20/08/2009
A-level Students Receive Results
Students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are receiving their A-level results today, as it has been revealed that a record-breaking number of students have been awarded the top A grades.
More than a quarter of students - 26.7% achieved an A, an increase of 25.9% from last year, the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) revealed.
The overall pass rate increased by 0.3% to 97.5%, while more than three quarters of entrants (75.1%) received at least a C grade.
The high pass rate is expected to put further pressure on university places. There has already been a 10% increase this year in the number of applicants to UK universities, with 60,000 more students applying for places.
There are also only expected to be around 22,000 university places available through the 'clearing system' - the process used by those who do not achieve the grades required for their chosen degree course to find an alternative place - this year.
Higher Education Minister David Lammy said: "I want to congratulate the hundreds of thousands of students who have worked hard and got the grades they needed to go to university this year and with more than 370,000 students having their places confirmed, more students than ever before will be heading into higher education."
However, Shadow Universities and Skills Secretary David Willetts said that many A-level students will be prevented from going to university because of Labour's higher education policies.
He said: "The government first reduced the number of university places, then offered only unfunded places and are now threatening to fine universities that over-recruit. They said they wanted half of all young people to go to university by 2010, but now they are blocking progress towards their own target.
"This must not happen again. There needs to be a better system, and that's why we have been constantly calling for a student fees review."
(KMcA/BMcc)
More than a quarter of students - 26.7% achieved an A, an increase of 25.9% from last year, the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) revealed.
The overall pass rate increased by 0.3% to 97.5%, while more than three quarters of entrants (75.1%) received at least a C grade.
The high pass rate is expected to put further pressure on university places. There has already been a 10% increase this year in the number of applicants to UK universities, with 60,000 more students applying for places.
There are also only expected to be around 22,000 university places available through the 'clearing system' - the process used by those who do not achieve the grades required for their chosen degree course to find an alternative place - this year.
Higher Education Minister David Lammy said: "I want to congratulate the hundreds of thousands of students who have worked hard and got the grades they needed to go to university this year and with more than 370,000 students having their places confirmed, more students than ever before will be heading into higher education."
However, Shadow Universities and Skills Secretary David Willetts said that many A-level students will be prevented from going to university because of Labour's higher education policies.
He said: "The government first reduced the number of university places, then offered only unfunded places and are now threatening to fine universities that over-recruit. They said they wanted half of all young people to go to university by 2010, but now they are blocking progress towards their own target.
"This must not happen again. There needs to be a better system, and that's why we have been constantly calling for a student fees review."
(KMcA/BMcc)
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19 August 2010
Another Record Year For A-Level Grades
It has been another record-breaking year for A-Level results, with one in 12 of all exams (8%) being awarded the new A* grade. More than a quarter of entries (27%) were awarded an A grade - a slight rise from 26.7% last year. Overall, the pass rate rose again, for the 28th year in a row, with 97.6% of entries gaining an E grade or higher.
Another Record Year For A-Level Grades
It has been another record-breaking year for A-Level results, with one in 12 of all exams (8%) being awarded the new A* grade. More than a quarter of entries (27%) were awarded an A grade - a slight rise from 26.7% last year. Overall, the pass rate rose again, for the 28th year in a row, with 97.6% of entries gaining an E grade or higher.
14 November 2003
Open University triples young student numbers
The Open University is attracting three times the number of young students than it did seven years ago, it has been revealed today. The opportunity for “earning while learning” was a key contributing factor to the increasing numbers of younger students enrolling in the Open University, their research said.
Open University triples young student numbers
The Open University is attracting three times the number of young students than it did seven years ago, it has been revealed today. The opportunity for “earning while learning” was a key contributing factor to the increasing numbers of younger students enrolling in the Open University, their research said.
30 January 2012
University Applications Down 9%
Almost 9% fewer students have applied for a place in University since the ramping up of tuition fees, according to figures from the admissions service on Monday. Last year the Government controversially trebled the maximum fees payable for a university place to £9,000 per year, leading to applications collapsing by nearly 9% on average.
University Applications Down 9%
Almost 9% fewer students have applied for a place in University since the ramping up of tuition fees, according to figures from the admissions service on Monday. Last year the Government controversially trebled the maximum fees payable for a university place to £9,000 per year, leading to applications collapsing by nearly 9% on average.
05 January 2004
Jack and Emily top baby name popularity list
Jack, for the ninth year running, was once again the most popular name for newborn boys whilst Emily topped the girls' popularity list for 2003. According to government statistics released today, for the first time in seven years Chloe is no longer the most popular girls' name in England and Wales. It drops to third place behind Emily and Ellie.
Jack and Emily top baby name popularity list
Jack, for the ninth year running, was once again the most popular name for newborn boys whilst Emily topped the girls' popularity list for 2003. According to government statistics released today, for the first time in seven years Chloe is no longer the most popular girls' name in England and Wales. It drops to third place behind Emily and Ellie.
14 February 2007
Rise in UK university applications
The number of students applying to universities in the UK has risen by 6.4 per cent. The figures, produced by the admissions service Ucas, shows the number of people applying to full-time undergraduate courses, due to begin in September this year, has increased by 23,624.
Rise in UK university applications
The number of students applying to universities in the UK has risen by 6.4 per cent. The figures, produced by the admissions service Ucas, shows the number of people applying to full-time undergraduate courses, due to begin in September this year, has increased by 23,624.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.