THOUSANDS of A-level students across Coventry were picking up their results this morning – and the signs were good for a successful year.
Finham Park Sixth Form was reporting a 100 per cent pass rate in 21 subjects.
And the number of students getting top grades A or A* rose nationally for the first time in six years.
Finham Park associate head Vivien Maginnis said: “We are absolutely delighted with our 2017 Sixth Form results. In summary, 51% of students gained A*-B grades; with 100% pass rate in 21 subjects.
“We would like to recognise Simran Sanghera who achieved A*A*A, Emily Dainty who achieved A*A*AC, Sarina Nana-Jogia who achieved A*A*A and Darmik Chauhan who achieved A*AA and all are going to Russell Group universities.
“Early indications tell us that the vast majority of our students have already been accepted at a university of their choice.
“These results are a fantastic reflection of the hard work and efforts of our students, staff, governors and of course their parents over the last two years.
“Congratulations to everyone and I would like to wish every individual the very best of luck in the next stage of their journey.”
More than one quarter of exam entries – 26.3% – received A* and A grades nationally, a rise of 0.5 per cent from last year.
Government changes to A levels this year have resulted in 13 subjects being entirely judged on final exams, with no element of coursework or previous exams.
In these subjects, there was a slight fall in performance nationally of 0.7 per cent.
They include History, English, Psychology, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
President Kennedy School, Holbrooks, Coventry, said in a statement: “Students and staff at President Kennedy School are celebrating an excellent set of A level results which have ensured that a greater number of students than ever are going on to study at university.
“Students at President Kennedy School can study A levels in an unusually wide range of subjects including more traditional academic subjects and vocational subjects.
“The average grade achieved by students studying vocational A levels was Distinction* which is an outstanding achievement.
“An impressive 40% of grades secured by President Kennedy students studying academic A levels were A*-B.
“Across all subjects, 27% of students achieved the very top grade of A* or Distinction * and 41% achieved at least grade A / Distinction or higher.”
Tens of thousands of university places are still available, with a two per cent fall in the number of university places allocated. It is attributed to fewer older students and those from EU countries applying.
Commenting on the day, Clare Marchant, chief executive of the university’s clearance body UCAS, said: “Congratulations to everyone who has received good news today. On behalf of everyone at UCAS, well done and best of luck for your studies.
“If you have not done as well as you had hoped, try not to worry – you have plenty of options, and every year many people who have missed out on their grades find high quality and rewarding courses through Clearing.
“Make sure you take some time to think about what you want to do next, and seek advice from those who know you best – parents, teachers, and friends.
“If you decide you want to start a degree this year, UCAS can offer all the support you need. You can search around 45,000 courses with Clearing vacancies on ucas.com – you’ll need to contact universities and colleges directly to discuss the courses you’re interested in before deciding if you want to accept an offer.
“To all those who do secure a place, remember you are embarking on a fantastic, life-enriching stage of your education. You will make friends and memories that will last a lifetime, and have the chance to learn in a world-leading education sector. Take all the opportunities that come your way, and enjoy the experience.
Students who are uncertain about their options can speak with an experienced careers adviser by contacting the Exam Results Helpline on 0808 100 8000. The helpline can offer personal support, including advice about course choices, apprenticeship opportunities, volunteering, and employment.
Information students need to navigate Clearing and make the right choices about their next steps is on the UCAS website – www.ucas.com – and our advisers are ready to help on Twitter – @ucas_online.
