City celebrates GCSE improvement
GCSE results in schools across Brighton & Hove have improved this year, according to a key government performance measure.
The government’s ambition is for all students to achieve a ‘strong pass’ in English and Maths combined. This is a grade 5 or above on a scale of 9-1, with 9 being the top grade.
Last year 47% of students in Brighton & Hove achieved this level – four percentage points above the national average of 43%.
Provisional results for this year show that in Brighton & Hove the percentage of students who have achieved this level has gone up even further to 49%.
The 9-1 grading system was first introduced in 2017. The exams themselves are widely considered to have become more demanding at the same time.
Bright future
The chair of Brighton & Hove City Council’s children, young people and skills committee, Councillor Nick Childs, said:
“Our young people are our future, and based on these results the future for our wonderful city is very bright indeed.
“This success is above all down to the hard work and dedication of our students, and the excellent work of our teachers and support staff.
“The council’s education team also works very closely with our schools to improve overall standards. I think it’s clear that this partnership approach is paying dividends.
“We will have to wait until later in the year for comparative national figures, but I’m very confident that with this year’s improvement we are still ahead of the game nationally at this key government GCSE measure.”
Advice available
On GCSE results day the council’s youth employability service is providing advice and support on their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts until 7pm.
Students can ask questions using #yesbhgcseresults, tagging @yesbrightonandhove or by private messaging the service.
If young people are unsure what to do next, or are still undecided, it’s always worth looking at all the options available.
Apprenticeships offer opportunities to earn while you learn and get a foot on the career ladder. For more information visit www.getingofar.gov.uk
Apprentices can study up to degree level, and they earn a competitive salary. There are currently 64 apprenticeships being offered in the city.
