PUPILS at Hampshire County Council schools continue to do well in GCSE exams, according to government 2007 league tables. While many schools across the county have once again exceeded national standards, Alton's schools remain the top of the class. The tables published by the Department for Children, Schools and Families on January 10, show that HCC schools outperformed the national trend with 51.3 per cent of pupils gaining five or more grades at A* to C including Maths and English, 4.6 per cent above the English average of 46.7 per cent. These results are regarded as one of the key measures of Key Stage 4 performance. The tables show that 62.7 per cent of Key Stage 4 pupils achieved five or more A* to C grades or their equivalent in this year's examinations, 0.7 per cent above the national English average. In addition 93.3 per cent of Hampshire pupils achieved more than five A* to G grades compared to a national average of 91.7 per cent. The statistics also give a contextual value added score for schools – an important statistic as it measures the progress pupils make during their time at secondary school. Congratulating pupils and staff on their results David Kirk, HCC executive lead member for children's services (education), said: "It is good to see that Hampshire pupils are continuing to outperform their counterparts nationally and that the overall picture for Hampshire remains well above the national averages for those achieving five or more A* to C including English and Maths, or their equivalent. "Once again the contextual value added score is helpful. These figures take into account a range of factors affecting children's learning such as special educational needs as well as family circumstances. "And they show how much progress children make while they are at secondary school. This is good because while academic achievements are important they are not the only way to measure pupils', and indeed schools', success. "Progress while at school and achievements in other areas such as sport, art or personal development are all important factors in a child's education and helping them achieve their potential. "The county council is determined, not only to raising standards and improving results year on year, but also to ensuring all pupils enjoy their learning experiences at school. We want them to be able to fulfil their potential by progressing into further education, employment or training."
