FOR the first time in Barnsley GCSE pupils are performing better at maths and English than the national average, according to a new council report.
Figures from a performance report published this week shows 59.1 per cent of school children in the borough achieved a score of between four and nine in both of these core subjects, higher than the national figure of 58.5 per cent and above the figures for Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham.
The two subjects are now graded numerically rather than the traditional A-G, with one being the lowest grade possible and nine being the highest.
Coun Alan Gardiner, cabinet spokespman, said: “A key area of focus for the council is to ensure that every child attends a good school and is successful in learning and work.
“We’re making progress at key stage four, and over 83 per cent of pupils now attend either a good or outstanding Ofsted-rated school, which is an improvement on the previous quarter.”
