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Jersey students returned to their schools and colleges today to collect A-level results amid a backdrop of lower grades in UK following the assessed grades that were a feature of the covid-19 era.
Those who took A-levels this summer were part of the the first group to have sat exams since 2019, having had their GCSE exams cancelled two years ago in the midst of the pandemic.
More than a quarter of A-levels in the UK were awarded an A or A* this year, despite a record drop as the government attempted to reverse what had been described as "pandemic grade inflation".
This year, 27.2 per cent of A-levels in the UK were awarded top grades, down from 36.4 per cent last year, but still higher than in any pre-pandemic year on record – in 2019, the share or entries achieving an A or A* was 25.5 per cent.
News on overall results was expected to be released by the Education Department during the afternoon, but ahead of that individual schools shared details of their pupils' achievements.
Victoria College said the results achieved by the Class of 2023 were among the best in recent years.
Headteacher Dr Gareth Hughes said: "Not including the centre assessed grades of 2020-2021, we have seen our highest A*-C percentage – over 90% – and second-highest A* percentage (17%) for over a decade.
"We were delighted to see that currently 92% of our students seeking higher education have confirmed either their first or reserve choice universities.
"Our students, who have overcome individual and collective challenges through their secondary education, should be rightly proud of their achievements.
"Exceeding last year’s record A*-C percentage is especially pleasing given the widely-reported national tightening of grades this year."
Nick Falle of Hautlieu described himself as "an extremely proud headteacher" as he welcomed year 13 pupils back to the school on results day.
He said: "We should remember that these students walked into their A-level exams as their first formal high-stakes testing experience as result of their GCSE exams being cancelled through covid.
"Whilst we are incredibly proud of students for their grades, with a the pass rate just shy of 100%, entries to world-leading universities and employment offers, we are far more proud of who they are as individuals."
JCG reported a 100% pass rate, with 40% of the passes being at A* or A, 73% at Grade B or above and 92% at Grade C or above.
"A resilient generation" of students were hailed by Jersey College for Girls principal Carl Howarth as he digested this year's A-level results.
He said: "OfQual have stated that exams are returning to their 2019 pre-pandemic standards, however while the grade boundaries returned to 'normal', this cohort didn’t have a 2019 'normal' experience.
"They were in their first year of GCSEs when Covid hit, they learnt to work online at home and had not had the benefit of vital exam hall experience and, with their teachers, didn’t have the certainty of where the grade boundaries would be this year.
"We are incredibly proud of our students and that despite everything, their character and resilience combined with exceptional teaching and care of our staff, have made for an excellent set of results."
De La Salle pupils achieved "significantly higher" grades than in 2019, the last year in which A-levels were unaffected by covid-19 measures, Headteacher Jason Turner said.
"I am delighted with the boys’ performance with their A level and BTEC results," he said. "This year, 29% of all the grades gained at DLS are in the A* (Distinction* in BTECs) and A (Distinction) range, which is significantly higher than the level achieved in 2019."
71% of 'DLS' grades were at grade C or above (for A-levels) and Merit or above (for BTECS).
"I am proud of all at De La Salle for rising so admirably to the challenges faced – every student who did his best should be celebrating today," Mr Turner added.
Highlands said: "We are incredibly proud of our Sixth Form students who also attained excellent results today with 96% achieving their professional and technical qualifications at the same level as A levels.
"A high proportion have already secured progression directly into employment, university, or continuing programmes at Highlands College."
"Excellent outcomes" were highlighted by Beaulieu Convent School as students returned to collect their A-level and BTEC results.
45% of Beaulieu students achieved one or more A* or A grade in their A-level or equivalent qualifications.
Acting Headteacher Paul Robinson said: "I am delighted that our students' efforts and hard work have been rewarded with a strong set of examination results today.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank our students' parents for their ongoing support and confidence and our teachers for the unswerving dedication, expertise and guidance they have so willingly shown our sixth form students."
Pictured top: Victoria College pupils were among those collecting their A-level results today.
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