Schools Minister Jim Knight congratulated students and teachers on the highest ever English and maths GCSE results – and the biggest proportion achieving A* to C passes.

This week’s national headline GCSE results show that the English A* to C pass rate has risen by 0.6 percentage points (61.6% to 62.2%) and maths has risen by 0.9 percentage points (54.3% to 55.2%). It shows the sustained improvements of the last decade, with the overall GCSE pass rate rising by 8.7 percentage points since 1997.

Mr Knight vowed that the Government’s clear ambition is to ensure every student reaches their maximum potential – through the revamped secondary curriculum; more challenging work for the brightest pupils and targeted support for those that fall behind; and the introduction of the new Diplomas next year.

Mr Knight urged students to stay on in education or training to be equipped for the workplace. He said the Government’s new September Guarantee this year would mean that every pupil who does not already have a place in learning or training secured is offered a course or programme that reflects their abilities and interests.

Congratulating students Jim Knight said:  “Good GCSEs are the product of the hard work of students and teachers – everyone should take pride in these results.”

He added that it wasn’t the end of the road for those who had done less well, urging them to stay on in education or training to maximise their potential in the world of work. 

He said:  “Employers rightly expect better skills and we are addressing their demands by introducing new Diplomas; putting functional skills at the heart of GCSE subjects; expanding apprenticeships and skills training and we intend to legislate to raise the education and training participation age to 18.”

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