Provisional results show increase in GCSE attainment

Students across Stoke-on-Trent have scored GCSE successes as the percentage of passes in key subjects went up, according to provisional results.

A total of 2,489 pupils completed GCSE courses at 14 schools and academies in Stoke-on-Trent. The results show that 64 per cent of students achieved good grades (grades nine to four, the equivalent of A* to C) in English and maths, up five per cent on 2019.

The data also shows that:

42 per cent of students achieved a strong pass (grades 9-5) in English and maths – an increase of 7 per cent on 2019.
64 per cent of students achieved a standard pass (grades 9-4) in English and maths – an increase of 5 per cent on 2019.
57 per cent of students achieved a strong pass (grades 9-5) in English – an increase of 4 per cent on 2019.
76 per cent of students achieved a standard pass (grades 9-4) in English – an increase of 6 per cent on 2019.
48 per cent of students achieved a strong pass (grades 9-5) in maths – an increase of 6 per cent on 2019.
69 per cent of students achieved a standard pass (grades 9-4) in maths – an increase of 5 per cent on 2019.

Due to this year’s national lockdown and ongoing restrictions in relation to Covid-19, results have been awarded based on students centre assessment grade given to them by their school.

Councillor Janine Bridges, cabinet member for education and economy, said: “This year has been incredibly tough for students due to the challenges that the coronavirus pandemic has brought, which makes the results achieved by pupils across the city even more impressive. The continued improvement of GCSE results year on year is testament to pupil’s hard work in extraordinary circumstances and I would like to personally congratulate them all. A big thank you also goes to all the staff who have continued to work hard in difficult circumstances, particularly with the assessment process, to ensure students fulfil their potential and enable them to go on to pursue their career of choice.”

The results come a month after the announcement of further funding from the Department for Education for the fourth year of the Opportunity Area Programme. The £1.67 million will be used to support schools as part of their recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and build upon the excellent work that has been delivered over the past three years to help raise educational attainment and support young people across the city.

Through the Opportunity Area-funded English, maths and science Excellence Partnerships there will be a catch-up offer for pupils preparing for GCSEs in English, maths and science in 2021 and support to bridge the gap that has opened up (as a result of the pandemic) for youngsters moving from primary to secondary schools and from secondary schools to college.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council careers advisors are available to support young people, offer advice and answer questions about GCSE results and next steps, including college, traineeships and apprenticeships. Any young person can contact the city council careers service for help on and after GCSE results day by calling 237747 or emailing ca*****@*******ov.uk. The city council also has a number of traineeship vacancies available, please go to www.stoke.gov.uk/jobs