GCSE and A Level education standards continue to rise

Educational standards in secondary schools are continuing to rise as more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are achieving good grades.

According to statistics released by the Department for Education, the attainment gap between disadvantaged secondary school pupils and their peers has narrowed by 3.2 per cent since last year and 10 per cent since 2011.

Schools in London are continuing to perform strongly, with 12 schools in the top 20 for the government’s pupil progress measure (Progress 8).

The data also reveals that more pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds, SEN pupils and pupils on free school meals are being entered for EBacc subjects since last year – helping ensure pupils have the knowledge and skills they need for future success.

School standards minister Nick Gibb said: “Academic standards are rising in our schools thanks to our reforms and the hard work of teachers, with 1.9million more children in good or outstanding schools than in 2010. Today’s results reinforce this success, with teachers and pupils responding well to the new more rigorous curriculum introduced by this government.

“We will continue to use this evidence to drive up standards even further for all pupils so that they leave school prepared for future success in their education and beyond, helping to build a Britain that is fit for the future.”