Top grade passes drop again

JOY IS IN THE AIR: Blue Coat pupils, left to right: Bethany Wignall, Matthew Whitmore, Owen Graham and Katie Davenport

THE proportion of A–levels awarded at least an A grade has fallen for the second year in a row, official figures showed today.

In total, 26.3 per cent of entries scored an A or A* this year, down from 26.6 per cent in 2012 — believed to be the second biggest fall in the history of A–levels.

The A*–A pass rate fell for the first time in more than 20 years last year. The latest drop comes amid rising numbers of teenagers taking A–levels in science and maths.

It has previously been suggested that an increased focus on subjects such as maths and the sciences could fuel a slight drop - students could be hoping to improve their university chances, but aren’t as strong in the subjects as they hoped. Biology, chemistry and physics accounted for 17.8 per cent of all entries – up from 17 per cent last year and 15 per cent in 2009.

One in eight of entries were for maths or further maths, up from 11.5 per cent last year and 9.8 per cent five years ago.

There were almost 24,000 more entries for the sciences this year over 2009, and nearly 19,000 more for maths courses.

The new statistics also show the number of entries awarded an A* – the top grade – also dipped, to 7.6 per cent from 7.9 per cent.

The overall A*–E pass rate rose by 0.1 per cent, and 98.1 per cent of exams scored at least an E.


To view and order images, go to http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/local/buy-a-photo