IfL congratulates GCSE students and their teachers

IfL’s chief executive, Toni Fazaeli, said, “We would like to congratulate all those who worked hard to achieve their GCSE results, and pay tribute to the dedicated teachers who helped them achieve success. For all the talk about ‘record falls’ in top grades – some of which reflect the increased numbers of learners taking exams a year early, at the age of 15 – there is some very positive news. In the post-16 sector, for example, where there was an increase of 9 per cent in the number of entries, the proportion of A*-C grades has improved in every subject, except English, which suffered a half percentage point drop.

“From this September, young people will be staying on in education or training until they are 17 at least, and from 2015 the age of participation will increase to 18. IfL is concerned that these 17-year-olds, including those who did not get the results they hoped for, should have the very best trained and qualified teachers to help them succeed in the coming year.

“IfL is also concerned that too few young people are getting the right information, advice and guidance about the routes available to them. Many may not be aware of the diverse range of high-quality vocational qualification options, including apprenticeships and higher apprenticeships, available in the further education and skills sector. They may not know that sixth-form colleges routinely outperform schools in A-level results, or that a significant proportion of students are doing a range of higher education courses, including degrees, in further education settings.

“From this year, there is another option open to 16 to 24-year-olds. Traineeships offer a tailor-made package of support aimed at giving them the confidence, skills and experience to progress to apprenticeships and compete for jobs with more experienced adults.

“During visits to colleges and providers around the country, I always listen to apprentices’ and other learners’ views about teaching and learning and how much they value being taught by teachers who have worked in industry or run their own business. Qualified teachers and trainers are dual professionals, whose expertise in their subject or vocational area as well as in teaching methods helps improve the life chances of millions of young and adult learners each year. IfL believes it is vital that those starting to teach in the sector continue to have initial teacher training and qualifications, so that they can achieve the best possible outcomes for their learners. Evidence shows a strong link between being a qualified teacher and being a good or outstanding teacher.

“Exams are important, but we should not allow a relentless focus on league tables to detract from the greater purpose of education and the importance of helping young people and adults with a wide range of abilities to fulfil their potential and achieve their ambitions. Whatever results the candidates achieved, I hope that their GCSEs encourage them to develop a lifelong love of learning.”