Regional gaps in A-level take-up, research finds

Analysis from the New Schools Network has found stark regional differences in the proportion of pupils studying A-levels in local state schools in England.

The figures varied considerably, with just two per cent of pupils in Knowsley studying for A-levels, compared to 74 per cent of pupils in Harrow.

In addition to Knowsley, there were a further seven authorities where less than 20 per cent of its students were taking A-levels in schools in their boroughs. These included Rutland (seven per cent); Portsmouth (nine per cent); Barnsley (15 per cent); South Tyneside (15 per cent); Southwark (18 per cent); Lambeth (19 per cent); Salford (19 per cent); Southampton9 20 per cent); and Bolton (21 per cent).

The research outlined that in some cases, teenagers might be travelling to schools in neighbouring local authorities to take A-levels, which could account for some of the variation. However, the study warned that such areas were likely to have below-average provision, meaning students would have to compete for limited numbers of places.

It noted that there was no real link between poorer areas and low take up of A-levels, citing the London boroughs of Lewisham and Islington as areas with both higher levels of deprivation and equally high levels of young people taking A-levels.

Nick Timothy, New Schools Network director, said: “Gaps in A-level provision are creating a glass ceiling for the poorest pupils by limiting access to A-Levels - which still offer the best chance of access to higher education and good employment prospects.”

A The Department for Education spokeswoman argued: “These figures are completely misleading - they do not reflect those young people who study A-levels in a neighbouring borough, the actual levels of participation are far higher because many will choose to study in other areas.

"The primary reason the uptake of A-levels differs from area to area is because demand varies across the country. Where there is demand, provision is always available."