YOUNGSTERS’ grades in maths and English have decreased in Barnsley, Department for Education figures have revealed.
Across England, 76 per cent achieved a level two qualification - equivalent to a GCSE - in both subjects by the time they were 19 in the 2023/24 academic year.
In Barnsley, 1,614 of 2,259 pupils achieved the grades, equivalent to 71 per cent.
This was lower than the previous year, when 75 per cent did, but more than the 62 per cent who did so in 2013/14.
Previous years’ cohorts were affected by the cancellation of exams in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, making direct historical comparisons difficult.
Sarah Hannafin, head of policy at school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “It is clear that some concerning long-standing gaps and regional disparities remain.
“Schools work hard to help disadvantaged pupils, but the previous government did not invest nearly enough in supporting children to catch up on lost learning.
“They need more government action to address the challenges facing the profession including funding, workload and retention, but also to tackle the root causes of poverty.”
The data also shows girls outperformed boys in Barnsley, with 75 per cent and 68 per cent achieving the grade respectively.
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said there were clear signs of a return to ‘pre-pandemic patterns’ as the impact of the alternative assessments used during lockdown recedes.
He added: “The big problem is that a quarter of students still don’t have grade four or above in these vital qualifications at the age of 19, despite a government policy of compulsory retakes which the majority don’t achieve.
“It is utterly demoralising and does nothing to improve their confidence in numeracy and literacy.
“We urgently need reforms which better support English and maths attainment and give every young person a qualification of which they can be proud.
“We hope this will be delivered by the independent curriculum and assessment review due to report in the autumn.”
Barnsley Council recently launched its £1.6m Great Childhoods Ambition scheme, which includes bolstered GCSE maths and English support.
Council bosses are also trying to reduce the number of children being educated at home.
A statement added: “Barnsley is a place that fosters and grows ambition and we want to make sure that everyone, no matter their background or starting point, can benefit from opportunities that help them to live productive and happy lives.
“It will involve working across council services with key partners, businesses, communities, and grassroots organisations.
“This will help to support more children and young people of all ages, stages, and levels of need.”
