Students in Wolverhampton are on track to have recorded their best ever post 16 exam results.

Early indications of performance provided to the City of Wolverhampton Council by local schools and academies suggest the city's young people have achieved improved A-level and vocational results again this year.

So far the council has received results from around two thirds of Wolverhampton's schools and academies, all of which are showing better outcomes for students suggesting that post 16 results have improved in the city for the seventh year running.

The results are likely to mean Wolverhampton once again features in the top 20 most improved local authority areas, a position it also held in 2014.

Nationally a record number of students will be heading to university next month, with more than 400,000 already accepted on to degree courses, up 3% year on year.

Councillor Claire Darke, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "Early indications are that students in Wolverhampton have performed exceptionally well in their post 16 exams this year, and I'd like to congratulate them - and their schools, teachers and parents - for all their hard work over the last 2 years.

"The fact that exam performance looks set to have improved again this year is testament to the continuing hard work of the council and our city's schools to raise educational standards in Wolverhampton.

"I hope our students are looking forward to their next move, whether that is going on to university or entering the world of work or training.

"Even if they didn't get the grades they want and haven't secured a place at their preferred university, they should not be downhearted as there are plenty of opportunities to secure alternative placements, not least through the Clearing process.

"The message is clear; if your exam results are not quite what you were expecting, there is no need to panic."

Careers advisors from Connexions Wolverhampton can offer help and support to young people who get better or worse results than expected, and assess what options are available to them.

The Wolverhampton Connexions Centre on Salop Street is open from 1.30pm to 4.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and can be contacted on 01902 773040 during office hours. Outside these times, help and advice is available via Type=links;Linkid=3988;Title=Connexions Wolverhampton;Target=_blank;.

Meanwhile, Wolverhampton's Adult Education Service, recently rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted, provides information, advice and guidance on career and funding options.

It also offers specific courses to prepare learners for work and employment, including helping with CV writing, interview skills and training.  Many of these courses are free, depending upon individual circumstances. Please call 01902 558180 or visit Type=links;Linkid=2102;Title=Adult Education Service;Target=_blank; for more details.

  • released: Friday 14 August, 2015