GCSE success for Herefordshire students

First year for new GCSE grading in English, English literature and maths.

This is the first year that students have been assessed under the new system of numerical grades in English and maths, with a grade 9 representing the very highest achievement.  A grade 4 is considered to be a 'standard pass' and a grade 5 is defined as a 'strong pass'.

Across Herefordshire, in English 78.6% of pupils achieved a grade 4 or better with 63.7% achieving grade 5; this is higher than the provisional national average.  In mathematics, 71.8% of pupils gained a standard pass with over half of entries achieving the tougher 'strong pass' grade; this again surpassed the emerging national figure.

Councillor Jonathan Lester, Cabinet member for young people and children's wellbeing, said: "I'm delighted that our GCSE students have followed the success of their A-level peers with another set of positive exam results for the county.

"Well done to all the students, parents and schools who have worked hard as the new GCSE grading system is rolled out. The dedication and hard work of everyone has clearly paid off and I wish all our young people the best of luck in their chosen futures whether they decide on further education, training and apprenticeships or employment."