Anxious wait ends today for Jersey's A-Level students

Thursday 16 August 2018

The results are in: Jersey has scored top marks in its A Levels, with the island striking its highest level of success since records began, and beating England.

The overall pass rate for the island was 99% - in line with 2017, and ahead of England, where it stood at 97.6%.

61.1% of A Level qualifications on the island were marked as grade A*, A or B, while those at A* and A accounted for nearly a third, compared to just over a quarter in England.

International Baccaleureate (IB) students enjoyed similar success, with a 97% pass rate and scores above the worldwide average.

Overall, the results were the best since 2014, when island-wide competitive data analysis began.

Education Minister Senator Tracey Vallois congratulated all students receiving results, adding: “I would like to thank the teachers, parents and carers who have encouraged and supported our students during these two years of hard and dedicated work."

Jersey has achieved the highest A-level results for years, with our young people achieving a higher pass rate compared to England, early results findings published today reveal.https://t.co/MyILqjCdkV

— States of Jersey (@StatesofJersey) August 16, 2018

“I wish you well in your endeavours, whatever they may be. You are valued members of our community and we want everyone, regardless of background, to be able to fulfil their potential. I wish you all good luck in whatever you choose to do next as you follow your dreams and ambitions. The pathways through study and training to employment are not the same for everyone, and help and advice is available. Teachers, careers advisers and parents can offer good advice and support on the options available to you," she said.

Three of Jersey's secondary schools shared their results for their A-Level students, as the nervous wait for hundreds of young people came to an end today.

Many students will have places confirmed at university, while others will be about to get a job or take a gap year.

JCG says its A-Level students have achieved the best results in the school's history, with more than 50% of grades at the very top band of A* or A, with 95% of all grades at A* - C. 

Carl Howarth, Principal of Jersey College for Girls, said “When you study tremendously hard, show great resilience and have incredible teachers, as our students have done, you thoroughly deserve this exceptional level of success.  We are very proud and delighted for them, their teachers and parents.” 

Chloe Swetenham, a JCG student who will be studying chemistry next year, told Express: "I am so happy that all the hard work paid off and I'm so excited to start at Durham."

Pictured: JCG students smile with their results.

Meanwhile, Beaulieu have reported a 100% pass rate for all courses taken, with almost 80% of all A2 level and BTEC examinations awarded A*-C grades.

Rory Steel, Director of Services at Beaulieu, said: "As an academically inclusive school, I am thrilled that our students have achieved such impressive results alongside all of their other accomplishments, which enable them to leave Beaulieu fully equipped for the future."

Mr Steel added: "Our results this summer are excellent and build on the on-going academic success we have enjoyed in recent years.We are very proud of both the students and staff; their achievements are testament to the hard work of all our students and the inspiring teaching and dedication of our staff."

Headmaster Alun Watkins of all boys school, Victoria College, congratulated his pupils on their marks after they gained a 99% pass rate, with 40% of exams at grades !* and 86% A*-C.

He commented: “These tremendous results are the culmination of a great deal of hard work and I am delighted for our boys. I would like to congratulate them and thank their parents and, of course, our dedicated teachers for their support and guidance over the past two years.”

“I hope our students feel proud of what they have achieved. These A- levels will open doors to university or employment and enable them to build successful futures.”

De La Salle have also congratulated their students on social media. 

Well done to all our A-Level students who collected their results today: proof that hard work really does pay off! Some outstanding results and some very proud teachers.

— De La Salle College (@DeLaSalleJersey) August 16, 2018

UCAS offer information on what to do after receiving your results if you don't meet the requirements for a conditional offer at university. There are plenty of options available, including clearing.  

Wonder who can use #Clearing2018? This video explains all! pic.twitter.com/SmjMAtVWft

— UCAS Online (@ucas_online) August 15, 2018

For those who do better than expected and may want to explore other options, there is also the option of 'adjustment.' This allows them to look at places available on courses that they previously thought they would not achieve the grades for. 

Lead photo: A proud set of JCG students jump for joy at their marks.