What might a minimum entry threshold for higher education look like?
We present some data on achievement in A-levels and equivalent that might be useful to those thinking about a minimum entry threshold to higher education.
Which A-Level subjects have the best (and worst) gender balance?
We explore trends in gender balance over the last five years.
What are the most popular subject combinations at A-Level?
Our analysis shows that combinations involving STEM subjects are enduringly popular
Using GCSE average point score as a measure of A-Level prior attainment
Be careful when using GCSE average point score to compare cohorts
The equivalence of A-Levels and reformed BTECs
What does equivalence look like following changes to vocational qualifications?
A-Level results day 2017: A look at changing grade distributions
We looked at some of the main A-Level results trends this morning, and separately we have looked at how results changed in subjects that have been reformed (in brief: attainment fell slightly). But there are a couple of other interesting trends in grade distributions to be drawn out. Some specific subjects are seeing quite large [...]
A-Level results day 2017: The impact of reform in England and Wales
A massive 59% of A-Level exams sat in England this year were in reformed subjects which follow the new, linear model of sitting one set of exams at the end of the two-year course. Overall, and perhaps surprisingly, A-Level entries by 18-year-olds in reformed subjects increased by 2.3% in England. This compares to 0.7% in [...]
A-Level results day 2017: The key trends in three charts
Overall, A-Level pass rates have edged up slightly A*-A passes were up slightly (26.3% of all awards v 25.8% last year), though the overall A*-E pass rate was down slightly (97.9% v 98.1%). The proportion of A*s awarded was also up - to 8.3% of all awards, versus 8.1% last year. However, in England the [...]
Can we compare the A-Level performance of independent schools and state schools?
Last week the TES ran a story based on some research by Tom Richmond [PDF] comparing the A-Level value added scores of independent schools and state schools. In the story, the average value added score for the 10 highest attaining independent schools was given as 0.19, and for the 10 highest attaining non-selective state schools 0.26. [...]