GCSE maths results in Rotherham lag behind national average
A council report shows that 66.3 per cent of pupils in the borough achieved a grade 4 or above in GCSE maths last year, compared with 71.9 per cent nationally.
GCSE results in Rotherham are still trailing behind the national average, with maths emerging as a particular concern.
A council report shows that 66.3 per cent of pupils in the borough achieved a grade 4 or above in GCSE maths last year, compared with 71.9 per cent nationally.
English results were closer to the national picture. In Rotherham, 70.3 per cent of pupils achieved a grade 4 or above in English, compared with 70.6 per cent across the country.
Overall performance at Key Stage 4, which measures results across a range of GCSE subjects, was also lower than the national average. The borough’s Attainment 8 score stood at 41.8, compared with 46.2 nationally.
The report highlights ongoing gaps between disadvantaged pupils and their peers, as well as lower outcomes for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Results for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils were also significantly below both local and national averages.
Council officers say weaknesses earlier in children’s education are affecting GCSE results later on. Phonics results for six-year-olds are below the national average, and reading performance at the end of primary school also lags behind. The report says these early literacy challenges can “feed into” lower achievement at secondary school.
Earlier stages of education show a more mixed picture.
Take-up of free early education places for eligible two-year-olds in Rotherham remains well above the national average. Almost all early years providers are rated good or outstanding.
However, the proportion of children reaching a “good level of development” by age five is still below the national figure, and gaps between boys and girls are wider than average.
In response, the council says it will focus on improving early literacy, boosting attendance and strengthening support for pupils with SEND. Plans include extra phonics support for schools with the weakest results, new attendance initiatives and continued specialist inclusion support.
The findings were discussed by councillors at the Improving Lives Select Commission on February 10.
Niall Devlin, RMBC’s assistant director of education and inclusion outlined steps being taken to address the issues during the meeting.
Mr Devlin said the council is drawing up a new “Best Start” plan in response to a government target to increase the number of children reaching a good level of development by nine percentage points by 2028. The plan, due to go to cabinet next month and be published by the end of March, will set out how the borough aims to improve results year on year.
He added that the council is working across South Yorkshire to raise phonics standards, including partnering with Barnsley, and is leading a regional initiative to improve outcomes for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children.
Rotherham is also working closely with the Department for Education through its RISE programme and bringing together school leaders, academy trust CEOs and subject specialists to share expertise and tackle gaps in attainment, particularly in maths.