Labour has warned that the Conservatives are holding back our kids as GCSE results data show a greater increase in top grades at private schools compared to their state counterparts, since 2019.
More than twice as many grades given out in private schools are at grade 7 or above compared to secondary comprehensives, with private schools seeing a 25% bigger jump in top GCSE grades since 2019.
There are also growing concerns about regional inequalities with the number of grade 7s awarded in London having risen 50% faster than in Yorkshire or the North West.
This echoes the inequalities seen in A-level grades, and highlights the Conservatives’ utter failure to tackle attainment gaps seen across the education system. Labour has pledged to end tax breaks for private schools and invest that money in putting more teachers in our schools and giving staff the training and support they need to help every student thrive.
Meanwhile students receiving BTEC results face further disruption after exam board Pearson admitted some students will not receive results today. Labour has demanded an investigation into the debacle over technical qualifications with some level 3 students still awaiting grades a week since their results were due out.
Overall, today’s grades are down compared to 2021, but are above the midpoint between 2021 and 2019, prompting concerns that next year’s students could see an even greater drop in grades.
Stephen Morgan MP, Labour’s Shadow Schools Minister, said:
“Students receiving their results today have worked incredibly hard through unprecedented disruption.
“Yet the Conservatives are holding back our kids, enabling the gap in grades between state and private schools and across different parts of the country to grow.
“Labour set out an ambitious recovery plan – including small group tutoring, mental health support, and before and afterschool clubs – that young people need to thrive.
The Conservatives’ recovery advisor resigned in despair warning the Government risked failing hundreds of thousands of children. Worryingly, his warnings are coming true.”
