GCSE Results – 23 Aug 2018 – West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Reaction
“We welcome the news today that GCSE pass rates have risen overall. The announcement that standards are increasing – and also that the gap between boys and girls is narrowing – is good news for employers, although this is, of course, not the only measurement for a good route into employment.
“Achieving good exam results should be one of a range of criteria for employers to consider when looking at potential job applicants, although we of course want secondary education standards and outcomes to continue to rise. The business community will continue to work with schools, colleges and others involved in education and training to push those attainment levels even higher, while many Chamber members are also becoming more involved in other ways to offer support, such as work experience and school talks.
“Other forms of help to get young people tooled up for the world of work are always being explored too, and they currently include tips with CV writing, job interviews and general presentation and attitude.”
The rise comes despite changes to GCSEs to make them tougher – with more demanding content, less coursework and a focus on exams at the end of two years.
NOTE: The pass rate in 2018 was 66.9% of all entries (from 66.4% last year).
17.4% of boys attained at least one grade A, compared with 16.4% last year.
71.2% of girls’ entries passed, compared to 62.1% of boys
