Mixed performance from Bromsgrove schools

Key Stage four and A Level tables were released by the Government yesterday, (January 24).

All of the town’s schools performed above the minimum Government standard expected of 40 per cent of pupils achieving five or more A* to C grades, including maths and English.

Bromsgrove School and South Bromsgrove High School’s impressive figures from last year, 89 per cent and 74 per cent respectively, were equalled.

But North Bromsgrove High School was down slightly, from 52 per cent to 47 per cent, while Waseley Hills High School dropped from 62 per cent to 49 per cent.

In A Levels, the town’s sixth forms and colleges also had mixed results in comparison with last year.

In the average number of points scored per candidate, who took AS or A Level or equivalent qualifications, Waseley Hills High School improved - moving to 779.1 from 695.8.

Similarly Bromsgrove School also improved, its average being 927.5 compared with 902.2 last year.

But North Bromsgrove High School was down from 701.8 to 696.2, South Bromsgrove High School went from a 760.5 average to 747.9, while New College moved from 604.2 to 553.2.

Paul Topping, South Bromsgrove High School’s headteacher, said he was delighted the tables showed the school’s GCSE and A Level pupils achieved significantly above national averages.

Mr Topping said: “The progress made by students though their studies is clear in the table and deserves particular praise.”

Councillor Jane Potter, the county council's cabinet member responsible for education, said: "The figures released today indicate an improving picture for Worcestershire with 60.7 per cent of students attaining five or more A* to C GCSEs including English and maths compared to 60.1 per cent the previous year.

"It is clear from these results that Worcestershire schools continue to perform well and it is also a credit to the hard work of all the students and staff.”