Jim Knight MP, Schools Minister, added his congratulations to local students saying:
"Today's results are a reflection of the hard work of students, schools and colleges in Southampton. I want to congratulate Southampton students on their achievements and thank teachers for their commitment."
More information
- A level entries rose this year by 2.7% to 805,698. Entries for maths and further maths have increased by 5.8% and 22.5% respectively.
- The overall A level pass rate has increased for the 24th consecutive year, from 96.2% in 2005 to 96.6% this year. The overall pass rate in 1997 was 87.6%.
- The percentage of A grades has increased from 22.8% in 2005 to 24.1% this year. In 1997 the percentage of A grades was 16.2 %. AS entries rose this year by 0.65% to 1,086,634. Entries for maths and further maths have increased by 3.8% and 24.4% respectively.
- The overall AS pass rate has increased by 0.2 percentage points to 87.5%.
- The percentage of A grades at AS has increased by 0.5 percentage points to 18.4%.
- For pupils who didn't get the results they wanted, UCAS are offering a free, confidential and impartial helpline offering immediate information and advice open everyday until 26 August. The number is 0808 100 8000.