Hampshire pupils' GCSE exam success

Monday, 28 August 2012

Comment from Hampshire County Council

Councillor Roy Perry, Hampshire County Council's Executive lead Member for Children's Services said:

"The County Council is ambitious for all young people wanting them to make the most of the educational opportunities while they are at school and I congratulate Hampshire pupils for their achievements in this summer's examinations. I am pleased to see that once again the majority of Hampshire students achieved the benchmark of 5 GCSE's A*-C including English and Maths. The results reflect hard work by both staff and pupils at schools across the county.

"With the economic climate as it is and, increasing competition for jobs, obtaining the best qualifications they possible can, will stand all pupils in good stead.

"Around 14,000 pupils sat the exams this summer and according to the provisional results from 95% schools around the county a total of 60% achieved five or more A*-C grade GCSEs including maths and English. The five or more A*-C grades including maths and English is the government desired target for pupils leaving secondary education. Last year 56% of young people nationally achieved five or more A*-C grade GCSEs including English and mathematics.

"I am aware of press reports that English results nationally are down by 1.5% and in Hampshire some schools have seen an unexpected decline in their English results. A number of schools have contacted the local authority about these results and we will be supporting our schools in trying to resolve any outstanding issues. I am as keen as anyone that there should be rigor in all public examinations but we need to be sure this cohort of students has not been unfairly assessed with standards changed mid process. All pupils will be helped by their schools and colleges in making the step into Post-16 education or training and we have already contacted local Colleges and they have confirmed their support."

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, said:

"I would like to offer my congratulations to all of our students, and in particular to thank our teachers for their commitment to their students which has given us such a good result."

• Education and Learning in Hampshire

« News Calendar