Students across the country recently received their exam results. The weeks of mounting tension, slowly building up since “pens down please” was called on the last exams in June, are finally over.
Nationally 97.9% of pupils received A* to E passes at A-level, with 26.3% of entries gaining an A* or A grade, the highest ever. At GCSE level, where major reforms have recently been enacted, including changing the grading system from letters to numbers in certain subjects, an impressive 51,257 grade 9s were awarded in English Language, English Literature and Maths. Congratulations are in order for all the pupils who have achieved their goals in their exams.
I would also like to mention some of the successes of our local schools. Both North Leamington School and Southam College are celebrating some great GCSE results, with each school achieving a rate of 79% A* to C grades in GCSE English and Maths (Grade 9-4 in the new system). At A-level, Kineton High School saw a rise in its A*/A grades to 20.5% this year. Southam College attained 25%A*/A, and Kenilworth School significantly exceeded the national average with 37% A*/A grades.
These grades are testament to the hard work of both staff and students and the support of all the parents who have helped guide their children through their exams. For too long the achievements of our children have been disparaged by claims of exams getting easier. The reforms that have taken place in the last seven years are designed to ensure that our children are educated to the highest standard, and to put an end to the denigration of high achievement.
Nationwide 1.8 million more children are now being taught in 'good' and 'outstanding' schools than seven years ago. Over £24 billion is being invested in school infrastructure from 2016 to 2021 to maintain, rebuild and replace school buildings and ensure there are enough school places in the system.
Change is never easy, particularly when it affects so many people, and it can be easy to resist it. However, I believe that the new A-levels and GCSEs, alongside the further reforms instituted by the government, will ensure that our children have an academically rigorous education that prepares them for the changing economy as they grow up.