GCSE results a “mishmash of reasons to be both optimistic and downbeat” – Welsh Conservatives

Commenting on today’s GCSE results, Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary for Education, Darren Millar AM, said:

“Today’s results offer a mishmash of reasons to be both optimistic and downbeat.

“On the one hand we see a minor yet encouraging rise in the number of students reaching the highest grades; yet on the other hand there is stagnation for the third year running in the number of A-C passes.

“Although we’ve reached parity with English regions on this measure, we remain considerably behind our devolved counterparts in Northern Ireland on all measures.

“Results show a wincingly dramatic drop in pupils’ attainment in science and, to a lesser extent, English language and literature, which is a serious cause for concern.

“The ability of our children to communicate and compete in the sciences are integral to their future prospects on the job market.

“Educational standards in key subject areas continue to decline, and we can expect more of the same when the PISA scores are published in December.

“It is plain as day that the system just isn’t effective, but the Labour-led Welsh Government remain in a near-permanent state of denial and refuse to take the necessary steps to reverse this ailing trend.

“The Cabinet Secretary should seek to bring all parties together to work to address the shortcomings in the Welsh education system and ensure that our young people have the best possible chances in life.”