Pass masters spell a brighter future

OLDHAM’S GCSE results have increased by almost a third since 2006.

This year, 51.6 per cent of pupils achieved the Government’s gold standard of at least five A* to C grades, including English and maths.

Numbers are up from 35.4 per cent four years ago and compare with the national average of 53.1 per cent.

Figures released by the Department for Education show that 74.8 per cent of pupils in England also reached the benchmark excluding the two subjects. Oldham’s figure has increased from 55 per cent in 2006 to 74.8 per cent.

Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: “We welcome the fact that 53.1 per cent of pupils are achieving five A* to C grades including maths and English.

“Our concern remains, however, that just under half are leaving compulsory education without a broad range of good GCSEs — over a quarter of a million young people.

“We need to narrow this historic and entrenched attainment gap, especially between those from the poorest and wealthiest backgrounds.

“It is a waste of talent that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are continuing to miss out on universities and jobs just because of the accidents of their birth.

“That is why the Government has protected the school budget and is committed to driving ahead our reform agenda.”

At A-level, 95.4 per cent of Oldham students received two or more passes, 93.6 per cent nationally.

The borough’s average point-score (where a C grade is worth 210 points) was 715, 732.9 in England.

Mr Gibb added: “A-levels are an important milestone in life and open up great opportunities for academic study in higher education and for future careers.

“They are a crucial measure of academic achievement.

“We will work with universities and employers to ensure that these qualifications continue to meet their needs in the future.”