Key features of the provisional 2013 GCSE results
It has been a difficult day for schools in England where GCSE results have fallen for the second year in a row and considerable concern has been expressed over the reduction in passes in Science at grades A*-C. These issues have again impacted on the Island’s schools and the context of GCSE results clearly remains turbulent. Given this background, the Island’s school have performed well.
Key features of the provisional 2013 GCSE results
Nearly 860 Year 11 students were entered for GCSEs and equivalent qualifications in the Island’s five secondary schools in 2013, once again with entries in approximately 50 separate examination titles ranging from Astronomy to Spanish. Nearly every student was entered for Maths and English and the vast majority of students also had at least one entry in Science.
The total number of full GCSE (or equivalent) entries was over 7,900. 92% of these entries were in GCSE subjects, a further 730 entries were BTEC First Diplomas, First Certificates or Diplomas in Digital Application. In addition, 615 entries were for short course GCSEs (worth 0.5 of a full GCSE). On average each student was entered for the equivalent of 9.7 GCSEs.
Provisional analysis shows:
- The A*-G pass rate for full and short course GCSEs was 99.3%.
- 19.5% of the entries produced A or A* grades (the second highest on record)
- A record 69.0% of the GCSE entries were passed at the higher grades, A*-C
- The average number of subjects entered, at 9.7 GCSE (or equivalent) entries per student, was in line with previous years.
- The GCSE points score per student at 387 was in line with previous years (A*=58 points, A=52, B=46, C=40, D=34, E=28, F=22, G=16).
GCSE results always contain some extraordinary personal achievements. Some of the outstanding results today include many students from right across the Island who have achieved 10 or more GCSE passes at A or A*. One pupil secured 12 A* passes. Achievement takes other forms too and Headteachers have highlighted individual students who have overcome learning difficulties and personal challenges to obtain excellent results.
The results published here are not comparable with results released in the UK this week. The UK results include all exam entries, including those from students in the Isle of Man. Also included are grammar schools, independent schools and FE Colleges where some of the candidates may be mature adults sitting just one GCSE. The Isle of Man data relate solely to 16 year olds on roll in Year 11 in the DEC’s five secondary schools.
Minister for Education and Children, Hon Tim Crookall MHK, said:
‘There has been considerable turbulence in GCSE results over the last two years which impacted on the Island’s results last year. This year there has been an enormous amount of very focussed, hard work in our schools and these results reflect that. I would like to congratulate all those young people who have received GCSE results today as well as their schools and teachers. I know that they have all worked hard for these. Well over 80% of these young people will continue in full-time education or training and I wish them every success for their future studies. For the relatively small percentage looking to enter the world of work, I hope that they will find suitable employment and look for opportunities to develop their skills further. The Isle of Man needs a workforce of the highest quality and the whole Island benefits from the achievement of our schools.’
