50% A-level entries from ISC pupils are awarded grade A

25 August 2007

A level exam results from 476 Independent Schools Council (ISC) schools show that this year - for the first time ever - half of all entries have received an A grade. In addition, more than 75% of entries were graded A or B, also for the first time.

Commenting on the high proportion of A grades this year (25.3% nationally, 50% at ISC schools), Jonathan Shephard, ISC Chief Executive, said:

"These results at ISC schools reflect the ability and effort of the pupils taking the exams and the skills of their teachers. Congratulations to all those involved in their success."

Provisional results achieved by 31,347 candidates from 476 schools were released today by ISC. Full school-by-school analyses are available online (after 11 am on Saturday) at www.isc.co.uk but the aggregate data show that:

At GCE A-level:

99.4% [2006: 99.4%] of all entries (101,020 out of 101,649) received pass (A-E) grades (national average 96.9% [2006 96.6%]);

50% [2006: 47.9%] of entries (50,854) were awarded the top A grade (national average 25.3% [2006: 24.1%]);

76.1% [2006: 74.3%] of entries (77,332) were graded A or B (national average 49.7% [2006 48.1%]).

For the 7th year, the ISC results service reports on the cumulative achievements of upper sixth formers (Year 13), including their grades in AS-level examinations not taken at full A level, and, in some schools, Applied A- and AS- examinations and the International Baccalaureate(IB).

Notes to editors:

ISC exists to promote choice, diversity and excellence in education; the development of talent at all levels of ability; and the widening of opportunity for children from all backgrounds to achieve their potential.  ISC represents the seven leading independent schools associations in the UK, collectively educating 500,000 children in 1,280 schools in the UK and overseas.

Jonathan Shephard, previously General Secretary ISC, is now Chief Executive.

The ISC list includes no aggregation of grade information into UCAS points.

Full grade information is available at http://www.isc.co.uk/  from 11 am on Saturday.

Press enquiries: Alexandra Caish, Head of Press, ISC
Telephone: (office) 020 7766 7060 (mobile) 0788 5620713
Email: alex.caish@isc.co.uk