26th August 2015 1:00
By Blue Tutors
A’ level students all over the country have received their results, grades which for many will determine their options for university. This year, few students have been awarded top grades than in previous years, where there has been a rising trend in improved grades. Science students in particular may be disappointed, as the proportion awarded A* or A has fallen compared with previous years. Results for humanities subjects have also fallen. According to early analysis, only those taking English A level are likely to see a significant improvement on results from last year.
Exams regulator Ofqual has said that the slight decline in top grades is to be expected as there has been an increase in the number of students taking more ‘traditional’ and competitive subjects this year. Subjects such as the sciences, Maths and History have had an increase in uptake from students who may not necessarily expect to achieve top grades. Universities UK have said that the slight decline in A level results will have little impact on students’ ability to attend universities of their choice, as more places than ever are available this year. For the first time, the government has lifted the cap on undergraduate numbers, meaning that there are more places available for students applying and through clearing.
The Russell Group has said that the news that more students are taking ‘core facilitating subjects’ was most welcome. They noted that Russell Group universities, which are among the best in the country, could have places available for students who performed better than expected. They also said that for students who narrowly missed their first choice after receiving lower than expected results, there were other Russell Group universities which may well be able to offer them a place through clearing. Emphasizing that clearing should not be seen as a last resort, the admissions service UCAS has urged students who have missed out on their grades this year to contact them for advice.