New figures show improvement in education standards in Wiltshire

The data released yesterday (21) by the Department for Education, show 60.5 per cent of students in Wiltshire have achieved the benchmark of five or more good GCSEs (A*-C) including English and maths – nearly a four per cent increase on last year’s figures.

This is higher than students nationally, despite Wiltshire being significantly underfunded compared to other parts of the country.

The data also showed that Wiltshire secondary school pupils are achieving five or more good grades at GCSE with 92 per cent taught in schools which are rated as good or outstanding.

Nearly a quarter of students also achieved the English Baccalaureate with good GCSEs in academic subjects including English, maths, sciences, language, and geography or history.

Tim Gilson, headteacher at Malmesbury School, rated as an ‘outstanding’ school by OFSTED, said: “The school league tables published this week once again show how well schools in Wiltshire are doing.

“This has been another very successful year for Malmesbury School as well as for many of our neighbouring schools.

“It is important to remember that league tables just show the individual achievements of hard working students supported by great teachers all added together.

“We are very proud of the achievements of all of our students and our fantastic teachers.”

Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children’s services at Wiltshire Council said: “I’d like to congratulate our pupils for these excellent results and the schools for providing a thriving academic environment where our young people can excel – an important feature recognised by Ofsted.”

Carolyn Godfrey, corporate director at Wiltshire Council said: “We are committed to helping our young people reach their potential and I’m delighted we can once again celebrate good results.

“We will always seek further improvement and it is this continual drive to help our students achieve their very best which has been recognised nationally.”