Nottingham falls into bottom six for exam results for 16-year-olds

NOTTINGHAM has slipped into the bottom six of all local authorities for exam results for 16-year-olds, it has been revealed today.

Department for Education figures show that the city council is ranked 146th out of 151 authorities nationwide, with 44.2 per cent of students achieving five A* to C grades including English and maths at Key Stage 4 in 2010.

Meanwhile the county council recorded 51.4 per cent of students gaining five A* to C grades including English and maths, leaving it in 117th place.

A lack of jobs and teaching standards are being blamed.

Dr Peter Gates, associate professor at the University of Nottingham's School of Education, said: "I am not blaming the kids or the teachers. It is difficult to motivate the kids because of a lack of opportunities out there for them.

"Until we tackle the rates of poverty it is not likely we will see the city climbing significantly higher in the tables."

Key Stage 4 includes GCSEs and the new diploma qualifications. The percentage of students in the city achieving five A* to C including English and maths did increase in 2010, up from 41.4 per cent in 2009.

The county council also saw a rise, from 47.2 per cent in 2009. Both authorities fell in the tables, the city from 140th last year and the county from 105th.

Councillor David Mellen, portfolio holder for children's services at the city council, admitted the table was "disappointing", adding: "We have to look at the improvements we have made and work hard to continue with that to climb the tables."

Councillor Philip Owen, cabinet member for children and young people's services at the county council, said: "There is still much to do to match the achievement of the highest performing authorities."

Ralph Surman, national executive member of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), was critical of the tables, saying: "Schools are being ranked on a measure which is arbitrary and downgrades vocational education."

Head teachers have slammed new figures judging schools on the English baccalaureate, which includes English, modern languages, maths, science and humanities. One, Rob McDonough, of West Bridgford School, said they had not been told by the Department for Education they were being judged on it.

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