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Students celebrate record pass rates

From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Thursday 19th Aug 2004.

Thousands of students across the district picked up their long-awaited A-level results today with a horde of A grades expected.

The forecast includes a rise in exam success across the country which should be reflected in Bradford.

The national pass rate has risen 0.6 per cent this year to 96 per cent, and more than a fifth of entrants, 22.4 per cent, won A grades, up from 21.6 per cent last year.

Beckfoot School, in Wagon Lane, Bingley, was among the schools celebrating today with a pass rate of 98 per cent.

And 44 per cent of the passes were A or B grades.

Head teacher David Horn said he was delighted.

"For a genuine comprehensive school which is keen to give all our students an opportunity to succeed, this is a stunning success.

"Ten of our students achieved at least two A grades or more."

These were Joti Ahir, who will be studying Law at Oxford University, Vicki Brown, Rose Burden, Stephen Grisag, Anjali Mistry, Sumayya Nowrin, James Palframan, Rachel Rushbrooke, Max Shlote and James Walsh.

And Dixons Community Technology College, in Ripley Street, West Bowling, achieved a pass rate of just above 99 per cent, and more than 40 per cent of passes were As and Bs.

Deputy head teacher Dwayne Saxton dismissed claims exams were getting easier.

"In a sense saying that doesn't given credit to the hard work of the students, parents and staff at schools and I would disagree strongly with the claims," he said.

"We are very pleased with the students' performance and they have all achieved great things."

But because so many students are now achieving the highest grades there will be discussions later this year about how universities can distinguish high-flyers.

Student ambassadors from the University of Bradford were today visiting Nab Wood and Hanson schools in Bradford and Keighley College to give them advice on Clearing and university life.

The university will be holding open days this Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3.30pm, and 6pm to 8pm next Wednesday when would-be students can see if the campus is the right place for them.

School standards minister David Miliband congratulated students on their success and thanked teachers and support staff for their hard work.

"Don't let anyone tell you standards have fallen because more of you have done well. This is simply a myth," he said.

"These results show there is an education revolution underway in our country."

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