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Studying for over 3 A-levels can be 'detrimental'

Posted on 15th August 2008

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Taking more than three A-levels can be detrimental to a pupil's development in other areas, a private school head has suggested.

Headmaster of Brighton College, Richard Cairns, spoke to the Times in response to new figures that revealed a growing number of pupils are opting to take four or more A-levels to stand out from the crowd.

He went on to comment that he believes that pupils should not be encouraged to do too many A-levels

Mr Cairns added that he thinks more time should be devoted to sport, public speaking and the performing arts.

However, he said that the A* grade, which is to be introduced to A-levels next month for testing in 2010, could ease the pressure on students, especially at independent schools where grades are higher.

A-level results, which were published yesterday (August 14th), meant that more students than ever before met their university offers.

This follows comments from Melvyn Roffe, principal of private school Wymondham College in Norfolk, who called for the government to phase out A-levels altogether. ADNFCR-921-ID-18734270-ADNFCR