Results data published on Saturday by the Independent Schools Council (ISC) show one in 14 candidates achieved three or more A* grades, with the proportion of entries achieving A* standing at more than twice the national average.
In total, 498 schools in membership of ISC associations submitted details. Other headline figures show:
- The percentage of entries getting an A* at A-level is 17.2%, more than twice that of the national average, which is 7.8%
- There was an increase in candidates taking the EPQ (+13.3%), Pre-U (+6.7%), and BTEC (+17%) qualifications compared to last year
- The average points score for pupils taking the IB Diploma was 36, roughly equivalent to 4.5 As at A Level. Over a third of pupils gaining the IB Diploma obtained 39 points or more
Read more at: https://www.isc.co.uk/media/5842/year-13-results-2019-infographic.pdf
BTec courses: A-level reforms trigger rise in private schools’ practical qualifications
Private schools are encouraging more of their pupils to learn a trade, with the number offering specialised vocational qualifications in the classroom reaching 100 this year.
Figures from the Independent Schools Council’s annual survey found that 1,296 pupils took Business and Technology Education Council qualifications (BTecs) at 100 independent schools, compared with 694 pupils at 51 schools four years ago.
The rise follows reforms to A levels that have made most subjects more narrowly academic, with coursework largely scrapped to leave all results riding on final exams.
Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the Independent Schools Council, said the trend for them reflected schools’ commitment to provide pupils with a broad education, best suited to individual interests and needs.
“It is encouraging to see a growing number of schools offering yet more choice to pupils, acknowledging that alternative qualifications provide different ways through which young people can explore the subjects they are most passionate about,” he said.
Independent schools offer BTecs alone or in combination with A levels, and most at Level 3, the most advanced qualification. The most popular courses are business, sport, art and countryside management.