AS students picked up their A-Level and advanced Tech-Level results on Thursday, county councillors awarded them all an ‘A’ for effort and achievement.

Provisional results, reported by Hampshire colleges and school sixth forms, indicate that Hampshire A-Level and T-Level students continue to outperform the national average, with the average grade per A-Level entry increasing from C+ to B-. The 2017 national average was grade C.

Students following advanced T-Level qualifications, which support progressing to occupationally specific careers, also improved their average grade to ‘Distinction’, an increase above the 2017 national average of ‘Distinction minus’.

Many students in Hampshire also follow general vocational qualifications at advanced level. Provisional data suggests that these too continue to outperform the national average with an average grade of ‘Distinction plus’ against a 2017 national average of ‘Distinction’.

Stephen Reid, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for education and skills, human resources and performance, said: “The achievement of students who took their advanced level academic, technical and vocational courses this summer reflects both their hard work and how they have benefited from the high standard of education and training that is available in Hampshire colleges and school sixth forms.

“It’s particularly pleasing to see an improvement in the average grades across all qualification types, which will support more young people to progress to higher education or an Apprenticeship. While acknowledging the efforts of the students, I would also like to recognise the input of the many excellent teaching and support staff who work so hard to support students to achieve.”

And he added: “As a local authority we are proud of the performance of Hampshire’s colleges and school sixth forms which are currently all regarded as good or outstanding by Ofsted.

“We are keen to support further success for all young people, whatever their choice or programme, post 16, and whichever provider they attend. We will analyse the results later in the year and look to see where we can support further success.

“Education, employment and learning opportunities in Hampshire are greater than ever before – whatever qualifications are achieved.

“After receiving their results, if any young person is unsure of their next step, they can contact us for careers advice by emailing [email protected].”

Hampshire County Council has a responsibility to support young people to participate in education and training, post 16, and to ensure there are sufficient high-quality programmes available in colleges, school sixth forms and training providers to meet the needs of learners, employers and the wider Hampshire community.

* Hampshire Futures, the county council’s youth service, is providing a helpline to support any students who want to discuss their options after receiving their A-Level or GCSE exam results.

The phone line - 01962 846193 - will be staffed by qualified careers advisers and is open to any young person in Hampshire. It is operational today and tomorrow (Thursday and Friday) from 9am-5pm.