SIXTH form students across Tynedale have rightfully been praised for another outstanding year of A-level results.

The scenes of celebration at the district’s four high schools on results day last Thursday, were akin to those of previous years.

But changes to the format of A-levels meant Tynedale students were being tested in a new way for the very first time.

The new system was introduced by former education secretary Michael Gove with the intention of raising standards.

It meant that all exams were sat at the end of two years of study, instead of modular exams throughout the course.

No subject had a coursework component of more than 20 per cent, with most subjects assessed entirely through exams.

While AS-level courses could still be studied alongside A-level courses, they no longer contributed to A-level results.

If those changes weren’t enough for teenagers to get to grips with, students requiring resits will have to wait until next May or June to re-take an exam.

Hexham’s Queen Elizabeth High School enjoyed a fruitful summer, with 50 per cent of entries graded A*, A or equivalent, with the percentage of A* grades doubling since last year.

Head of School Andy Byers said QEHS made changes to prepare staff and pupils for the new system two years ago, which included the scrapping of AS-levels in Year 12.

He explained: “The school was particularly pleased because this is the first year that new, more challenging, A-levels have been examined.

“The school is reflecting positively on the decisions it took two years ago to respond to the introduction of these new A-levels.

“The students have benefited from spending more time on fewer subjects and from our decision to scrap AS Levels in Year 12.”

Ponteland High School headteacher Kieran McGrane admitted that the changes made for an extremely challenging time for students and staff.

He added: “The introduction of new-style qualifications always brings with it a degree of uncertainty and concern, especially when they are examined for the first time, as was the case this summer.

“I have been hugely impressed with the way our staff have planned for and taught the new A-level courses, but also with the way our fantastic students have adapted and applied themselves.”

Haydon Bridge High School executive principal Dr Judith Greene said that despite the introduction of new system, students had excelled this summer, with several excelling in vocational courses and many being accepted for the university courses of their choice.

She added: “There have been significant changes in the A-level syllabi, and our students and staff have responded well to these, as indicated by their results.”

Prudhoe High School headteacher Deborah Reeman was also quick to praise students at her school, where there was a 100 per cent pass rate, with 46 per cent of students achieving grades A*, A or B.

She said: “Against a backdrop of changes to A-level specifications and tougher examinations, our students performed exceptionally well.”

However, the changes mean that the future for AS-level qualifications remains uncertain.

Their decoupling from the A-level programme means that they have now become a standalone qualification.

General secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders Geoff Barton said the changes could well sound the death knell for AS-levels.

He added: “The great benefit of the old system was that it gave students a broader range of knowledge and allowed them to keep their options open for longer.”