Stunning A-level pass rates yet again
CIVIC chiefs have congratulated the area's students for their stunning A-level success.
As hundreds of students took stock of their achievements, an MP and council leaders showed admiration for the hard work of the teenagers and mature students of Hartlepool and east Durham.
They shared the delight of college staff and students after Hartlepool Sixth Form College recorded an impressive 99.2 per cent pass rate, English Martyrs School achieving an overall 99 per cent pass mark and Hartlepool College of Further Education gaining a 95 per cent pass rate.
St Bede's School and Byron Sixth Form College, in Peterlee, saw a 97 per cent pass rate.
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The figures were above or around the 97.6 per cent national pass rate.
The joy of the students came as some faced the prospect of battling it out for their university place of choice as statistics showed seven students were competing for each available vacancy.
It follows cuts in funding for universities coupled with a 14 per cent increase in the number of students applying to university.
Hartlepool MP Iain Wright said: "I think yesterday's results have recognised the enormous hard work that young people have put into their studies.
"Hartlepool has gone from strength to strength. We really have seen a remarkable improvement in results over the last 10 or 15 years.
"I know the number of young people applying to university is going up whereas the funding for university is being cut, which is going to be a disappointment.
"But I think A-levels are still a strong qualification and are still regarded as gold standard across the world and a badge of honour for many young people."
Councillor Cath Hill, Hartlepool Borough Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "Hartlepool's A-level students have worked extremely hard to reach this important day and they can take great pride in these impressive results.
"I send them my warmest congratulations and wish them every success in their future endeavours."
David Ford, head of achievement services for Durham County Council, which covers east Durham, said: "Although the figures we have are not yet fully complete, indications suggest another year of improvement for Durham schools and some outstanding performances by individual students.
"The percentage of higher grade A-C passes has risen again year on year and it is likely to be over 70 per cent.
"The percentage of overall passes at grades A to E is likely to be around 98 per cent.
"These results are testament to the students' hard work, the efforts of staff and the continued support and encouragement of their families.
"Many students will be taking up places at universities across the country and we wish them well for the future."
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Weather for Peterlee
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -5 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
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