Minutes:
The Deputy Leader of the Council explained that in the absence of the Leader, the Leader’s report would be held over till October. However, Councillor Napier wished to utilise the time to acknowledge and place on record the Council’s testimony to head teachers, teachers, governing bodies and all those associated with the education system in County Durham following the recent good news relating to exam results in County Durham. The Deputy Leader handed over to the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People’s Services.
Councillor Gunn explained the importance of appreciating the work of children and young people, schools, staff and governing bodies across County Durham. 62% of pupils had achieved level four and above in both English and Mathematics, a 3.5% increase on the previous year. This equated to 156 more pupils achieving the benchmark, signifying a major improvement. Those pupils achieving level five had increased by 4.4%. Councillor Gunn said the results were all the more pleasing to note as they had been achieved against some of the most significant changes to the exam system since ‘O’ levels were introduced.
Referring to A-levels, Councillor Gunn explained that early indications were that the County’s successes had continued from previous years, with above average grades of A*-B and the majority of students being able to obtain their first choice of university.