ON behalf of Hampshire County Council, I would like to congratulate all post-16 students in Hampshire on their success. Provisional results suggest that we can celebrate another excellent year for post-16 outcomes across the county, with an improvement in both A-level and vocational results.

Whilst A-levels remain the “gold standard” for 18-year-olds, in terms of academic achievement, the importance of vocational examinations should not be overlooked, and students’ vocational achievements should be celebrated in equal measure.

This is especially relevant as more students look to start their careers at the age of 18, rather than automatically heading to university.

This has benefits not only for them, but also for the local communities in which they live and work -– ensuring those communities can prosper and remain vibrant and make a contribution to the overall wealth and prosperity of the country.

This summer’s results are once more, a reflection of both the hard work of students and the high quality post-16 education and training sector that we have in Hampshire. I wish to acknowledge and thank the many excellent teaching and support staff in our colleges and school sixth forms who, along with parents and carers, work so hard to support students to achieve.

COUNCILLOR PETER EDGAR, Executive Member for Education, Hampshire County Council.