By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 15:17, Monday, 20 August 2012

New figures show Cumbria’s A-level results are on course to record another year of good performances maintaining the standards achieved in 2011.

Julia Morrison

Early indications from the Local Authorities’ (LA) maintained schools and academies, suggests that there is a small increase in the number of students achieving higher grades this year, with more than 73 per cent of students attaining A*to C grades at A-level.

The proportion of students gaining at least one A-level pass grade at A* to E appears to be broadly in line with last year with approximately 98 per cent of students achieving it.

However, the authority is keen to stress that these results are unvalidated – final statistics will require verification and are likely to be subject to minor changes as more details arise.

The figures are based on data received from 17 of the county’s 25 LA maintained schools and academies with sixth forms.

Councillor Duncan Fairbairn, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for schools and learning, said: “It’s very pleasing to see such a significant number of students securing good results. This is testament to their hard work.

“In recognising their successes we must also praise the support these students will have had from their teachers and parents throughout the exam process. I congratulate everyone involved.

“The county council will now look carefully at the overall picture and identify more structured conclusions about this year’s results, taking into account further local and national comparisons when these become available in October.”

Julia Morrison, the council’s corporate director for children’s services, said: “The results seem to suggest that Cumbria’s students are on course for another set of good results. “Gaining good qualifications has never been so important in such a highly competitive education and employment market.

“While we join in celebration, we must also recognise that among the many students involved, there will be some who did not receive the results they had hoped for.

“These young people will be in need of reassurance and they must take confidence in the support that is available to them, through their schools and colleges, to help them consider their next steps.”

First published at 11:24, Monday, 20 August 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk