Key features of the provisional 2014 A level results
The 2014 A level results in the Department of Education and Children’s five secondary schools show a record proportion of passes at the highest grades. The overall pass rate, at 97.7%, was slightly up on last year, the percentage of passes at the top grade of A* was the highest on record and the UCAS points score per entry was higher than any previous year.
In the five secondary schools, 360 Year 13 students were entered for 1,150 A levels and more than 300 AS levels in more than 40 subjects.
Some of the key details from the data that has been analysed today are as follows:
- The number of entries per student, at 3.6, was lower than in recent years, reflecting greater focus on securing university places asking for three A levels.
- The breadth of subjects available (more than 40 separate titles) was in line with recent years. Subjects entered ranged from Spanish and Manx to world development and further maths.
- The Island’s A level pass rate was 97.7%. This was higher than last year’s figure of 97.1% but not a record.
- 42.3% of entries achieved passes at higher grades A*-B, slightly down on last year’s figure of 43.6%, but the second highest on record. The percentage of passes at A* at 7.8%, was the highest since the A* was introduced in 2010.
- Using the Universities and Colleges’ Admissions Service (UCAS) tariff system (140 points for grade A*, 120 points for A, 100 for B, 80 for C, 60 for D, 40 for E) the average points score per A level subject entry, at 83.7 was up on the previous year’s record of 83.3 points.
- The average points score per student, at 303 was slightly down on last year, reflecting the reduction in entries per student, but still equivalent to an average of more than three grade Bs per student.
Across the Island there have been some individual students who have achieved outstanding results, with a number of students recording 4 grade A* and A passes. Three passes at grade A or above, a magnificent achievement, has been reached by a significant number of students. One student, from Ramsey Grammar School, achieved a remarkable 6A* grades at A level.
Paul Craine, Co-ordinating Adviser for 11-19 Education, said:
‘I have been in contact with headteachers and deputy heads across the DEC’s five secondary schools throughout the day and their feedback has been very positive. It seems that the vast majority of students have obtained places at their first choice, or insurance choice, university and those who had a slight shortfall should be successful in the clearing system.
‘Two of the schools remarked on the success of particular students who had arrived at the school without being able to speak English and had now secured university places. Another headteacher commented on the achievement of a student who had coped with multiple operations over the sixth form and had still secured good A level grades.
‘One interesting feature was the strength of the mathematics results. Of the full A level entries, 105 (over 9%) were in maths or further maths, with a 47% pass rate at grades A and A*.’
It should be noted that these results for the Isle of Man are not directly comparable with the results that will be published in the UK this week. The UK results relate to all entrants and include mature students and students in colleges and independent schools whereas the Isle of Man data relate solely to 18 year olds in the DEC’s five secondary schools.
Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Education and Children, was equally pleased with the results.
‘This is an excellent set of results and I would like to congratulate all A level students. Despite the shift to a largely linear A level, our sixth form students have again averaged more than three grade Bs each. Good A level results reflect a great deal of hard work on the part of both students and staff, as well as considerable support from parents. It is so important for the Isle of Man to have good educational outcomes like this.
‘Some of these young people will be taking up university or college places, while others may entering the world of work. Whatever their next steps, I would like to wish them every success in the future. I would also like to remind those heading off to university of the excellent employment opportunities available to them on the Island when they have completed their studies.’
