Wolverhampton GCSE results: It's four in a row for improved grades
An increased number of pupils in Wolverhampton achieved good GCSE results for the fourth year in a row, early indications show - despite the introduction of higher standards.
Data which has still to be validated from 15 of the city's 17 secondary schools suggests that 59 per cent of students in Wolverhampton secured five or more GCSEs, including Maths and English, at grades A*-C and the new grade 4 or above.
The figure compares with 53 per cent last year, 52 per cent in 2015, and 46 per cent in 2014.
This year's results include new grading for Maths and English of 1 to 9, rather than A*-G, increasing the standard required for a pass.
Despite this, the unconfirmed figures indicate that the percentage of pupils achieving a grade 4 standard pass in both English and Maths has risen to 61 per cent in 2017 from 59 per cent last year.
Councillor Claire Darke, education leader on Wolverhampton Council, said: "Although this is unvalidated data, the outcomes that we have been given by local schools are very encouraging.
"The new grading system has raised the bar for pass rates in English and Maths, and so it is very pleasing that the proportion of students securing five or more GCSEs, including those two all-important subjects, looks set to have increased again this year – for the fourth year running.
“This is testament to the hard work of schools, pupils and parents, and also shows the impact of the excellent work which is taking place between our school standards team and local schools to raise educational standards still further."
The initial data also shows good outcomes at post-16, with the percentage of students achieving at least three A-levels or equivalent qualifications increasing year-on-year at a number of city schools.
In July, unconfirmed data from schools showed improved outcomes at Early Years and Key Stages 1 and 2, with an increase in the proportion of children reaching a 'good' level of development at the end of Reception in 2017 – for the fifth year running, and another increase in the proportion of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils reaching the expected level in reading, writing and mathematics.
Validated Early Years and Key Stage 1 and 2 outcomes will be published by the Government this autumn, with final Key Stage 4 and 5 outcomes published in December or January 2018.
A total of 76 per cent of the city’s schools are now rated good or outstanding, compared to 57 per cent two years ago.
