School pupils across Swansea have achieved a magnificent seven-year rise in attainment figures in core subjects.
Learners at the end of secondary and primary study have contributed to surges in assessment success in maths, science and English or Welsh as a first language.
The proportion of 16-year-olds gaining GCSE grade C or above in all three subjects rose from 36.2% in 2002 to 47.4% in 2009.
In the same period, the proportion of 11-year-olds achieving level 4+ or above in their National Curriculum teacher assessments – or the equivalent – for all three subjects rose from 68.6% to 74.4%.
Council Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Mike Day, said: “The results for those in the final year of compulsory education show our Core Subject Indicator (CSI) figures to be above the all-Wales average. The overall results at that stage also show an upward trend.
“Those aged 14-16 take a variety of courses and qualifications best suited to their needs. Advice and guidance is given through our successful Learning Pathways 14-19 scheme.
“I’m sure that success at this stage is attributable in no small part to the education being delivered at primary school level. Our data shows that, at the end of that stage, the CSI figure has risen gradually since 2002.”
The data also shows increasing levels of success for pupils from ethnic minority backgrounds, for looked after children, for those with additional learning needs and for the pupils with the most severe behavioural challenges.
Cllr Day said: “Great efforts are being made throughout our education community; these figures are encouraging and come as the Swansea Quality in Education 2020 scheme moves forward.
“QEd2020 is a comprehensive strategy for the long-term improvement of standards in education and educational buildings. It represents an important vision which we are determined to make a reality.”
