GCSE results

24 August 2010

Students at Thamesview School were among the thousands jumping for joy at their GCSE results.

Based on provisional figures, it has been another record year for Kent’s students. 77.7 percent of the county’s students achieved five A* to C grades this year – an improvement of 4.7 percent on 2009 and 8.6 percent above the national average.

Once again more than half of students (55.9 percent) achieved the key benchmark of five A* to C, including English and maths. There has been year-on-year improvement in Kent since 1995 and the national average has been exceeded for the past 13 years.

Thirty-one schools have been challenged to have at least 30 percent of students achieve five A* to C grades, including English and maths, by 2011 under the National Challenge programme. Twenty seven schools reached this target a year ahead of schedule – more than double the number from last year.

Outstanding results were at Bradbourne School, Sevenoaks, where 59 percent of all students achieved five or more GCSEs at C or above including English and maths – a 10 percent increase on last year’s figure. Bradbourne, together with Wildernesse School in Sevenoaks, will become the Knole Academy on 1 September.  Wildernesse, a National Challenge School, also saw a nine percent rise to 34 percent. The two schools have created a promising start for the new academy.

The GCSE results at four grammar schools remain exceptional this year, with 100 percent of students gaining at least five A* to C grades, including English and maths, with many others in the high 90s.

There were also some strong performances from the county’s academies. Established academies like Leigh Technology Academy achieved 49 percent and Longfield Academy reached 41 percent. The more recent academies also did well, with The Isle of Sheppey Academy and Skinners Kent Academy both breaking through the National Challenge target in their first year.

The county's five A* to G grades now stands at 93.2 percent. Students who find the core subjects a challenge gained valuable GCSE qualifications which will help them go on to further education, employment or training.

Many students are also leaving school with practical skills. Kent pioneered and introduced transformational vocational courses for 14 to 16 year olds. These have been hugely popular with more than 7,000 young people taking part.

“A proud day”

Sarah Hohler, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said:

"Kent students have excelled themselves once again. There will undoubtedly be celebrations in many households and rightly so. Each year we expect more and more from our young people and every time they rise to the challenge.

“It is a proud day for them, their schools and everyone at Kent County Council. Their achievements will prepare them for a bright future be that in further education, employment or training. I congratulate all students and wish them every success in the future.”

Rosalind Turner, Managing Director for Children, Families and Education, said:

“Following on from last week’s excellent A-level results, I’m delighted that the GCSE results for the young people of Kent continue to rise, which is a credit to the hard work of students and teachers and the support provided by Kent County Council. These results will make a real difference to their lives.”

National Challenge

The schools in the National Challenge programme have achieved some remarkable progress, with ten showing double digit rises in the number of students reaching five A* to C, including English and maths. 

Mrs Hohler visited Thamesview School in Gravesham to share their joy at achieving 32 percent five A* to C including English and maths (a rise of 14.9 percent) and 80 percent in all subjects. She added:

"It was a privilege to be part of the celebrations at Thamesview School as they exceeded the 30 percent target. I was delighted to see all the effort rewarded and the pride of teachers and parents who supported the young people over the years.

“Twenty seven schools have reached or bettered the benchmark this year and I am confident that the remainder will do so in the future with our continued support.”

Other notable increases include Wilmington Enterprise College (up 23 percent to 34 percent), Astor of Hever School in Maidstone (up 14.4 percent to 42.4 percent) and Swanley Technology College (up 14 percent to 35.8 percent). 

Five of the schools have not only smashed the 30 percent barrier but exceeded 40 percent. They are St Georges CE Foundation School in Broadstairs, The Towers School in Ashford, Hartsdown Technology College in Margate, Brockhill Park Performing Arts College in Hythe, as well as Astor of Hever School.  

Advice

Students can get free impartial and confidential advice, guidance and support about exam results and future options from Connexions Kent & Medway. To find the nearest centre, telephone 0800 432 0207 or visit the website.

Key Training Services, part of KCC, offers opportunities to gain a nationally recognised qualification, have hands on experience in the workplace and earn a wage. Apprenticeship schemes are available throughout the county in a range of careers and can start at any time in the year. The freephone number for Key Training Services is 0800 7314297.

Young people, parents, carers, teachers and careers guidance workers can search for courses. After a student picks a course, the same website can be used to apply to colleges or sixth forms. The site lists hundreds of academic and vocational options.