Record breaking A-levels for Kent students

20 August 2010

Kent’s Class of 2010 have smashed records yet again. Following in the footsteps of their predecessors, A-level students have clocked up results which put the county among the best in the country.

Students from Hillview school in Tonbridge collect their much anticipated A level results.

Thousands of students returned to their schools or colleges for the last time to collect their results. As envelopes were torn open, results were showing further improvement. Calculated on two or more A* to E passes, the provisional figure is up from last year by an estimated 2.1 percent to 93.5 percent.

A comparison to the national average, which takes into account all passes, will be published when the figures are confirmed by the Department for Education.

A number of schools have seen some great gains. The percentage of young people achieving two A* to E grades at Longfield Academy is up 25 to 100 percent; Brockhill Park Performing Arts College, Hythe, saw a rise from 71 to 91 percent; Community College Whitstable is up from 69 to 80 percent; Abbey School, Faversham, saw a rise from 75 to 89 percent; and Northfleet Technology College is up from 85 to 92 percent.

Twenty nine schools had 100 percent of students gaining two A-levels.

Jenny Whittle, KCC Deputy Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said:

"Yet again Kent’s A-level students have pulled out all the stops to gain some excellent results. I congratulate them all for their achievements. Through their determination, and the support of teachers, the county’s results are among the best in the country. I am very proud of that. This is a significant day for many young people. It’s the beginning of a new chapter in their lives as they move to higher education, or embark on a training programme or employment.”

Rosalind Turner, Managing Director for Children, Families and Education, said:

“This is about celebrating the achievements of thousands of young people.  We take pride in these results. The class of 2010 have set a new benchmark for future years to aspire to. I would also like to pay tribute to teachers and families for the support they have given over the years.”

Advice

Students can get free impartial and confidential advice, guidance and support about exam results and future options from Connexions Kent & Medway. To find your nearest centre, telephone 0800 432 0207 or visit the website.

Kent County Council has a range of opportunities for students who may wish to wait a year before heading off to university. The Kent Gap Year Programme has a variety of placements both within the council and with other employers in the county.

In addition, Key Training Services, part of KCC, offers opportunities to gain a nationally recognised qualification, have hands on experience in the workplace and earn a wage. Apprenticeship schemes are available throughout the county in a range of careers and can start at any time in the year.

More information on the Gap Year Programme can be found on our website or by calling 08458 247 247. The freephone number for Key Training Services is 0800 7314297.

Anyone who needs help with clearing or has a query about their university application should contact UCAS on 0871 468 0 468 or log on to the ucas website.