More Reading pupils achieved grades 9-4 in English and Maths this year and the overall attainment is higher than in previous years.

Figures from schools in the borough show that 65% of GCSE pupils achieved grades 9-4 in English and Maths, which is an increase of 4% on last year’s figure of 61%. Grades 9-4 are equivalent to the old A*- C grades.

The number achieving the higher 9-5 grades, similar to A* – bottom B/high C, was 53% compared with 47% last year.

The collective score, called an Attainment 8*, for Reading schools was 51, which was up from 49 last year. Reading is significantly above the national average which was 46.5 last year and early indications show that is likely to be similar this year.

This is the first year of GCSE results since education services in Reading have been run by Brighter Futures for Children. The not-for-profit company took over the delivery of children’s services, including children’s social care, early help, education and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) service on behalf of Reading Borough Council in December 2018.

Tony Kildare, Managing Director of Brighter Futures for Children, said:

‘Well done to all pupils and their schools for these excellent results. We hope that you’ve got the grades you wanted to help you with your future choices but, if you didn’t, please don’t worry.

‘In addition to the support your school can offer, we have a service available to all young people in Reading. There are plenty of opportunities still available to you. Our advisory service can offer support and help on further training and apprenticeship opportunities.

‘Our advisors are based in Reading Central Library in Abbey Square on the third floor. You can contact them by email: ParticipationandEngagement@brighterfuturesforchildren.org  or call 01189 372 204.’

Cllr Ashley Pearce, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Education, said:

‘GCSE results day is often a nerve racking but exciting day for our students. It is the culmination of years of hard work from pupils, teachers, parents and governors who are all vital elements in our young people’s success. I would like to thank every one of these groups for their hard work in achieving some excellent results.’

*To get the Attainment 8 score, schools add up the points for each student’s 8 subjects and divide by 10 to get their score. A school’s Attainment 8 score is the average of all of its students’ scores. Students don’t have to take 8 subjects, but they score zero for any unfilled slots.