Shropshire Council
In the Shropshire Council area the best ever county figure for the key 5+ A*-C indicator was unveiled in the Key Stage 4 GCSE Performance Tables published today.

The tables, produced by the Department for Education (DFE), confirmed the Shropshire Council area figure of 59.9% – a rise of 2.1% over that gained in 2010, and well above the national average. The figure ranks Shropshire within the top three local authorities in the West Midlands.

On the broader measure of 5+ A*-G (including English and mathematics), Shropshire is ranked first in the West Midlands and first when judged against similar local authorities (known as ‘statistical neighbours’).

On the 5+ A*-C (including English and mathematics) indicator, the eight schools with the highest attainment were: Priory, Corbet, Meole Brace, Marches, Church Stretton, Bridgnorth Endowed, William Brookes and Thomas Adams. William Brookes also showed the most improvement in attainment, with percentages rising from 48% in 2010 to 66% in 2011. Wakeman (45% to 61%) and Corbet (59% to 73%) also made significant improvements.

The tables also show the progress made by pupils since they left primary school, based on the percentage of pupils making three levels progress during their time at secondary school. The schools showing the best progress in English were Lacon Childe (95%), Priory (89%) and Lakelands (82%), and in mathematics were Corbet (86%), Church Stretton (77%) and Meole Brace (77%).

Telford & Wrekin
The headline figure of five A*-C passes including English and Maths has risen by two per cent to 58 per cent.

84 per cent of students locally now achieve five GCSE passes at Grade C or above, compared with 80 per cent nationally.

The new GCSE league tables, published today, show that Telford and Wrekin’s secondary schools are amongst the most rapidly improving in the country.

Leading the way in improved results is Wrockwardine Wood Arts College where 59 per cent of students have achieved 5 A*-C pass grades including English and Maths, an increase of an impressive 12 per cent on the 2010 results.

Head teacher Mr John Jones said: “The school achieved outstanding results last academic year due to the sustained hard work and commitment of students and staff coupled with the excellent support of parents and carers.

“The current year 11 students have already exceeded the previous years performance in both English and Mathematics and the school is on course for another record breaking year.”

Other schools which have shown particularly marked improvements include Hadley Learning Community, Lord Silkin Science College, Ercall Wood Technology College, Phoenix School Sports and Science College and Madeley Academy.

Testament to Hard Work
Councillor Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for education and skills, said:

“These results are testament to the hard work that our students put in to their studies, and we would like to congratulate them on their successes. We would also like to thank everyone who plays a part in our school communities across Shropshire. This includes our highly skilled and committed teachers and headteachers, school governors, support staff, volunteers and, of course, parents and carers who play such an important supportive role.”

Chay Davies, head teacher of Ercall Wood Technology College, said: “Our results have steadily increased over the last 4 years.

“I am delighted to see our Year on Year comparisons for 5+ A*-C GCSEs including English and Maths show a 21% increase since 2008. Last year were the best results that Ercall Wood had ever achieved and a real testament to the hard work of the pupils, staff and parents.”

Councillor Paul Watling, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “The students across the borough should be proud of their achievements.

“This improvement highlights the dedication of staff, governors, parents and carers to improving the life chances of Telford and Wrekin’s young people.”