Sutton’s GCSE students have achieved another great set of results today, despite the long lasting impact that the pandemic placed on their learning over the past two years.

This is the first time final exams have been sat since 2019, therefore national comparisons have been made against this year, rather than 2021. Results show that in Sutton:

The percentage of pupils achieving 5 grade 4+ including in English and Maths was 86.7%, compared with 83.1% in 2019, an increase of 3.6%

The percentage of pupils achieving Grade 4+ (grade C or higher equivalent) in English was 90.5%, a reduction of 1.0% compared with 2019 (nationally 69.8% achieved grade 4+, an increase of 8% against 2019)

The percentage of pupils achieving Grade 4+ (grade C or higher equivalent) in Maths was 97.0%, an increase of 0.2% compared with 2019 (nationally 64.9% achieved grade 4+, an increase of 5.3% against 2019)

Nathan Cole, Chair of Secondary Heads Board, said: “The young people receiving their results today experienced the first national lockdown as they approached their GCSE examinations and a return to remote learning for several months at the beginning of 2021, not long after they had commenced their post 16 studies. The pandemic taxed them in so many ways and made what is already a challenging time in any young person’s life doubly so.

“Their resilience, hard work and good humour, supported by the love (and patience!) of their parents and carers and the indefatigable efforts of school staff are cause for celebration today! We are very proud of the young people of Sutton and wish them every happiness in their future endeavours.”

Councillor Marian James, Chair of Sutton Council’s People Committee, said: “Even with some data still due in, it is clear that GCSE students in Sutton have made excellent progress throughout the year, despite the disruption that the pandemic had on learning, and are again celebrating their own amazing individual successes this GCSE results day.

“Our teachers, leaders and support staff across all our schools and settings have such amazing commitment and passion to help Sutton’s young people enjoy their learning. Thank you all.

“I hope that Sutton students will be celebrating today, and planning what their next steps are – whether that’s further education, an apprenticeship or a job! Well done to everyone!”

Amit Amin, Headteacher at Oaks Park High School, said: “We’re immensely proud of all our Year 11 students collecting their GCSE and vocational results today, and their personal results and achievements. Today is testament to the sheer resilience that they have shown over the past couple of years, to get to this important milestone for themselves.”

For more information about further education for 16 to 25 year-olds locally, go to https://www.sutton.gov.uk/directory/34/post_16/category/225