Labour has warned that the Conservatives are holding back our
kids as GCSE results data show a greater increase in top grades
at private schools compared to their state counterparts, since
2019.
More than twice as many grades given out in private schools are
at grade 7 or above compared to secondary comprehensives, with
private schools seeing a 25% bigger jump in top GCSE grades since
2019.
There are also growing concerns about regional inequalities with
the number of grade 7s awarded in London having risen 50% faster
than in Yorkshire or the North West.
This echoes the inequalities seen in A-level grades, and
highlights the Conservatives’ utter failure to tackle attainment
gaps seen across the education system. Labour has pledged to end
tax breaks for private schools and invest that money in putting
more teachers in our schools and giving staff the training and
support they need to help every student thrive.
Meanwhile students receiving BTEC results face further disruption
after exam board Pearson admitted some students will not receive
results today. Labour has demanded an investigation into the
debacle over technical qualifications with some level 3 students
still awaiting grades a week since their results were due out.
Overall, today’s grades are down compared to 2021, but are above
the midpoint between 2021 and 2019, prompting concerns that next
year’s students could see an even greater drop in grades.
, Labour's Shadow Schools
Minister, said:
“Students receiving their results today have worked incredibly
hard through unprecedented disruption.
“Yet the Conservatives are holding back our kids, enabling the
gap in grades between state and private schools and across
different parts of the country to grow.
“Labour set out an ambitious recovery plan – including small
group tutoring, mental health support, and before and afterschool
clubs – that young people need to thrive. The Conservatives’
recovery advisor resigned in despair warning the Government
risked failing hundreds of thousands of children. Worryingly, his
warnings are coming true.”
Ends
Notes to editors:
https://analytics.ofqual.gov.uk/apps/GCSE/CentreType/
|
School
|
2019
|
2022
|
|
|
Secondary comp
|
18.5
|
23.3
|
4.8
|
|
Independent
|
47
|
53
|
6
|
Table from JCQ, and Ofqual infographic available
here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/infographic-gcse-results-2022/infographics-for-gcse-results-2022
-
In his resignation letter Sir , Education Recovery
Commissioner, warned: “Without a comprehensive and urgent
response, we risk failing hundreds of thousands of pupils.”
https://www.tes.com/magazine/news/general/exclusive-sir-kevan-collins-resigns-over-catch-plan
