17-07-2025
Looking back on A-levels: an educational milestone
With exam season over, A-level candidates across Cumbria now face the anxious wait for their results, and we're remembering the successes of past students.
Will Crisp achieved A*, A, A and was going to Cambridge (Image: Chris West) A-levels(Advanced Levels) are subject-based qualifications awarded as part of the General Certificate of Education, as well as school leaving qualifications offered by educational bodies in the United Kingdom and the educational authorities of British Crown dependencies to students completing secondary or pre-university education.
Crunch time for West Lakes Academy pupils Callum Bowness, Luke Jennings, James Duguid and Sean Tait (Image: Newsquest) They were introduced in England and Wales in 1951 to replace the Higher School Certificate. A-levels give students potential access to a chosen university they applied to with UCAS points. They could be accepted into it should they meet the requirements of the university.
Caldew School's Lucy Wright got the three A stars and one A needed to take her to Oxford (Image: Newsquest) A-levels are typically worked towards over two years. Normally, students take three or four A-level courses in their first year of sixth form, and most taking four cut back to three in their second year.
A-level student Glen Brown was about to start an apprenticeship with Sellafield as a nuclear welding inspector (Image: Newsquest) This is because university offers are normally based on three A-level grades, and taking a fourth can have an impact on grades. Unlike other level-3 qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate, A-levels have no specific subject requirements, so students have the opportunity to combine any subjects they wish to take.
Netherhall student Jessica Douglas was heading off to Manchester University to study business management after doing well in her A-levels (Image: Newsquest) However, they normally pick their courses based on the degree they wish to pursue at university: most degrees require specific A-levels for entry. In recent years, doubt has been cast on the efficacy of A-levels and in 2023, the then prime minister Rishi Sunak announced sweeping changes to the qualifications.
After receiving their A-level results, Netherhall students Chloe Pearson (left) and Rebecca Mitchell were both off to Northumbria University (Image: Newsquest)
He announced that all 16 to 19-year-olds would typically study five subjects as part of the new Advanced British Standard, including some English and maths to 18. He said more teachers would be recruited and that it would take some years to implement the changes.
Workington Academy's Beth Hilton, Lewis Maxwell, Heather Taylor and Glen Brown all did well in their A-levels (Image: Newsquest) One of the most striking aspects of the plan was that students would be able to combine both academic and vocational elements, with typically three major and two minor aspects.
Cockermouth School's Alistair Martin goes in for a hug after getting his results (Image: Newsquest) However, it was cancelled by the Labour government after their victory in the 2024 general election.
