Derbyshire A-level pass rate above the national average

According to provisional information for the 27 maintained Derbyshire County Council schools and academies which offer post-16 education:

• 2478 students received their Level 3 (A Level and equivalent) results

• The percentage of students achieving three A* or A grades remained static, although it appears that the overall proportion of A* or A grades fell nationally

• The percentage of students achieving at least one of the higher grades of A* or A also remained static at around 40 per cent

• The pass rate in Derbyshire was 99.6 per cent in a year when the national average for this measure rose marginally to 98.01 per cent

• The average points per entry in Derbyshire dipped slightly to 209

• This continues a long trend of A-level success for Derbyshire schools and students.

Schools have been working hard to analyse their results and provide information and support for students as they take their next steps towards university places, apprenticeships, further education, training and employment.

Councillor Caitlin Bisknell, Derbyshire County Council’s deputy cabinet member for children and young people, said: “I’d like to congratulate students, staff, governors, and parents on their success – I know how nerve-racking it can be waiting for these results.

“Overall, I’m delighted with Derbyshire’s performance and the impressive achievements of both individual students and our schools.

“Young people across Derbyshire are now in a good position for the future, whether they have their sights set on further, higher or university education, or whether they are looking at training, apprenticeships or employment opportunities.”

Councillor Bisknell reassured students who may be disappointed with their results that help is available from school and county careers advisors, amongst others.

She said: “For some there will be good news and fresh opportunities while for others there will be disappointment.

“As someone who got her university place through the UCAS clearing system, I know there is always hope, and that your school or college has advisors on hand to take you through the range of options that are open – please make the most of these resources.

“However, at the end of the day it is up to individual students to decide what is best for them, and crucially, what they want to do.”