New beginnings for students on A-level results day

Schools and pupils across Bristol are celebrating success on A-level results day (16 August) as thousands of students find out how they’ve done in this year’s exams.

Provisional results show a strong performance from Bristol schools with 95% students achieving at least three A-levels at grade A*- E, despite significant changes to exams. This year 110 young people received three A – A* grades.

This is the second year of the new A-level qualifications, which contain refreshed content. Last year more challenging exams were introduced across 13 subjects, with 11 more following this year with the remaining subjects being refreshed over the next two years. AS levels also no longer count towards the final grades and students are now also assessed mainly by exams at the end of year 13.

Councillor Anna Keen, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said:

“I’d like to congratulate all students collecting their results today, including those who took vocational subjects, and say thank you to everyone who has helped them along the way. A-levels are a milestone in a journey which starts at an early age and there are many teachers, governors, families and friends behind the scenes who’ve provided support throughout the years. To those who are disappointed with their grades, remember that you can still be successful – there is plenty of expert help and options available. As Chair of Bristol Learning City, I’d also like to take this opportunity to praise and acknowledge the achievements of all our learners over the past year, from degrees to apprenticeships to evening classes – well done for all your hard work.”

Lee Probert, Principal and Chief Executive at City of Bristol College, commented:

“Our students are a constant source of inspiration for us and their results are a reflection of their commitment and dedication to achieve and progress. The hard work that the students have put in means that a number of them are now taking up places at a range of universities, including our own University Centre. I am grateful for the support from our teachers, support staff and parents alike, which enables our students to develop skills they need towards further study and employment.”

Principal Michael Jaffrain said:

“We have had another excellent year of results and I am very proud of my students and staff for all that they have achieved. As well as an excellent overall pass rate, we also saw a rise in the number of students achieving A* – A grades, which is fantastic news. The overall progress made by this year’s student cohort tremendously improved compared to the previous years and I would like to thank my staff for their dedication and support which enabled this to happen.”

Free careers advice on everything from CVs to interview techniques is available throughout the summer at drop-in surgeries held with an advisor from the Department of Work and Pensions in the Proud to Care career and job shop in the Galleries. Sessions will run on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11-3pm until 30 August. On A-level results day advice sessions will start from 12.30pm.

A special jobs fair for students receiving their A-level and GCSE exam results this month will be taking place in the Galleries on 5 September 11-3pm, outside the Proud to Care job shop.

Images Left – Right: Cllr Anna Keen with City of Bristol students Claire Smith and Emily Loyd, Emma Jarman and principal Lee Probert