Attainment at age 16

What does this graph show?

At 22%, the proportion of 16 year olds not getting 5 GCSEs at A*-C is lower in London than the England average (24%). This means that in 2010, around 16,500 16 year-olds in London did not get 5 good GCSEs. The overall story, in London as elsewhere, is of substantial falls in the proportion of children not getting to this level at age 16.

In Outer London, it is lower still, at 21%. The figure for Inner London is 26%, higher than the England average, but around 40% lower than in 2007.

Since 2007, the proportion of pupils not getting 5 GCSEs has fallen significantly everywhere. Boroughs like Greenwich, Merton and Islington, where more than 50% of 16 year-olds did not get good GCSEs in 2007 now have less than 30% not attaining this level. In fact, no borough now has more than 35% of 16 year olds not getting 5 GCSEs at A* to C.

See also attainment at 16 by gender and free school meal status.

Additional Information

The borough figures can change significantly from year-to-year. If for instance, a large school improves its results in a short space of time, or a poor performing school closes, the overall performance of its borough will improve. Also, given that this is based on the location of the school, not the residence of the pupil, moves across borough boundaries could affect results.

Data used

DfE statistics

Figures only include pupils attending state-funded schools.

Indicator last updated: 30 January 2012