North Swindon MP Welcomes Positive GCSE & A Level Results

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has welcomed the news that students across North Swindon have delivered another fantastic set of GCSE & A Level results.

This year has seen the first set of results following important reforms designed to ensure that students' knowledge & understanding is more rounded and better tested.

A Levels have changed to improve students’ readiness for the demands of higher education. The Government and exam providers have worked with universities throughout the process. In addition, the Russell Group of universities
established an organisation, the A Level Content Advisory Board (ALCAB) which provided advice on the subject content for a range of subjects.

AS and A Levels have been decoupled. An AS Level is now a stand-alone qualification, with results not counting towards an A Level. This means that a student who is studying for three A Levels and no AS levels will have no public exams at the end of year 12, allowing more time for teaching and deeper study.

Nationally, the number of number of student receiving the top grades has increased and the gap between the performance of boys and girls has closed.

In Swindon results improved again. There was an overall A Level pass rate of 97% for 16-18 year old students at New College Swindon (an increase from last year) and over 40% of all grades achieved were A*-B. The Swindon UTC saw more than 70% of students achieve the top grades, matching positive results at Swindon College

GCSEs have been improved as well. Courses & exams are now more rigorous, mirroring the systems in countries with the higher performing education systems. The exams also have a new grading scale. The new scale runs from 9 to 1 instead of A* to G, with 9 the highest grade. The new grading scale better differentiates between the highest performing students and distinguishes clearly between the old and new GCSEs.

Locally, there was more success for teachers & student with Swindon Academy receiving its best results in the school's history. There were also above average results for students sitting their GCSEs at New College who saw results in English go up on last year.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: "I am delighted that students across North Swindon have received fantastic GCSE & A Level results. I remember the day I collected my results with a mix of nervousness & anticipation. Congratulations to every student who collected their results this month and good luck with whatever path you choose to take!".