Record breaking year for GCSEs

Local schools post strong results this year

Hounslow students are once again celebrating exam success after another record year for GCSE results.

A record breaking 68.7 per cent of the 2,600 students were awarded 5+ A*-C grades, including English and maths – up from last year’s figure and 10 percentage points better than just four years ago.

Nationally, with 62.4 percent and 61.7 percent of students achieving A*-C in maths and English respectively, Hounslow is once again set to be well above the national average for the headline achievement figures when they are published later this year. 

Alongside this, local schools helped 36.7 per cent of students achieve the English Baccalaureate, where students need to achieve A*-C in English, maths, science, a language and a humanities subject. Last year’s national average was 23 percent, when Hounslow’s 34.8 percent was ranked the ninth best in the country.

Cllr Tom Bruce, cabinet member for education and children’s services, Hounslow Council, said:

“Outstanding results like this don’t just happen by themselves. Congratulations not just to the students, but to the Headteachers, teachers and support staff for the hard work they have put in to achieve these results. 

“This is another set of incredible results from local students, who – no matter what changes are made to the system – just can’t stop breaking records!

“The work they, and the amazing staff in our schools, have put in is being well rewarded, and I’m proud of all their achievements.

“The English Baccalaureate results show that students are successful across a broad range of subjects, and are being well prepared for a lifetime of success.”

The Mayor of Hounslow, Cllr Corinna Smart visited Feltham Community College to congratulate students on their results. She said:

“It’s been such a pleasure to see so many happy faces as students open their results. All across the borough, hundreds of students will be celebrating with family and friends, and I’d like to congratulate all of them on their success.

“We all know the importance of a good education in giving young people the best start in life, and days like today show that all their hard work was worth it.”

Students who are unsure about what to do next can get free information and advice from the council’s Connexions service. Anyone can visit the drop in centre in Hounslow Library, between 10am and 5.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 10am to 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Personal advisers can help explain the options available, and help make sure they have enough information to make a decision.

For more information, visit www.hounslow.gov.uk/connexions

August 25, 2014