Exam results – how did they go?

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Well, the day has now been & gone, both A-level & GCSE results are out...If you believe the media hype, everyone should be very happy – with record breaking results (97.2% overall UK pass rate for A-levels, and 98.4% for GCSEs) but does this reflect the reality in your home?

The BBC report on A-level results this year included comments by John Dunford, from the Association of School and College Leaders on the regional variations (North/South divide) in A grade A-level passes.

“The regional breakdown in England is no surprise, because it reflects the socio-economic make up of the country. I don't think it tells us very much more than wealthier people and higher social classes live in the South West and the South East, though that doesn't detract from the achievements of students in these areas," he said.

"There are also many more independent and selective schools in the southern part of the country and any additional improvement in selective schools is bound to be reflected in regional statistics."

He said the government deserved credit for the improving performance in London through its "London Challenge" programme. And he added that his personal experience as a head teacher in the north east of England made him think lower parental aspirations for children was an important factor in the results.

To read the full story on the BBC site : A-level's ; GCSE's or check out what Ace and Vis from Radio 1 had to say above......

Useful links :

If your teens have just done A-lives check out the FAQ's on the DirectGov site : After your A level results: popular questions