MORE than 900 students from the Island’s five secondary schools will obtain their GCSE results today (Tuesday).

This year sees a change in proceedings with the results coming out on a Tuesday instead of the usual Thursday.

The results have been brought forward to ensure that the schools and college can process returning students in time for the new term.

Last year the GCSE A*-G pass rate in the Island was a record high at 98.6 per cent. The proportion of students obtaining five or more higher grade GCSEs (A*-C) was 61.9 per cent, the second highest recorded.

Good results could be essential this year as it has been reported that young people may struggle to find work in the Island.

Paul Craine, co-ordinating adviser for 11-19 education, said: “The Isle of Man has a growing number of young people who are not in education, employment or training.

"We have a growing recognition of this group who perhaps had hoped to go straight into work when leaving school at 16, but in the last two years the number of jobs available has become more restricted."

Competition for further education places could be fierce as more students are likely to try and stay on at school or college.

Mr Craine continued: "Last year there was an increase in the number of students staying on in sixth form and an increase in the number of students attempting to enrol at the Isle of Man College, because they weren’t going into employment.

"This means that competition for places especially at the college was very very high with people trying to get on suitable courses that their qualifications would give them access to."

Help and support will be on offer to all pupils collecting their exam results today.

Mr Craine added: "I think the crucial things are to look at the opportunities that are open to them and to take advice.

"There are courses at Isle of Man College that could help them get qualifications that perhaps they just missed out on. There are courses in the schools to help them start on an A level course but re-sit GCSE’s that they’ve missed out on.

"It’s crucial that they talk it through with the school, the college or the careers service."

Also see:

The Isle of Man's A-level results - the facts