A-Level and GCSE results released this summer have shown continued improvement for young people across Islington’s schools.

Provisional results have seen A-Level passes in Islington improve compared to last year, and GCSE results remain well above the national average.

Whilst final results will not be confirmed until early next year, the provisional results demonstrate another year of good results for Islington’s schools.

Islington’s A-Level results bucked the national trend of falling performance, with provisional results showing that the number of pupils achieving A*-B grades increased by 1.5%, A*-C grades increased by 4% and all A-Level passes increased by 1.2%.

Despite significant central government changes to GCSEs, including a new grading system, Islington’s ‘Attainment 8’ measure – which shows a pupil’s average grade across their eight best subjects – remains well above the national average, and Islington’s average point score in the ‘English Baccalaureate’ has improved and remains well above last year’s national benchmark.

The transformation in performance at Islington’s schools over the last decade has been remarkable. In 2008, the borough ranked in the bottom 20 local authorities for its GCSE results, but Islington now sits in the top 20 in the country for boosting pupils’ attainment. More than 9 in 10 local schools are also rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Islington Labour’s Executive Member for Children, Young People & Families, said:

“I’m incredibly proud of what young people across Islington have achieved once again this year. These results are a credit to their hard work, and also to the dedication and professionalism of teachers, school leaders and school governors across the borough.

 

“We are determined to make sure that all children and young people in Islington get the best start in life. Through our community of schools we are seeing sustained improvement in exam results and that’s something to celebrate.

 

“However, we need the Government to ensure all local schools have the funding they need to provide the best for their students, and to continue the excellent progress schools in Islington are making.”

Under Islington Labour’s leadership, Islington Council is committed to making sure every 16-year-old has an offer of training or education. The Council’s ‘Progress Team’ is on hand to help 16-18 year olds living in Islington with advice on how to get into education, training or employment. The service can offer help with careers guidance, job coaching, mock interviews, and one-to-one support to help people into education, apprenticeships or employment. For more details, contact the team on 0207 527 7031 or email progress@islington.gov.uk.