GCSE results for Merton secondary schools in 2003 represent the best ever performance for the Borough. Overall schools achieved a 5+A*-C pass rate of 45.5%, an impressive 4.6% increase on 2002, particularly when compared to the average national increase of just 1.3%. Performance also improved with respect to the average point score achieved by students and the percentage of pupils who passed one or more GCSE.

Forecasts for 2004 indicate that Merton secondary schools will maintain and improve further on these excellent results as the benefits of the school reorganisation initiative become further embedded.

Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Councillor Geraldine Stanford, said:

“I am delighted with these results which reflect an enormous amount of hard work from Merton students and their teachers. Neither the LEA or schools, however, are complacent as we continue to work towards achieving even higher standards next year and close further the gap between Merton and national averages.”

Ends