The Isle of Wight Council has commended local schools for the success of their 2022 Year 11 cohort following the publication of the provisional national data today (Thursday).
Once again, results have improved in all key measures with both the percentage of students achieving The Basics (English and maths) at 4+, which opens the door to college and sixth-form places, and 5+ in The Basics, which is regarded as a higher pass, increasing.
Additionally, students’ achievement has improved throughout the range of subjects leading to an average of a secure pass across the board.
Increase in pupils achieving in EBacc
What is particularly impressive, and clearly illustrates the growth in education ambition across the Isle of Wight, is the increase in the percent of pupils both entering and achieving in the EBacc, a suite of classic subjects. This has seen a positive surge in all measures compared to national averages.
It is clear from looking at national results that the pandemic continues to have a disproportionate impact on children experiencing vulnerability in their lives.
Pupils with special education needs
The Island has around 20 per cent more pupils with special education needs with an Education, Health and Care Plan than the national average and around five per cent more pupils eligible for free school meals than the national average.
Set within that context this means that the improvements should be regarded as another significant step in the right direction.
Isle of Wight has moved up the league table
It is also pleasing that when looking at the average grade across a range of subjects, the Isle of Wight has moved up the league table compared to several other local authorities.
The Island has out-performed authorities such as Middlesborough in the North-East, Blackpool in the North-West, Stoke-on-Trent in the Midlands, North-East Lincolnshire in the Yorkshire and the Humber region and neighbouring Portsmouth in the South-East.
Students who attended school regularly have achieved well
Results have also shown that those students who attended school regularly have achieved well, with those that attended less regularly having significantly lower outcomes.
Data gathered from secondary schools shows that for students with an attendance of above 90 per cent, 73 per cent achieved an average basics grade of 4+, which is above the national average, and 49 per cent of 5+, which is in line with the national average.
An average of three whole grades higher
These students achieved an average of three whole grades higher than those with attendance below 90 per cent, with an average score of above the national average.
The council will therefore be focusing additional targeted resources to support improved attendance to ensure that young people have the best opportunities that come from achieving strong grades at the end of secondary school.
Andre: Delighted to join with schools in celebrating the successes of each individual student
Cllr Debbie Andre, Cabinet member for children’s services, education and skills said,
“The Department for Education has reiterated the message in its guidance on interpreting this year’s results that great care should be taking when looking at the results of each individual school, and results from previous years, as the impact of the pandemic has had much hidden and varied impact on outcomes.
“However, we need to recognise where we are and ensure that all students are supported to engage positively with lifelong learning and that our teachers are supported to deliver the best possible outcomes. We have an extensive offer available to schools for targeted interventions to achieve this.
“I am therefore delighted to join with schools in celebrating the successes of each individual student and acknowledging their strong outcomes which are a testament to the commitment of all students and their teachers who have worked so diligently throughout, and in the run up to this year’s exams.
“In the context of ongoing disruption caused by the pandemic, their achievements are only to be further commended and I want to send my congratulations to them all.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: comedynose under CC BY 2.0
