Changes to qualifications and performance measures mean that
comparisons between this year and last year’s GCSE results are
not appropriate or accurate, the Education Secretary has warned.
Responding to the publication of today’s final examination
results for 2016/17, said:
“It is our national mission that every child, no matter their
background, has the opportunity to succeed. Our Pupil Development
Grant, which provides extra support for children from
disadvantaged backgrounds, is a vital part of our plans and we’re
already seeing the benefits.
“It’s important to have data which you can compare like-for-like,
year-on-year, to see where performance issues need to be
addressed. But today’s final exam results do not yet provide us
with that kind of comparison.
“We have introduced a number of changes to the examination system
in Wales over the past year. There have been two new Maths GCSEs,
new linearEnglish and Welsh Language GCSEs, and schools are
moving away from science BTEC which was failing to properly equip
our young people.
“All these changes are linked to raising standards and all were
necessary but they mean we’re now essentially dealing with two
different sets of data.
“Evidence shows that the Pupil Development Grant is making a
difference in breaking the link between poverty and attainment
that has dogged our education system. That’s why, earlier this
year, I announced plans to extend the grant and why I will
continue to do everything within my power to make sure we’re
reaching the learners that need this invaluable support.”
ENDS
Background:
A link to the final examination results for 2016/17 is below:
The third year evaluation of the Pupil Development Grant will be
published on 13th December.
