Children in Merton’s care have once again achieved above the national average in the 2002 GCSE results.

For the second year running, the exam results of looked after children were well above the national average and local government targets in the one A* – G and five or more A-C categories.

The percentage of children in Merton’s care that achieved one A*-G grades was 68.2 per cent compared to the national average for 2001 of 52.5 per cent.

Meanwhile 40.9 per cent of Merton’s looked after children in 2002 gained five or more A-C grade GCSEs dwarfing the national average figure of 2001 of 7.1 per cent.

Councillor Maxi Martin, Cabinet Member for Care Services and Councillor Geraldine Stanford, Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: “This a tremendous achievement by all the young people involved and we are very proud of them.

“The above average scores represent some excellent joint working between Merton’s schools, and Education and Social Services departments in making sure our looked after children have the same opportunities to a good education as other children.

“What is very encouraging as well is the fact the 2002 scores are not an isolated occurrence. This is the second year running we have scored above the national average and we believe the systems are in place to make sure this good work continues.”

All looked after children are supported closely by Merton’s CHANCES team. It was set up in 2000 to liaise closely with schools and Social Services and aims to raise educational achievement, improve and promote life chances of children and young people in Merton’s care.

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