Forum Brief: A Level results

This year's A Level results have been published, with more students than ever achieving top marks.

The figures show an increase in the pass rate from 94.3 to 95.4 per cent.

The number of A grades awarded also rose by 0.9 per cent to just over a fifth of candidates.

Forum Response: Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of ATL, said: "We would like to congratulate the A Level candidates for another high achieving year. These results are testimony to the hard effort and commitment of students, their families and teachers and lecturers.

"Young people know they need to get the grades if they are to get their feet on the higher education and good job ladders. Many of these hard working students have had to survive a year where funding in their schools have reached crisis point, therefore they will be rightly furious if their efforts are casually rubbished by ill-informed doom-merchants.

"It is also pleasing to see that entries have risen for the Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education. We must give the vocational qualifications the acknowledgement they fully deserve and recognise that this country needs to value more than one type of achievement.

"Teachers will be pleased to see their male students improving their performance but overall boys are still performing less well than girls across the board. This comes as no surprise as girls tend to read and write around the subject rather than just study the well-judged minimum. Girls are now reaping the benefits of being conscientious."

Forum Response: Institute of Directors

Ruth Lea, head of the policy unit at the IoD, said: "We congratulate all successful A Level students and in no way wish to denigrate the sacrifices and hard work that many pupils have made, however, we continue to believe that yet another 'record-breaking year' for A Level pass rates is symptomatic of endemic and rampant grade inflation.

"Once again we must ask ourselves what do we want from A Levels since it is clear that they are becoming increasingly meaningless. They no longer seem to be testing students."

Forum Response: Federation of Small Businesses

John Emmins, national chairman of the FSB, said: "After three years of exams, A Level students can feel like they are on a production line with university and conventional employment the next steps in the process.

"But the world of work has changed significantly over the last few years and young people really do have a choice. More and more people, at different stages in their lives, are seeing self employment as the more attractive option.

"Being your own boss is a great aspiration for young people and there is plenty of assistance available to help turn a good idea into reality. Entrepreneurship is about seizing new opportunities and taking risks which is why it so vital to the economy and what makes it such an exciting career choice."

Forum Response: National Union of Teachers

Doug McAvoy, general secretary of the NUT, said: "Our students and teachers are to be congratulated for their hard work which has led to these outstanding results. It is to be hoped that the changes recommended by Mike Tomlinson will ensure that the results are robust. Our young people deserve better than the debacle they faced last year.

"Whilst the introduction of the AS Level added to the exam pressure faced by young people, it is clear that it has enabled them to make better informed choices, resulting in improved performance at A Level.

"The rise in the number of young people sitting for these qualifications is welcome but there still remains the problem of the male/female divide. Girls continue to out perform boys and more enter for these examinations. It is essential that these differences are investigated by the education department. It is not sufficient just to put it down to laddish behaviour and leave it at that.

"Equally important, is the fact that far more boys than girls enter the exams in computing, physics and maths.

"Girls lack of involvement in these subjects is as important as the overall under engagement of boys in the exams generally."

Forum Response: Universities UK

Professor Ivor Crewe, president of Universities UK, said: "This week we should recognise - and celebrate - the tremendous achievements of those who have gained these qualifications through hard work and commitment.

"It is very encouraging to see the numbers gaining qualifications that will secure them a place in higher education. Going on from this success to university is well worth the investment; the benefits of higher education are enormous for both individuals and for UK society.

"While the longer term options for a qualifications framework for the 14 to 19 age group are currently being explored, it is important that young people taking A-levels this year and in the future know that the qualification is robust.

"UCAS, as well as all the higher education institutions that are offering places, will provide information and help in making your choice. Take your time to choose the right course for you."

Forum Response: Local Government Association

Councillor Graham Lane, chair of the LGA's education and lifelong learning executive, said: "While purely academic qualifications are important, we need to acknowledge that academia is not for everyone, and that practical skills are just as valuable and beneficial to us all.

"A baccalaureate style diploma would give young people a greater choice at further education level and help smooth the transition between education and work.

On the day that hundreds of people are celebrating the announcement of this year's A Level results, local government leaders are already looking to the future with plans that could radically alter the education of 14 to 19 year olds in years to come. Work is underway with representatives from across all sectors ranging from industry and business to voluntary services to put forward suggestions on how education could be delivered in the future.

"The successes of this year's, and previous years A and AS Level students are not to be undervalued. They are hard-earned, recognised qualifications seen as a stamp of academic excellence. It's appalling that on a day when so many people will be celebrating and starting to plan their next steps, there are some who want to ruin it by alleging that exams have been made easier.

"There is no evidence for this and we should be congratulating students and teachers for their hard work and dedication which has led to this year's record result.

"But, the world is changing and so too must the way our young people are educated if we are to ensure they remain competitive in today's working climate and be equipped with the skills which will be vital to give them career opportunities in the future. Everyone can benefit from having practical skills, and being able to speak another language will soon become increasingly important.

"Education reform is a lengthy process, but there is no doubting the important role that councils have to play in helping to offer greater choice to their local community."