By Carole Dennett
Provisional A-level results, released by Ofqual for 2025, have once again delivered a damning verdict on the Isle of Wight’s education system.
While some students achieved outstanding grades, the Island remains the lowest-performing county in the country, raising serious concerns about future opportunities for local young people. The results are particularly hard to explain, given that most Island students speak English as their first language and come from a relatively stable population – factors that should support stronger academic outcomes. Many other counties face greater challenges on these fronts, yet deliver better results.
Of the 1,165 A level entries across 28 subjects, just 4.3 per cent were awarded the top A* grade – less than half the national average of 9.4 per cent. Only 17.6 per cent of grades reached A* or A, compared to 28.2 per cent nationally and 31.2 per cent in the South East – the highest performing region in the UK. Even the lower benchmark of B grade or higher saw Island students fall short, with just 44.0 per cent achieving this level, well below the national figure of 53.3 per cent.
These statistics are more than just numbers – they represent lost opportunities. With top universities demanding higher grades, many Island students are effectively locked out of the most competitive courses. And with tuition fees now £9,535 for all courses, they face paying the same price for lower prospects.
No subject with more than 25 entrants matched national performance. In maths, only 9.1 per cent achieved an A* compared to 16.6 per cent nationally. Art was a particular low point, with just 5.9 per cent awarded A*, against a national average of 15.9. No student achieved an A* in business, classical civilisation, drama, economics, French, history, law, music, philosophy, PE, or religious studies. In subjects with fewer than 25 students, results can be disproportionately affected by the very strong or very weak.
There were isolated successes – such as in film and media studies, where a small number of students gained an A* – but even in those subjects, the Island was still below the national average in the wider A*–B band.
Nothing should detract from those pupils who have worked hard and done well. But, despite others also putting in plenty of effort, our education system is clearly letting them down. The overall picture remains bleak.
An IW Council spokesman said: “When children take A Level examinations, this is the culmination of not just the two years of work during sixth form, but of education experiences since the earliest point. The council agrees that improving A-level results is a priority, and this is part of the proposals included within the Island’s new education strategy.
“With specific regard to A-level provision on the Island, the significant majority is provided by academies or multi academy trusts, and the council will continue to work with them, and the Department for Education, to improve outcomes.”