Northumberland schools improve their A-level figures

Cramlington Learning Village students are among those across Northumberland who have been celebrating their achievements  in what has been an extremely good year for A-levels taken across the county.

A statement on the Cramlington Learning Village website reads “Many congratulations to our Year 13 students who received their A Level results. We are very proud of their hard work and dedication during their time at sixth form and they should be very proud of their achievements. We had some stunning individual performances with some students achieving all A* or A grades. We wish all of our year 13 students every success in the future.

Most of the schools in Northumberland have posted better results than they did in 2018 and, across the county overall, more students have achieved higher grades and will be going on to their first choice of higher education, apprenticeships or employment

Seven schools bettered their 2018 figures for students achieving the highest grades (AAB) in two or more facilitating subjects, with Astley Community High School and Berwick Academy almost doubling their outcomes from last year, James Calvert Spence College improved by 33% and Bedlington Academy improved by 12%.

The average grade for each A-level entry, as measured by the average point score, also improved for a number of schools including Ashington Academy, Cramlington Learning Village, Haydon Bridge High School, James Calvert Spence College, The Duchess High School and The King Edward IV Academy.

Councillor Wayne Daley, cabinet member for children’s services at Northumberland County Council said: “We are celebrating a great year with some really good performances by individual students across our schools and academies.

“This is testament to the hard work of students and their teachers and I would like to congratulate all those who have taken exams this year.

“A-level results day is such an important day in a student’s life and shapes their pathway into real options around further education, apprenticeships and jobs.

“We are determined as a council to build on successes and work with our schools and academies to provide them with the tools and buildings they need to help all young people thrive.”

A number of schools had outstanding results at A-level with 22 students at Queen Elizabeth High School in Hexham achieving three or more A/A* equivalent grades. In addition, students at the school have achieved strong vocational results.

At King Edward VI School in Morpeth, 38 students achieved all A/A* grades, nine of whom achieved all A*s.

A large number of students across Northumberland received offers at their first choice university and others have decided to earn as they learn by opting for a more vocational route.

Apprenticeships are proving to be a great way of growing talent for the future as well as helping young people start their careers.  Northumberland has recently launched a new apprenticeship programme in social care – Care for Life – where you can learn and earn a wage.  You can find out more here: www.careforlife.org.uk or by phoning 01670 622104.

Cllr Daley added: “The world is changing and although many students are cut out for a traditional academic route, others have decided to fast track themselves into the job market by choosing an apprenticeship.

“We also shouldn’t forget those students with special educational needs and challenges who have excelled at the end of the school year with great results, and we saw an amazing example of this in a young lady at Astley this morning.

“Last but by no means least  – we would like to sincerely thank all staff, parents and families for all their hard work and support for our young people in Northumberland.”

“We also shouldn’t forget those students with special educational needs and challenges who have excelled at the end of the school year with great results, and we saw an amazing example of this in a young lady at Astley this morning.

“Last but by no means least  – we would like to sincerely thank all staff, parents and families for all their hard work and support for our young people in Northumberland.”