Provisional results show positive exam grades despite coronavirus pandemic

Provisional results show positive exam grades despite coronavirus pandemic

Students across the city have scored GCSE successes as the percentage of passes in key subjects went down only one per cent despite also dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, according to provisional results released today.

A total of 2,667 pupils took GCSE examinations at 14 schools and academies in Stoke-on-Trent. The results show that 63 per cent of students achieved good grades (grades nine to four, the equivalent of A* to C) in English and maths, down one per cent on 2020.

The data also shows that:

• 41 per cent of students achieved a strong pass (grades 9-5) in English and maths – a decrease of 1 per cent on 2020.
• 63 per cent of students achieved a standard pass (grades 9-4) in English and maths - a decrease of 1 per cent on 2020.
• 55 per cent of students achieved a strong pass (grades 9-5) in English - a decrease of 2 per cent on 2020.
• 73 per cent of students achieved a standard pass (grades 9-4) in English - a decrease of 3 per cent on 2020.
• 47 per cent of students achieved a strong pass (grades 9-5) in maths - – a decrease of 1 per cent on 2020.
• 68 per cent of students achieved a standard pass (grades 9-4) in maths – a decrease of 1 per cent on 2020.

Due to this year’s national lockdown and ongoing restrictions in relation to Covid-19, results have been awarded based on students centre assessment grade given to them by their school.

This comes as students across the city also received A-level results earlier in the week. The results awarded were based on teacher-assessed grades, with 44.3 per cent of entries across England awarded top grades – up 6.3 per cent on 2020.

Councillor Janine Bridges, cabinet member for education and economy, said: “The past 18 months has been incredibly tough for students due to the challenges that the coronavirus pandemic has brought, which makes the GCSE and A-level results achieved by pupils across the city even more significant. I would like to thank all teaching staff for their hard work over the past academic year, and am proud of the dedication and achievements of pupils.

“The fact that 63 per cent of GCSE students still achieved good grades (grades 9-5 equivalent to grades A* to C in English and Maths) whilst experiencing the greatest disruption to learning since WWll is a fantastic achievement and students, staff and parents should be proud of these results.”

Stoke-on-Trent City Council careers advisors are available to support young people, offer advice and answer questions about GCSE results and next steps, including college, traineeships and apprenticeships. Any young person can contact the city council careers service for help on and after GCSE results day by calling 237747 or emailing careers@stoke.gov.uk.