Stoke-on-Trent recorded the eighth worst GCSE results in England, with only 11.9% of pupils achieving grade 7 or above, according to newly released data. The figures, covering pupils who received their results last week, place the Midlands city at the bottom of the regional table.
Sandwell, in the Black Country, was the tenth worst performing area in England, with 13.1% of grades at 7 or higher. Both areas are among the most deprived in the country, a factor that often impacts school performance, the data suggests.
Regional divide widens
The latest figures show a large regional divide within England that is only growing. The North East had the worst GCSE results of any region, with just 17.7% of grades at seven or higher. That compared to 28.5% in London, where affluent areas such as Richmond upon Thames, Sutton and Kingston upon Thames topped the national table.
Many of the worst performing areas were in the north or Midlands. Knowsley and Blackpool were the two worst for GCSE results overall.
Education challenges linked to deprivation
While GCSEs are not always the be all and end all, poorer overall results may indicate towns and cities which may experience more challenges around education, including issues like attendance and behaviour. Poorer areas are also less likely to achieve well overall due to challenges faced.
The data highlights a clear link between deprivation and educational outcomes, with the lowest performing areas in England also among the most deprived. This trend is particularly pronounced in the Midlands and northern regions, where economic challenges are more widespread.
