Islington is the most improved borough in the country according to new Department for Education and Skills (DfES) figures out today. Islington’s GCSE results have improved by a massive 7.4 percentage points since 2003, rising from 38.6 – 46.0 per cent of students gaining five or more A* - C grades. Every school in Islington has improved and St Aloysius has seen a massive 19 percentage point rise on 2003, the highest in the borough. Over half of Islington schools have seen an improvement of more than 9 percentage points. Councillor James Kempton, executive member for children said: ‘Not only is Islington the fastest improving council according to the Audit Commission but now with our highest GCSE results ever, our secondary schools are the most improved in the country as well. This gives us the strong foundations to continue the upward trend in the standard and quality of education provided to pupils in our schools. Just four years ago Islington's results were amongst the worst in London. Well done to everyone for all the hard work and effort that has enabled us to make this fantastic achievement over the last four years. "This is a significant milestone in our drive to raise standards in education but we remain ambitious to see this improvement continue. This comes on top of one of our primary school teacher, Sue Seifert receiving a life time achievement award and two secondary teachers being recognised in the new years honours list.” Bill Clark, Director of Schools’ Services, CEA@Islington, said: ‘Islington is the most improved borough in the country – what a fantastic achievement! Since 2000, the rate of improvement has been incredible. Over the last four years we have seen results jump from 26.5 per cent to 46 per cent, a massive increase of 19.5 percentage points. This year we have smashed our target of 39 per cent and many of our schools have broken their own records as well as national averages. This is a testament to the enormous hard work of all headteachers, staff, pupils, governors and parents in Islington schools and to the contributions made by my colleagues at CEA@Islington. It’s time schools were given the recognition they deserve for turning the corner in Islington and adding value to students’ education. I would like to wholeheartedly congratulate everyone on this success.’ Ends For further information please contact: Caroline Rowe CEA@Islington T: 020 7527 5545 E: caroline.rowe.cea@islington.gov.uk Nicola Quinn Islington Council Press Office 020 7527 3376 nicola.quinn@islington.gov.uk Notes to editors Final GCSE results 2004 5 + A*-C Grades (%) 2004 46 2003 38.6 2002 32.9 2001 28.7 2000 26.5
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008