City's joy at massive post-16 education success

The overall proportion of A-level students in Brighton & Hove passing with high grades in 2017 has exceeded the national average by nearly six percentage points.

Provisional results suggest that across the city overall 58.8% of the city’s 2,068 A-level students achieved A*-B grades, against a national average of 52.9%.

Overall passes locally are at 97.9%, a figure in line with the national average.

Local schools and colleges have also performed well in Level 3 BTEC qualifications, a vocational alternative to A-Levels. More than 700 students have gained BTEC qualifications, with more than half achieving the top Distinction and Distinction* marks.

The percentage of AS-level students passing with good grades is also up, despite overall entries being down by 40% as a result of the introduction of reformed stand-alone AS levels.

The number of A*-B grades at AS-level went up by 8.5% across all centres.

In the International Baccalaureate Diploma, available at Varndean College, the 47 students averaged an amazing 36 points – rated by universities as the equivalent of three A grades at A-Level.

Councillor Dan Chapman, chair of Brighton & Hove City Council’s Children & Young People Committee, said: “These results are particularly good news given the changes taking place nationally with A-levels. Our students may have been feeling anxious but they have come through with flying colours.

“But today is not just about A-levels. More and more of our young people are seeing the value of the high quality vocational courses and apprenticeships that are available here. I’m every bit as thrilled with the success stories we’ve seen in these areas as well.

“We will continue to work closely with our schools, colleges and training providers to bring about further improvements in future.”