A-level Students Shine In Derbyshire

A-level students in Derbyshire schools have continued to maintain excellent grades in the new-style exams.

According to provisional information for the 27 schools and academies within Derbyshire offering post-16 education:

• 2,404 students have received their Level 3 (A-level and equivalent) results
• the average grade for a Derbyshire student was C this year − a similar outcome to 2016 despite the new, more challenging exams
• the overall pass rate in Derbyshire is around 96%.

Schools have been working hard to analyse their results issued yesterday (Thursday 17 August 2017) and provide information and support for students as they take their next steps towards university, college, employment, apprenticeships or other opportunities.

Nationally performance in English subjects was not as good as last year with a proportion of students achieving over C grade down by almost 3%. There was also a slight 2% drop in acceptances at university with 416,310 students attending UK universities this year.

National A-levels 2017 statistics

• 0.5% increase in A* and A grades overall, but
• 0.7% fewer A* and A grades in 13 new-style subjects
• 26.6% of boys got A* and A grades
• 26.1% of girls did the same
• 97.9% of pupils got A* to E passes (Source: JCQ)

The Cabinet Member for Young People Councillor Alex Dale said: “I’d like to congratulate students, teachers, staff, governors and parents on their success.

“These results show young people across Derbyshire are well set for the future whether they choose higher or university education, training, apprenticeships or employment.”

Councillor Dale also reassured students who may be disappointed with their results that support is available.

Next Steps

Students who were unfortunate not get the grades they desired should get in touch with their school or college which will be able to help them access support and advice to consider all the alternatives.

Advisers can help students consider their options and decide on the best way forward. That might involve resitting some or all of their exams or taking other qualifications.

If young people have just missed their grades they can try their chosen university or college to see if they can still get in or go through the clearing process to find an alternative place.

Other Options

Students with A-levels who are not thinking about higher education can check out the apprenticeship website (opens in a new window) or visit one of the Derbyshire Skills Festivals − the county’s largest careers events for young people.

This year’s events will be held at:

• Queen’s Park Sports Centre, Boythorpe Road, Chesterfield, S40 2ND on Thursday 14 September between 3.30pm and 8pm
• The Roundhouse, Derby College, Roundhouse Road, Derby, DE24 8JE on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 September between 3.30pm and 8pm.

Training providers, the armed forces and larger employers will be on hand to talk to young people. They will also be invited to take part in a range of have-a-go activities.

There will be sessions for young people with special educational needs and disabilities and NEETs (young people who are not in education, employment or training) will also be invited.

Meanwhile, Derbyshire County Council have apprenticeships available throughout the year.