Walsall Children's Services

Delighted pupils and staff at Walsall schools have been praised after results in an important benchmark rose by five per cent. 

Students achieving five or more A* to C grades rose to 64 per cent, according to provisional data.

The benchmark for five or more GCSE A* to C which include English and Mathematics rose by almost three per cent to 43 per cent. 

Children and their teachers have been praised for their achievements by Walsall Council Leader Councillor Mike Bird. 

He said: “We’d like to say a very big ‘well done’ to pupils for their achievements. I’m sure there are many children right across our borough who got the results they wanted and their parents can be rightly proud. 

“We’re pleased at the achievements that have been made. However, we know there is more work to be done to ensure every child reaches their potential.” 

The full break down for GCSE results are set to be published in October. 

Tony Stainer, managing director at Walsall Children’s Services – Serco – said the 64 per cent pass rate for five or more GCSEs shows year on year improvement. 

He added: “Performance for GCSEs with English and Mathematics was also improved and we will continue to work with all schools and most importantly to provide the best education for children and young people in Walsall.” 

The results have been achieved after close work between Walsall Council, schools, Walsall Children’s Services – Serco and the Department for Children, schools and Families initiatives to support key schools.