Change to A Levels but students still get top marks on results day

STUDENTS responded to revised A Level exams by achieving top grades, despite some schools noting results were down on last year.

The results, released on Thursday [August 16], showed students across the UK recorded the highest number of A* and A grades since 2012.

This was reflected at Weald of Kent Grammar School in Tonbridge, where 38 per cent of students, their highest ever, achieved the top two grades.

It was the last set of results in Maureen Johnson’s time as headteacher before she retires. She said: ‘It was the first year of a linear system – with no AS exams at the end of Year 12 [lower sixth] which has been a challenge.

‘I am very pleased with the results which I would put down to hard work by the students and support from staff and parents.’

Apprenticeships

However, headteachers noted some exams were markedly tougher for students this year, which could have led to lower grades in some subjects – notably sciences.

Many leavers are now set for university but headteachers have noticed a growing trend of leavers taking a year out or starting an apprenticeship.

Edward Wesson, Headmaster at The Skinners’ School in Tunbridge Wells, said the number of exams passed with an A* to B grade was 77 per cent, which is 2 per cent down from the result last year.

‘It is very hard to get an A*, so we are very pleased with the results and students are getting into [their chosen] universities,’ he said.

‘There is a smaller number of 18-year-olds this year group because of a population drop and universities are looking to fill their places. Some of them are offering unconditional places – but we want students to work for the best A Levels they can.

‘We have more students not going to university than usual and some are taking high level apprenticeships. Some have been put off by the high fees and they can find different routes to the same results.’

Rebecca Malone, Head of Sixth Form at Bennett Memorial Diocesan School in Tunbridge Wells, added: ‘The majority of students are going to university, but apprenticeships are becoming more popular.

‘They have worked really hard this year.’

Round-up: How did students at your school get on?

THE Judd School in Tonbridge saw 25 per cent of all exam results at A* [which was 28 per cent last year] and 85 per cent from A* to B, a similar result to 2017.

The school’s head girl Moya Thomas achieved an A*, an A and a M1 grade in a Cambridge Pre-U qualification – an alternative to an A Level. She is now looking to study medicine at University of East Anglia and said: ‘I have loved every minute here and I could not have achieved this without the support from Judd.’

Jon Wood, Headteacher, said: ‘I am delighted for our students who have yet again achieved outstanding results.’

At Weald of Kent Grammar School triplets Hattie, Rosie and Issie Dinnis all scored A grades. This helped the Tonbridge secondary to its best ever A Level performance in terms of the percentage of A* and A grades achieved.

In his final A Level exam announcement before he retires as head of governors, David Bower said: ‘It is a fantastic set of results and a great day for Weald.’

There was also good news at St Gregory’s Catholic School in Tunbridge Wells where 44 per cent of grades being A* to B grades and 76% A* to C.

Sean McQuillan, Headteacher, said: ‘This is another great set of results, particularly given the more rigorous and challenging courses now being studied.’

Mayfield School received brilliant news with student securing places at prestigious universities such as Oxford and Durham.

Headmistress, Antonia Beary said: ‘Once again, our girls have excelled across the board, confirming the strength in breadth and depth for which Mayfield is acclaimed.

‘I continue to be delighted by our girls.’

Kent College is celebrating another set of successful A-Level results, with a 100 per cent pass rate and nearly 20 per cent of grades awarded the top A* mark.

Headmistress, Ms Julie Lodrick commented: ‘Once again I am delighted to see our girls doing so well, especially in light of sitting the new exams.”

Oscar at The Skinners’ School

Beacon Academy celebrated another year of success with 87 per cent of students achieving A* to C and 50 per cent getting A* to B.

Head of Sixth Form, Steve Baker, said: ‘We are incredibly proud of our students.

‘All Year 13 students have worked incredibly hard under really challenging circumstances, once again, to achieve these impressive results.’

Students at Bennett Memorial�

Benenden School saw 31 per cent of exams passed at A* grade.

Samantha Price, headmistress, said: ‘Benenden girls have not only achieved academic outcomes that they can be very proud of.

‘They have also leave us fully prepared for the next exciting phase of their lives.’