Merton schools have achieved outstanding results in GCSE exams this year with an increase of 25% more students achieving 5+GCSEs A*-C, up 12.2 percentage points from last year compared with a national increase of 2.4 percentage points*.

The increase takes Merton’s secondary school students attaining 5+GCSEs A*-C to 60.1%, up from 47.9% last year and could be the most significant improvement for a local authority nationwide.

Councillor Debbie Shears, cabinet member for children’s services says:

“Improving school standards is a key priority and this year’s results show that the work being undertaken by schools and council officers to achieve these standards is having a positive knock-on effect.

“We’re putting our children first every step of the way and this really is just the beginning for Merton secondary schools in terms of continuing to strive for academic excellence and improving the quality of education available to our children. Building on our secondary schools strategy and the introduction of sixth forms to our schools means the future is looking considerably bright for young people in Merton.”

“I congratulate all students for their hard work and achievements this year and I wish them well for the future. I also congratulate the staff and parents who have supported young people’s achievements so effectively. Finally, I have to give special mention and congratulations to Bishopsford School and the Harris Academy for their exceptional improvements this year which were outstanding.”

Dave Hill, director for children, schools and families says:

“These results demonstrate the success of the strategies put in place by schools and the local authority to improve standards. We are determined to maintain this sharp focus on raising school standards to ensure further improvement in future results. In doing so, we will improve the life chances of our young people even further.”

*According to data available at time of release.