FELIXSTOWE'S sixth formers enjoyed a triumphant 94 per cent pass rate in their A-level exams, it was revealed today.Staff at the sixth form – which includes pupils from both Orwell High and Deben High – spent yesterday collating and analysing all the results and found that the pass rate was three pc up on last year.

By Richard Cornwell

FELIXSTOWE'S sixth formers enjoyed a triumphant 94 per cent pass rate in their A-level exams, it was revealed today.

Staff at the sixth form – which includes pupils from both Orwell High and Deben High – spent yesterday collating and analysing all the results and found that the pass rate was three pc up on last year.

The average points score for pupils seeking to enter universities and other colleges was also up at 15.7.

Orwell High headteacher David Forrest said everyone was delighted to see the improved pass rate.

"The students have been very successful and will be going off to the colleges and courses they have worked hard to achieve," he said.

He said: "Despite criticism nationally of the A levels, the modular exam system was showing enormous benefits for students, now kept informed of their progress throughout courses and who know much better what they were likely to achieve.

"It means they get regular feedback about their progress – that's what real life is like. You don't work for two years at something and then sit down for one day to take an exam to see how well you have done, you find out about your progress as you go along," he said.

"I think the modular A levels give a win-win situation. If a student finds out they are doing badly, they will work harder to improve, and if they know they are doing well, they will work hard to keep that going and achieve what they want."

Felixstowe Sixth Form had worked hard over the past two years, a broader range of subjects was now being offered, attracting more students to stay on.