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CBI reacts to the release of A-level results

The CBI reacted to the release of this year’s A-level results.

Dr Neil Bentley, CBI Deputy Director-General, said:

“Congratulations to all students achieving the grades they worked so hard for in today’s A-level results. It’s particularly pleasing that the growth in numbers studying science and maths is continuing, as these subjects are critical to the future success of our economy. Given our need to expand exports to boost growth, the further drop in language entries is a concern.”

On the importance on A-level rigour he said:

“A-levels are the academic peak of the schools system and they are an invaluable benchmark for employers when recruiting. Businesses support the Government’s plans to underpin the stretch and rigour of the exams which will help retain their status.

“With more employers looking to hire at 18 – often through innovative ‘learn-while-you-earn’ schemes – the Government should listen to business views to ensure exam reforms help better prepare young people for work and life.”

On the importance of rigour in non A-level courses he said:

“With the education leaving age being raised to 18 before the next General Election, there is even more pressure to develop high quality, rigorously examined options for those who do not choose the A-level route. 

“Too often these courses have been the Cinderella of the debate and we need to urgently address this, by developing simple and effective structures for vocational study and by learning from the good examples offered by University Technical Colleges and others. The CBI will publish its proposals in new research on the education system this autumn.”

Recent CBI research shows that more than a third of employers, rising to 68% among large firms, expect to expand their recruitment of school leavers and apprentices with A-levels.

Notes to Editors:

The CBI is the UK's leading business organisation, speaking for some 240,000 businesses that together employ around a third of the private sector workforce. With offices across the UK as well as representation in Brussels, Washington, Beijing and Delhi the CBI communicates the British business voice around the world.