NASUWT COMMENTS ON A-LEVEL RESULTS

Commenting on the A-level results, Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union, said:

“Congratulations must go to young people and their teachers who have worked so hard to deliver yet another excellent set of results.

“It is clear that standards have been maintained across the board and credit for that must go to teachers who have, yet again, pulled out all the stops to ensure that young people are supported to achieve their best.

“This has been achieved despite upheaval to syllabuses and cuts to budgets in the post-16 sector, which have had a significant impact on the staffing levels and resources available in schools and colleges.

“It is disappointing to see that uptake in certain subjects has dropped, including Art & Design, Modern Languages and Sociology. The reasons for this decline must be examined carefully.

“The increase in A-level students securing places in higher education is positive, although it is concerning that Government policies will lead to significant amounts of debt for young people upon completing their courses.

“For those young people choosing not to pursue university, there needs to be more focus on providing alternatives that carry equal status, such as high quality work placements and apprenticeships.

“As we celebrate the achievements of today’s students, the Government must act to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to make the fullest use of their skills and talents, by removing the barriers to achievement created by poverty and disadvantage.”