Children in care make the grade

CHILDREN in care in Oldham are performing better in exams — with the results to prove it.

The GCSE passes of children in care rose this year, with an overall 84 per cent pass rate of at least one at A*-G grade — a rise of over 37 per cent compared with last year’s results.

And 18 per cent of the youngsters gained five A*-C grades, while 42 per cent achieved five A*-G grade passes.

The students have been helped by Oldham’s Virtual School — which was set up a year ago — and which has its own board of governors and a new data monitoring system which brings together all the information about each child.

Co-ordinator Stephanie Doherty described the improvements as significant, adding: “The results are a testament to the hard work and determination of the 38 young people who sat GCSE exams or vocational courses this year and they deserve our warmest praise.

“Thirty-eight pupils is the largest number of looked after children that we have had in recent years who have sat GCSE exams.

“The small size of the group means that percentage figures compared year by year can be a bit misleading.

“However, I’m pleased to say that seven children achieved five GCSE passes at grade A*-C. This is the highest figure we’ve had in the past three years.

“Our plan for the coming year gives a high priority to achievement, attendance and engagement. We’re exploring a wider range of qualifications that the young people can access so that they will enjoy their learning, see the relevance of what they’re doing and gain a passport into further education, employment or training.”