Attainment at age 16 by region
Key points
- The proportion of 16-year-olds in Inner London achieving fewer than five GCSEs has come down from 15% to 8% over the ten years to 2009 - the biggest fall of any English region.
- Outer London now has a lower proportion of pupils falling short of this standard than any other region in England.
The proportion of 16-year-olds not getting five GCSEs, over time
This page considers GCSE attainment by 16-year-olds. We look at the proportion of pupils attaining fewer than five GCSEs of any grade. This is different from the usual 'headline' five GCSEs at grades A* to C and is used here to focus attention on progress among children with the lowest levels of educational attainment. As well as GCSEs themselves, we also include qualifications deemed to be 'GCSE equivalents', such as GNVQs
What does this graph show?
We can see that over the 10 years to 2009 the proportion of 16-year-olds in Inner London achieving fewer than five GCSEs has come down from 15% to 8%. This is the biggest fall recorded by any English region.
So while Inner London stood out 10 years ago for its high proportion of pupils not attaining five GCSEs, it is now much closer to the other regions and is actually no longer the worst. Since 1999 the gaps between the regions have closed.
Over the same period, the proportion of 16-year-olds in Outer London achieving fewer than five GCSEs fell from 10% to 6% – now the lowest figure of any region in England. The overall figure for London is 7%.
This progress in education in London has happened despite facing challenges in the distinctive pupil population in the capital. Find out more here.
Data used
Statistical Releases from DCSF
Figures only include pupils attending state-funded schools.
Indicator last updated: 13 July 2010
Other indicators in 16-24 year olds
- Free school meals and attainment at age 16
- Not in education employment or training - 'NEETs'
- Attainment at age 16 by borough
View all indicators
Glossary
Outer London:
Barking & Dagenham, Barnet, Bromley, Bexley, Brent, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Sutton, Waltham Forest
Inner London:
Camden, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham, Haringey, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth, Westminster
Key out-of-work benefits:
Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Income Support (IS), Incapacity Benefit (IB), Severe Disablement Allowance, Carer's Allowance. Disability Living Allowance is not a key out-of-work benefit as it is available to people who may be in work and is not means-tested.