Students celebrate A-level results in Bristol

Thousands of Bristol students are collecting their A-level results today (17 August) after having studied for two years in preparation.

This is the first year of results for the new A-level qualifications, which means that AS levels no longer count towards the final grade and assessment is mainly by exam. The content of the exams has also been refreshed, with greater input from universities. The grading standards and scale of A*- E remains the same.

The provisional results released today show a strong performance from Bristol schools with 96% students achieving at least three A-levels at grade A*- E.

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said:

“Studying for A-levels is no easy task so I’d like to congratulate all the young people receiving their results today and wish them the very best in whatever they do next. If you haven’t done as well as you hoped today, it doesn’t mean you won’t succeed in the future.”

Some key successes this year include St Bede’s Catholic College which saw all its pupils achieve at least three A-level grades A*- E. St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School saw 32% of students getting the very highest grades of A*- A, which is a rise of 5% on last year. Nine students from the school are heading to Oxford and Cambridge universities and 45 pupils achieved three A*- A grades or better.

Bristol Cathedral Choir School is also celebrating as a third of all results were A* or A grades, 65% A*- B, 82% A*- C and 100% A*-E. Head of School, Paul Atkins, commented:

“We are delighted that our students have again secured places on a wide range of very competitive university places of their choice. This includes students who have won places at Oxbridge to study natural sciences, history and mathematics. This continues the upward trend of results at Post 16. Our students and staff deserve congratulations for all their commitment as they worked with the new reformed A Levels.”

At City of Bristol College 85% achieved at least three A-levels grade A*- E. Lee Probert, Principal and Chief Executive at City of Bristol College, commented:

“These results, combined with our recently improved Ofsted grade, reflect the general positive direction of travel for the College. Everyone at the College is very proud of this achievement. Each year we continue to equip students with the skills they need to successfully progress onto further study or to launch their intended career. We are extremely proud of each of our students and I wish them every success for the future.”

St Brendan’s College saw 97% of students pass. Principal Michael Jaffrain commented:

“I am thrilled with how our teachers and students have handled the dramatic change to the more rigorous linear style. Our results are outstanding and highlight the brilliant quality in teaching at St Brendan’s.”

Councillor Claire Hiscott, Cabinet Member for Education, added:

“Collecting your A-level results can be a nerve wracking time, and the first year of changes to exams is always challenging. It’s important to celebrate the success of students today, but to those who haven’t done as well as they’d hoped I would say that there is support available. It’s helpful to keep an open mind and talk to your teachers about the different options available.”

Currently 95% of Bristol’s secondary schools are rated as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED, compared to a national average of 79%, and work is continuing to increase this further. Through Bristol’s Learning City Partnership the council is working alongside the city’s school leaders to improve education by making sure successes are shared.