North Northamptonshire schools performing below national average in GCSE results
Council data highlights three-year low in English and Maths attainment
Schoolchildren in North Northamptonshire are performing below the national average in their GCSE results, with figures showing a continued decline in English and Maths attainment.
The data, published by North Northamptonshire Council (NNC), shows that this year 37.9% of students achieved grades 5 to 9 in their English and Maths GCSEs. That's compared to the national average of 45%. This represents a three-year low for the area in these subjects.
The report also highlighted a consistent gap in attainment across all areas of education, from phonics in Year 1 to Key Stage 2, to GCSEs in the 2024/25 academic year.
Disparities for students with SEN support and EHCPs
While results for students with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and those receiving SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) support have improved since 2021, a significant gap remains in attainment levels.
Only 4.8% of students with EHCPs achieved grade 5 or higher in English and Maths, compared to 22.7% of pupils with SEN support and a much higher percentage of their peers.
At a council scrutiny committee meeting on 25th November, Simon Bissett, the head of educational effectiveness at NNC, acknowledged the challenges.
“The simple analysis of the 2025 educational outcomes is, unfortunately, the local authority is not above any of the national standards in any educational outcome," Bissett said.
“What has happened in relation to the teaching of children with EHCPs and those with SEND support has improved over time. Unfortunately, what I would have to add to that is there is a considerable gap between the achievement of those children and all other children."
NNC Assistant Director of Education Amanda Butler highlighted challenges with educational outcomes for children in particular areas.
“There is a disparity in educational outcomes depending on postcode," Butler said. "On average, children in Corby are achieving less academically, and those under five in the town are already entering school with lower communication skills and a greater level of need."
She attributed the differences to factors like demographics, deprivation levels, and post-school opportunities.
Council initiatives to improve education
During the meeting, council officers announced that they are prioritising early years support to address gaps in education from the start.
As part of this strategy, early childcare advisors are working with local nurseries and other settings across North Northamptonshire. The council has also tripled its staffing in the early years team.
In September, NNC launched a new education improvement framework designed to help schools and academies enhance their facilities and support systems, particularly for vulnerable and disadvantaged learners.
According to council documents, the framework aims to “improve the life chances of all children and young people” through stronger cooperation between the local authority and education providers.