From education to employment

Sector Response to A-Level Results Day

Today is A-Level results day. This is traditionally the day when main stream media show pictures of students looking happy waving their results papers. This year 98% of A-level entries received grades between A to E, which is the same as last year and 25.8% of entries received grades at A or A*, which is down by just 0.1% compared to last year. The TES has put together a nice analysis article on the A-level grades.

So how has the FE Sector responded to the A-Level results news and the next steps that young people should consider:

Martin Doel, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges (AoC), said: “Congratulations to all students receiving their A Level results today.
“While many young people will now be considering going to a university or negotiating the clearing process, it is important to remember there are other more affordable education and training routes available which can lead directly to a career.

“Traditional three-year full-time university degrees have a vitally important role but it is crucial that young people are aware that further education colleges also offer a wide range of higher level technical and professional education, including apprenticeships and part-time study options. Not only are tuition fees less at a college, living and travelling costs are also much lower because it’s possible to stay at home. A higher apprenticeship in aerospace engineering can be just as valuable to the individual and the nation as an honours degree.”

 

Commenting on today’s exam results, Bill Watkin, Chief Executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association said: “Many congratulations to all students who received their examination results today. It looks like Sixth Form Colleges will celebrate another year of outstanding success. This year’s results underline just how important Sixth Form Colleges are to the education landscape and how effective they are in helping young people progress to higher education or employment. For many years, Sixth Form Colleges have outperformed school and academy sixth forms while educating more disadvantaged students and receiving less funding.

“Sixth Form Colleges are A level specialists, but they also deliver a broad range of applied qualifications alongside A Levels – particularly BTEC courses. This ensures their students have a better chance of getting to university and a better chance of making the most of their degree course. The rigorous curriculum and exams at A Level are perfectly complemented by the demanding requirements of applied qualifications. In studying a blended academic and applied curriculum, students must learn to manage their own learning and plan their projects; study and research independently; solve problems creatively; work in teams; and reflect on their learning process. Sixth Form College students, with their blend of qualifications and outstanding results, can look forward to a bright future.

“At a time when exams are becoming more difficult, this year’s results show that students and their teachers in Sixth Form Colleges are working harder than ever. But the Government should review the funding available for 16-19 year olds to ensure the sector can continue to provide young people with the high quality education they deserve.”

 

A spokesperson for the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) said:

“We used to talk about apprenticeships as an option for those leaving school after GCSEs but not any more. The costs of going to university and the earnings prospects from some degrees mean that more young people with A levels are looking at apprenticeships, including higher and degree apprenticeships, as an alternative. They can enjoy the same career prospects without the debt.”

 

Petra Wilton, director of strategy for the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), highlights the importance of clear advice and information for young people on Degree Apprenticeships:
 
“Now that students have received their A-Level results they must avoid making a false choice between getting a degree or taking an apprenticeship. The new degree apprenticeships on offer, such as the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, result in a degree, on-hand experience and professional status. Too many schools are currently underselling the value of apprenticeships, with a CMI and EY Foundation survey this week revealing that just 48% of A-Level students are receiving information on apprenticeships. We must ensure that degree apprenticeships are highlighted as an attractive route into employment, giving the next generation the best chance to succeed in their future careers.”

 

Commenting on the publication of today’s A-level results, Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), said:

“We congratulate students and teachers on their hard work this year and hope that those receiving their results today get what they are hoping for. It is good to hear that so many students will have the chance to go to university or onto an apprenticeship, if this is what they want to do.

“We’re pleased that the new revised marking system for modern foreign languages has led to more students getting A* grades for French, German and Spanish at A-level. However, it is disappointing that entries for these subjects continues to decline and we fear this will continue to be the case because fewer language teachers are being recruited.

“It is not surprising that there has been a drop in AS entries given that the new AS level no longer counts towards the final A level grade, and this is particularly the case in sixth form and further education colleges which have faced considerable cuts in post-16 funding.”

 

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