Provisional results published by the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) show Merton as being the top borough in the country for overall percentage improvement in GCSEs.

Results show 60.6% of students achieved 5+A*-C grades in their GCSEs this year, up 26.5% from last year’s 47.9% achievement. This is the highest improvement rate in the country.

Merton also ranks as the fifth highest improving borough in the country for GCSE results that include English and Maths. This year 45.4% of students achieved 5+A*-C GCSEs including English and Maths – up from 38.9% last year, an increase of 16.7%.

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

‘This is a major achievement for the borough as a whole and we’re very proud of the hard work that has been undertaken by schools, pupils, parents and officers alike.

‘Improving school standards continues to be a key priority for the borough and this is just the beginning for Merton in terms of building on our academic achievements and success.

‘The continued implementation of our secondary schools strategy and the introduction of sixth forms to our schools in the coming years means the future is looking increasingly 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.’

Acting director for children, schools and families at Merton Council, Helen Lincoln says:

‘These results demonstrate the success of the strategies put in place by schools and the local authority to improve standards, along with the hard work of pupils, their teachers and parents.’

‘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.’

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