County schools hold up in GCSEs despite national warnings

With five schools yet to declare their results, 60 per cent of students have achieved five A*-C grades including English and maths.

A total 14 schools achieved in excess of 90 per cent, with Lincolnshire’s grammar schools getting 49.5 per cent of their pupils to achieve five or more A* or A grades, an increase of 0.3 per cent on last year.

Executive Councillor for Children’s Services coun Patricia Bradwell said: “It’s been harder this year for students to do well than for a long time. Nevertheless, initial indications are that almost the same proportion of students as last year have achieved the 5A*-C standard including English and maths. That’s 60% of student who have proved themselves ready for a higher level of learning at college, in a sixth form or in an apprenticeship. What a fantastic achievement!

“The government has made lot of changes in a very short period of time. This level of success is an indication of the commitment of young people, teachers, parents and carers across the county.”

The government has been keen to emphasise the importance of as many students as possible achieving A*-C grades in a broad range of academic subjects. The percentage of students achieving the English Baccalaureate across Lincolnshire is currently showing as 31.0% for 2014 compared to 27.2% last year: an increase of 3.8%.

Officals said, overall, it is ‘very difficult’ to compare this year’s results with last year’s because the government has made so many changes and there are more to come next year.

Debbie Barnes, Director of Children’s Services, said: “We have yet to see how the final figures will pan out. We can’t be sure that all the numbers we have received from schools take account of the new rules about counting only first-sitting grades. When schools mount appeals, results can change significantly. OfQUAL warned of turbulence and we have certainly seen some variations.

“We continue to work with all our schools to ensure that any lessons from this year are learned and acted upon. Nevertheless, our students have done incredibly well to maintain such excellent standards with all these changes in the background.

“Teachers, parents and carers deserve praise for their support and encouragement. My congratulations to all students and best wishes for your future plans.”