Private schools forge ahead with A* performance
Almost one in five A-levels taken at private schools were given the new A* grade, new figures reveal.
Analysis of exam results handed out to sixth formers last week shows a wide gap between independent schools and those in the state sector.
Nineteen per cent of exams taken by fee-paying pupils scored an A*. This compares with the national average for all schools of eight per cent.
The data from the Independent Schools Council, to be published this weekend, shows the North London Collegiate School is the top independent school in the capital based on this year's A-levels results.
Each candidate scored an average of 498 Ucas points, the equivalent of almost three As and one A* grade per pupil.
Three other London schools are in the top 10.
The full league tables are expected to show 53 per cent of A-level entries from private school pupils scored at least an A grade, compared with a national figure of 27 per cent.
Preliminary findings also show 2,078 private school pupils were awarded three or more A* grades. Matthew Burgess, deputy chief executive of the Independent Schools Council, said: "Once again, these excellent results reflect the hard work by many thousands of pupils and the excellent teaching in the independent sector."
The results also show that thousands of private school pupils are turning away from A-levels.
Almost 1,000 students took at least one Pre-U exam this year, a qualification thought by some to be better preparation for university. Unlike traditional A-levels it is not taken in modules.
More than 1,805 pupils also opted for the International Baccalaureate, while 276 studied for a BTEC qualification.
National A-level figures published by the Joint Council for Qualifications last week showed that independent schools accounted for 13 per cent of A-level entries this year, and 30 per cent of all A* grades awarded.
State comprehensive schools accounted for 37 per cent of entries and 26 per cent of A* grades awarded.
The rest of the entries came from grammar schools, academies, secondary moderns and colleges.
