Research and analysis

Variability in A level results for schools, 2017 to 2019

Analysis of how results for schools and colleges have changed in recent years.

From:
Ofqual
Published
15 August 2019

Documents

Variability in A level results for schools and colleges 2017-2019

Ref: Ofqual/19/6528

PDF, 3.57 MB, 21 pages

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Details

A level results in England have been relatively stable in recent years, with only small changes in the overall percentages of students achieving A* or A grades. However, we know that individual schools and colleges may see variation in the proportion of students achieving particular grades from one year to the next. This can be due to many different factors, including differences in the mix of the students entered for particular A levels, different teaching approaches, changes in teaching staff or teaching time, and changes to qualifications.

Key Points

  • In general, the level of variation in individual school and college results at A* and A is similar to previous years
  • Differences between the average (mean) percentage of students achieving grades A* or A in 2018/2019 and in 2017/2018 were generally small, indicating that year-on-year results in the subjects analysed have remained relatively stable
  • Even when there are no changes to qualifications, individual schools and colleges will see variation in their year-on-year results: this is normal
Published 15 August 2019

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