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What results are included

Introduction

The examination and vocational qualification results in these tables were checked with, or supplied by, the schools and colleges in early October 1995. They do not take account of any grades that were changed after that time.

These tables do not cover all the work undertaken in schools and colleges. For example, colleges often provide for a wider range of student needs, including other work-related qualifications, and include adults as well as 16 to 18 year-olds among their students. You can find out more information about what is on offer in your local area from individual school and college prospectuses, or from the information that colleges publish locally about their work and achievements. For further details of where to find more information about choosing courses and on the difference between types of qualifications see the Parent's Charter, the Charter for Further Education and other information.

GCE A (Advanced) levels or AS (Advanced Supplementary) equivalents

GCE A level and AS examination results are shown for pupils aged 16, 17 and 18 at the start of 1994/95 school year. These examinations are traditional, general qualifications. AS examinations are equal to half a GCE A level. They are at the same academic standard as an A level, but have half the content. For GCE A levels or AS equivalents, the columns show the:
  • average point score per examination entry for GCE A level or AS examinations;
  • number of candidates entered for fewer than two GCE A levels or the AS equivalent. These students may be taking a GCE A or AS examination earlier than usual, or may be taking other qualifications, such as vocational qualifications, as well as a GCE A or AS examination;
  • average point score per candidate of those entered for fewer than two GCE A levels or the AS equivalent;
  • number of candidates entered for two or more GCE A levels or the AS equivalent; and
  • average point score per candidate of those taking more than two GCE A levels or the AS equivalent.

Average point scores

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 the 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)
16 to 18 year-olds studying towards specified advanced vocational qualifications

For specified advanced vocational qualifications, the tables show the:

  • number of candidates in their final year of study for an Advanced General National Vocational Qualification (Advanced GNVQ), a BTEC National qualification (Certificate or Diploma), or the City and Guilds (C&G) Diploma of Vocational Education at National level; and
  • percentage of candidates achieving these qualifications.

Advanced GNVQs are broadly equal to two GCE A levels. BTEC National Diplomas and Certificates and the C&G Diploma of Vocational Education at National level are also similar in standard to GCE A levels. These are qualifications which can lead to higher education or employment. The columns show the number of 16 to 18 year-olds in the final year of study for these qualifications in 1994/95, and the percentage of those students who gained the qualifications. Not all schools enter pupils for vocational qualifications.

National average figures

At the top of each table are the national average figures for all schools and colleges in England with 16 to 18 year-old students, including independent schools. You may wish to compare these with the results of individual schools and colleges.

International Baccalaureate

A few schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The results show:

  • number entered; and
  • percentage achieving the qualifications.

Assisted Places Scheme

This column shows whether an independent school takes part in the Assisted Places Scheme. This offers help to parents in meeting school fees.

 

 
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