Local MP Mark Pawsey has welcomed the news that from September all pupils will study the EBacc at GCSE to ensure they get the crucial skills and qualifications they need to succeed in life.
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is awarded when students achieve A* to C in five core GCSE subjects including English, Maths, Science, Humanities and Languages – the courses that universities and employers value the most. From September 2015 all pupils starting secondary school will study the EBacc when they reach their GCSEs.
In the West Midlands this will mean that around 40,000 more pupils will be able to study these crucial subjects from September 2015.
This comes as new figures from Ofsted show that 1,850 schools in the West Midlands have been judged good or outstanding in their most recent inspection – this represents 80 per cent of schools in this area.
Across the country the proportion of all schools judged to be good or outstanding at their most recent inspection was 82 per cent – the highest ever recorded. As a result over 1 million more children are now in good schools compared to 2010.
Mark commented:
‘The Government is committed to ensuring that our young people have access to the best opportunities Britain has to offer. This means making sure that children have access to the best schools and study the key subjects that will provide them with the knowledge and skills which they need to succeed.”
Mark continued:
‘That’s why it’s great news that the latest figures show that 80 per cent of schools in the West Midlands are now rated good or outstanding. Thanks to the changes being introduced by the Government, from September around 40,000 more pupils will be studying key academic subjects at GCSE in this area.”
Mark concluded:
‘The Government is firmly on the side of people who want to work hard, get on and provide a decent education for their children. We are committed to ensuring that every child has the skills they need to reach their full potential.”