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More than 15,000 students aged 16 from across Kent got
their GCSE results today and continued the year on year increase in
attainment, maintained since 1995.
At least 67.1% of students on roll at the beginning of the year
will have achieved five or more A*-C grades - an increase of
approximately 2.2% on 2007.
One hundred and fifty five more students have achieved five A*-C
grades this year than last year while 232 more youngsters achieved
five A*-C grades including English and maths this year, moving the
county proportion from 48.5% in 2007 to 50% in 2008.
Kent has exceeded the national average for the last nine years
and is expected to do so yet again in 2008.
Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Children, Families and
Education
Chris
Wells was at Castle Community College this morning to see
students opening their results. 75% of students achieved five A*-C,
which was significantly beyond expectations. Five A*-C including
English and mathematics improved by 14% to 34% - the result of
introducing several new methods which have improved learning.
He also met young people who are part of the alternative
curriculum programme having been excluded from school. The
16-year-olds, who were based at the Wells Resources Centre in
Dover, were at risk of not gaining any qualifications, making their
achievements at GCSE level all the more impressive.
Chris Wells said: "Today is all about the young people and I
congratulate them on their achievements. My hope is that they will
continue in education or move on to employment or training -
whatever they decide I wish them all the best.
"I'm heartened by the continued improvement in GCSE achievement,
which is testament to the hard work and dedication of staff in our
schools."
The government's 2008 target of no schools below 30% A*-C was
achieved and almost one third of schools named in the National
Challenge in June as being below 30% five A*-C including English
and maths in 2007 have already met the Prime Minister's 2011
pledge, while others have improved performance and have begun to
close on the 30% threshold.
The 30% National Challenge threshold was well and truly exceeded
when The Wildernesse School, Sevenoaks, improved its performance by
17% and Northfleet Technology College, Gravesham, by 15%. Castle
Community College, Deal, and another five schools improved by 10%
or more.
Chris Wells added: "I'm pleased that nine schools identified by
Ed Balls in National Challenge have met the government's 2011
target of five A*-C including English and maths and we will
continue to support the remainder in reaching this target within
the next two to three years."
Significant gains were also made in schools where five A*-C
improved considerably. Students at Aylesford School improved their
performance by 25% compared with the previous year, while pupils at
Tunbridge Wells High School, improved results by 20%.
Canterbury High School exceeded the 30% threshold and increased
its five A*-C score by 20% to achieve a remarkable 91% overall.
Thamesview High School, Gravesham achieved its best performance
ever - breaking the 30% barrier and achieving 66% five A*-C.
Results are available from individual schools. KCC will issue
confirmed data when it is released by the Department for Children,
Schools and Families later in the year. |