A-level improvements welcome, but subject choice concerns remain

18 August 2011

Commenting on the release of the 2011 A-level results, Russell Group Director General Dr Wendy Piatt said: 

“A-level students should be congratulated for all their hard work and achievements, especially those who have secured university places in a highly competitive field. 

“Anyone who missed their offer should try not to panic, and should speak to the universities concerned – all our universities have staff ready to offer advice. They can also call the dedicated UCAS Exam Results Helpline on 0808 100 8000. 

“It is encouraging to see another overall increase in the number of students taking and achieving good passes in A-level sciences and maths. We are pleased that efforts by our universities and others to persuade students to consider carefully the real benefits of taking science and maths appear to be paying off. The skills learned by taking these subjects can significantly improve a student’s life chances by opening up academic options in many highly rewarding fields. 

“However, we remain very concerned that too few students from some state schools opt for science, maths and language A-levels, restricting their options at university and closing off certain career paths. This is why the Russell Group recently published Informed Choices, our guide to post-16 study options, which aims to improve information about how subject choices at school can impact on university applications. 

“Good academic results are the key to increasing your chances of winning a place at a leading university. Yet, despite some improvements, too many students from poorer backgrounds are still underperforming at school. The attainment gap between state and independent schools shown in today’s results demonstrates the continuing difficulty our universities face as they work to attract students with the most talent, potential and ability from all backgrounds. This attainment gap is the key reason why so few students from low-income backgrounds gain places at leading universities. We will continue to invest millions in outreach activities and financial aid to help close this gap.”

Notes for editors 

1. For example, despite comprising just 13.4% of entries, independent schools accounted for 29% of entries in Further Maths and 29% of entries in modern foreign languages.
2. Independent schools accounted for 13.4% of A-level entries, but 25% of A or A* grades and 30% of A* grades alone – the same proportions as in 2010.  50.8% of entries from independent schools scored A or A*, compared to 20.9% in comprehensive schools.

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