PUPILS taking GCSEs across the borough this year equalled or exceeded national expectations in English and maths, figures show.

More than 3,200 Year 11 students from across 19 academies and secondary schools in Cheshire West and Chester took the revamped exams this year.

In 2017 new GCSEs in English language, English literature and mathematics were examined for the first time.

These GCSE reforms have continued with a further 20 subjects having been examined for the first time in 2018.

The A*-G GCSE grades previously awarded in these subjects are now replaced with a grade scale of 9 (high attainment) to 1. The examinations are designed to assess a more challenging content.

Under this new system, students with a grade 4 will achieve a ‘standard pass’ whilst those with a grade 5 will achieve a ‘strong pass’. A grade 4 or above is equivalent to a grade C and above.

The Government has made it clear that a ‘standard pass’ is a creditable achievement but it expects to see the percentage of pupils achieving a grade 5 ‘strong pass’ to increase over time.

Provisional data shows that 75 per cent of 16 year old students in the borough gained a GCSE in English at grade 4 or above, five percentage points ahead of the national figure.

In maths, 71 per cent of 16 year old students in those schools in the borough gained a maths GCSE at grade 4 or above, in line with the national figure of 71 per cent.

Cllr Nicole Meardon, cabinet member for children and families at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “These results are a testament to the hard work and commitment shown by students and the dedication, support and encouragement of teachers and parents.

“I would like to send my best wishes to the young people as they choose their next step of further education, apprenticeship or employment.”