Summer, for most students, is a relaxing six week break from school. But for A Level and GCSE students, Summer can be a nervous time waiting for results day!
Congratulations to all students who collected their A-Level results last Thursday. Results locally were excellent, with both Collyers and The Weald achieving an A Level pass rate of 99 per cent!
Despite tougher grade-awards nationally there were many stellar grades.
Whatever the grades individuals secured I congratulate them on their results and the teachers who help all to achieve their potential.
For many, university will be the next step. University is great - students undertake academic study whilst experiencing independent living. It is a financial commitment, but also a long-term investment that can help students to maximise their future career and earning potential.
On average students who go on to University have, certainly in the past, benefitted from higher wages over their careers. With the huge and very welcome expansion in University education (from under 1 in 10 to nearly 1 in 2) successive Governments have placed more of the costs on the students who have the benefit – albeit with generous “write off provisions” for those who can’t afford to pay back the debt.
Happily notwithstanding the changes the number of students from deprived backgrounds has continued to expand and is now at an all-time high.
The Augar Review into post-18 education, recently published their findings on Higher Education funding. The Government has already improved affordability and is considering its next moves in the light of the review.
University is not however for everyone – nor is it essential in an era where lifetime training is the norm to think of it as only an option for immediate school leavers.
Apprenticeships allow young people to study towards a qualification (including to degree level) whilst gaining practical work experience – and being paid! In 2017/18, 600 people in Horsham started an apprenticeship programme – it is a great option which I hope many will continue to take.
Finally, good luck to all the GCSE students who are today picking up their results!
Photo Credit: Last Friday Jeremy Quin was delighted to bump Into a tuneful team from Chestnut Tree Hospice busking (with the support of GTR, Horsham Pianos and the Horsham District Year of Culture) in Horsham Station. Raising money for a great cause with decorations provided by QE2 Silver Jubilee school.