D&T A-Level Entries Rise

Published 18th August 2022

Today is A-Level and Vocational Level 3 results day, and for many students, this is the day that will help to determine their immediate future. For others, it's a day of relief. Either way, it's a day full of excitement, emotion, and high anticipation for many, as young people nationally find out if they've got into their first-choice university or not. Students and their teachers have worked hard in uncertain and disruptive times to get to this point. Regardless of results, we congratulate you all for your perseverance in difficult circumstances dictated by the COVID pandemic.

This year has seen a return to all exams and formal assessments following years of COVID disruption. The different nature of assessment across these years makes direct comparison across grades difficult and unhelpful; therefore, we will avoid doing so as much as possible.

Overall, there was a reduction across all subjects in the number of students achieving A*/C from 88.2% last year to 82.1% this year, a decrease of 6.1%. This gives a feel for the reduction in overall grades, and design and technology results align with these percentages.

We are delighted to see a 14.3% increase in design and technology A Level entries nationally. This is the first increase in entry numbers that the subject has registered for several years and is a delight to see. It is also satisfying to see entry numbers rise in NI, Wales, and England.

In line with the results across all subjects, we saw a reduction in the award of top grades (in line with national percentages), with our A*/C figure reducing by 7% this year on 2021 results. Vocational grades registered very similar grading patterns with slight decreases across all Pass, Merit and Distinction grades.

Students can and should be so proud of what they have achieved. We must not forget the disruption surrounding education over the last few years caused by the pandemic. Students picking up results today have demonstrated tremendous grit, determination, and resilience to post these impressive results; they can, and should, hold their heads high as they move to the next stage of their academic and personal journey.

Design and Technology CEO Tony Ryan states, "As an ex-headteacher, my head always turns to those disappointed with today's results. Our message today is that these results do not define you; they are a comma, not a full stop in your progression to the person you can be. However you feel about the results achieved today, what is important is that you take advice and be sure to progress positively from this point. We wish you all every success!"

The pandemic has challenged us all, but students and their parents should remember that these results, whether to or below expectation, only represent a moment in time. There are always options and credible alternatives available, and students should use this time to determine their passion and set a path for progression. Available pathways, of course, include university and use of the clearing system, but also include apprenticeship schemes and the option to retake your exams. Whatever you decide to do, just remember that you're not alone.