YOUNG Islanders outperformed their English counterparts in GCSE exams, results released today have shown.
A total of almost 1,400 students in Jersey achieved passes at grades 4 and above (the equivalent to the former grade C) in 73.7% of exams, compared with the English figure of 67.8%.
Passes at the highest grades of 7-9 (equivalent to A or A* scores) were achieved in 24.7% of subjects, around 3% above the comparative mark in England (21.6%).
Children’s and Education Minister Inna Gardiner said: ‘I would like to congratulate all the students who are receiving their results today: every one should be proud of your own individual journey and your personal achievements.’
The Jersey results were being shared with students on Thursday morning as pass rates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland fell for the second year running, with just over two-thirds of all subjects marked at grade 4 and above.
UK results, excepting Scotland where students do not take GCSEs, signified a move towards 2019 – the last year that exams were sat before Covid – when the figure was 67.3%.
Grades spiked in 2020 and 2021 across the UK when exams were cancelled and results were based on teachers’ assessments, before falling to 73% for grade 4 and above in 2022.
UK government Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: ‘Recovery from the pandemic will take time but ensuring children are in school and maintaining the integrity of our exams system so that universities, employers and young people can rely on it is vital.’
