How to read these tables?

Sources of information

The GCE A level and AS examination and IB Diploma results came from the examining bodies concerned and were checked by schools and colleges. Results for vocational qualifications were provided by the schools and colleges themselves.

These results do not take account of any grades that were changed after the information was checked or provided by schools and colleges in early October 1997.

Background information (such as the school or college name and address) was also checked by schools and colleges. If a school or college did not confirm that it had checked its examination results and/or background information, the initials 'E' or 'B' (or both) appear after the age range of the school or college.

Background information

The tables give the following details for each school and college:

• the address and telephone number;
• what type of school it is or whether it is a college;
• the admissions policy for schools (selective, comprehensive, modern, non-selective);
• whether the school or college is for girls, boys or both; and
• the age range of the school or college.

GCE A levels or AS equivalents

The first part of the tables show achievements in GCE A level and AS examinations. These are traditional, general qualifications. AS examinations are at the same academic standard as a GCE A level, but have half the content and are equal to half a GCE A level.

The tables report GCE A level and AS examination results for pupils aged 16,17 and 18 at the start of the 1996/97 academic year so long as they were on the register at the school or college in January 1997. Results in modular examinations are included, even if students later declined those results in favour of continuing their studies.

For GCE A levels or AS equivalents, the columns show:

• the average point score per examination entry;
• the number of candidates entered for fewer than two GCE A levels or the AS equivalent
• the average point score per candidate of those entered for fewer than two GCE A levels or the AS equivalent;
• the number of candidates entered for two or more GCE A levels or the AS equivalent; and
• the average point score per candidate of those taking more than two GCE A levels or the AS equivalent.

How the average point scores are calculated

When students apply to universities, each pass grade they have in GCE A or AS examinations scores a certain number of points. The points for each grade are as follows:

Grade		GCE A level points		AS points 	  
A			10			5			
B			 8			4			
C			 6			3			
D			 4			2			
E			 2			1

This system has been used to produce an average point score per examination entry. This gives an average which does not depend on the number of examinations taken by candidates. The maximum possible point score per entry is 10. For example, this is calculated as follows:

Student achieves B grade at GCE A level (8 points)
and B grade at AS (4 points)	  			=  12 points
Ten students do the same				= 120 points      
Number of examination entries				=  15
						(each GCE A level counts as one entry
						 and each AS as half an entry)
Average point score per examination entry		=   8 points
							(120 points in total
							divided by 15 entries)

This system has also been used to produce an average point score per candidate. This gives an average which depends on the number of examinations taken by candidates as well as the grades they achieved. For example, this is calculated as follows:

Student achieves B grade at GCE A level (8 points)
and B grade at AS (4 points)				=  12 points
Ten students do the same				= 120 points
Average point score per candidate			=  12 points
 							(120 points in total
							divided by 10 students)

Vocational Qualifications

For the advanced vocational qualifications, the columns show:

• the number of 16-18 year olds in their final year of study for an Advanced GNVQ, a BTEC National qualification (Certificate or Diploma), or the City and Guilds Diploma of Vocational Education at National level; and
• the percentage of candidates achieving these qualifications based on work done in the 1996/97 academic year.

Advanced GNVQs are broadly equal to 2 GCE A levels. BTEC National Diplomas and Certificates and the City and Guilds Diploma of Vocational Education at National level are similar in standard to GCE A levels and are qualifications which can lead to higher education or employment and further training.

For the intermediate vocational qualifications, the columns show:

• the number of 16-18 year olds in their final year of study for an Intermediate GNVQ, a BTEC First qualification (Diploma or Certificate) or a City and Guilds Diploma of Vocational Education at Intermediate level; and
• the percentage of candidates achieving these qualifications based on work done in the 1996/97 academic year.

Intermediate GNVQs are broadly equal to four GCSEs at grades A* to C.

Not all schools or colleges enter students for vocational qualifications.

International Baccalaureate

A few schools and colleges offer the IB Diploma.

The columns show the:

• number entered; and
• percentage achieving the qualifications.

National averages

The top of each page shows national average figures, which includes all schools and Further Education sector colleges. You may wish to compare these with the results of individual schools and colleges.

Special schools

Children who need more specialised teaching and facilities may go to special schools. Special schools with students aged 16-18 may choose to be included in the School and College Performance Tables.

Sixth form centres and consortia

In some areas, to pool resources and offer a wider range of post-16 courses to students, schools co-operate together in a group known as a sixth form centre or consortium. Where schools are known to be part of a sixth form centre or consortium, a symbol will appear in these tables next to the age range of the school. The centre or consortium will also be named and its results shown separately, together with the names of the participating schools.