THE HARD work paid off for thousands of Coventry sixth formers who are celebrating their A-level results.
Coventry City Council figures show 97.4 per cent of students passed with A* to E grades, in line with national results.
In a year many predicted would be more challenging after changes to the examination system, the city performed strongly.
More than half of schools either improved on last year’s results or performed as well as last year, with some schools gaining their best A-level results ever, the council says.
The percentage of students achieving the highest grade in their A-Levels, an A*, increased from last year at 4 per cent to 5.3 per cent this year, compared to a slight decline seen nationally.
The number of students achieving vocational qualifications, such as BTEC Level 3 Diplomas, has risen this year from 94 per cent to 97 per cent.
Students taking the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A-Levels) achieved a 100 per cent pass rate, as did all students who took the BTEC Level 3 Diploma (equivalent to 2 A-Levels).
Councillor Kevin Maton, cabinet member for education and skills, said: “Congratulations to everyone getting their results today after two years of hard work and dedication.
“Coventry students have achieved these fantastic results at a time of significant reform to A-levels and also vocational qualifications which now include rigorous external assessment.
“These changes have meant that some subjects have changed considerably, so it’s great news our students have maintained and improved on the high standards achieved in previous years.
“Results day is a significant day in the lives of many young people in Coventry and it’s important for students to consider all the pathways and opportunities open to them, whether that is university, apprenticeships or others.
“There is no single route to success, so if you are unsure of your next steps, the National Careers Service or the council’s Job Shop in the city centre can help support and advise.”
There was success at Grace Academy Coventry’s sixth form with all students who applied to go to university securing a place.
It celebrated some outstanding individual achievements and several 100 per cent pass rates for individual subjects.
At Bablake sixth form nearly half of its students achieved A to A* grades at A-level.
Staff hailed the fact many students were accepted onto the most competitive university courses, including medicine, dentistry and law.
Nearly half of students at Cardinal Wiseman achieved A* to B grades in their A-levels, with many students progressing to their university of choice.
It was particularly pleasing for staff that the percentage of students achieving the top grades of A* to A also increased by around a quarter.
The future engineers at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) Academy Coventry are also celebrating a 100 per cent pass rate in its BTEC courses and across all A-levels.
In Warwickshire, students at Myton School celebrated ‘top class’ results, with a quarter of all grades A* to A.
North Leamington School also impressed with a 100 per cent pass rate and 60 per cent of students scoring A* to B.
And Warwick School also celebrated a 100 per cent pass rate with 53 per cent gaining A* or A grades.
