Improvements in Maths and English for Swindon’s GCSE students

More than 2,000 pupils in schools across Swindon received their results today, and there are some notable successes.

Under the new grading system, which has been gradually phased in since 2017, GCSEs are ranked on a 9-1 scale, where 9 is the top grade. A Grade 4 is roughly in line with the former Grade C.

Today’s provisional results show that 64 per cent of Swindon pupils attained a Grade 4 or above in both English and Maths GCSEs, compared to 61 per cent last year. This brings Swindon in line with the 2018 national average.

There were also improvements in Maths and English for grades 5 and above, with 58 per cent of students falling into this category for English, compared with 57 per cent last year; and with 48 per cent achieving the same grades in Maths, compared with 46 per cent last year.

The statistics are initial figures and may be subject to change.

Peter Nathan, Swindon Borough Council’s Head of Education, said: “A huge congratulations is due to all the students who received their GCSE results today. It is really great to see the improvements particularly at Abbey Park, Nova Hreod, Highworth and Kingsdown.

“It also shows the impact of the Swindon Challenge programme, which has worked closely with secondary schools to drive improvements for young people.

“These upward trends we are seeing in Maths and English are very positive and every single student can be proud of the hard work they have put in throughout the course of their school lives. I wish them every success for the future.”