A-Levels: "Don't panic"

"Students are more than just their results"

Hundreds of sixth form students across the Isle of Man have been getting their A-Level results today.

For most, today is the day they’ll find out if they’ve secured a place at their chosen university.

But for some, results day is a nerve wracking experience as they tread into the unknown.

Jay Wight is from Isle Listen and thinks the key message is not to panic:

We’re hearing that the proportion of top A-level grades has fallen just over 9 percentage points in England compared to last year, but still remains up by 1-point-8 percent versus pre-pandemic levels.

On the Isle of Man, it’s been noted there has been a dip in the grades this year, but it’s important to note that these exams are the first time the grading system has returned to normal and the leniency that Covid brought to make up for lost learning is no longer there.

So, are universities showing any sort of flexibility in their admissions with this in mind?

That’s Josephine Evans, the examinations officer at Castle Rushen High School there; on the whole around two thirds of students are now headed off to university, either through their first choice or clearing.

Headteacher Keith Winstanley has been speaking to Manx Radio:

So maybe you or your kids have received their results today and they’re not living up to what they’d hoped, as we heard earlier, don’t be too hard on yourself because there is support available, as Curriculum Lead John Danielson explains: