STUDENTS across Worcestershire have achieved a higher pass rate than last year's figures, the county council has revealed.

There were plenty of smiles and happy tears today (Thursday) as students across the county collected their GCSE results.

Early indications suggest that results have improved this year, with two-thirds of students achieving standard passes, grades 4 and above, in both English and Maths. 

A standard pass is equivalent to an old grade C. 

Worcestershire County Council also revealed that 46.2% achieved strong passes (a grade 5) in these two subjects, an improvement on the outcomes for 2023.

Students in the 21 schools averaged a pass grade of 4.12 across their English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects, and 16.2% gained strong passes in all areas of the EBacc.

Nationally, 67.6% of all entries achieved a grade 4 or above.

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: "Anyone gaining results and wanting careers, training, skills or further education information can do so from the Careers Worcestershire Hubs at The Hive in Worcester and Heart of Worcestershire College in Redditch, online via www.careersworcs.co.uk or by calling 0300 666 3 666.

"Careers Worcs Hubs are dedicated spaces for anyone aged 16-24 looking for advice and support to kickstart their future.

"The friendly team there can help students explore choices and find the right path for them, no matter what their grades are on results day.

"The team understand how hard it can be to make the right choices when it comes to getting a job, choosing a course, or picking the step next in education, and are on hand to offer 1-to-1 advice as well as wellbeing support."

To find out more information, including how to book a Hub appointment, visit: Home - Careers Worcestershire (careersworcs.co.uk)

The Hubs are a collaboration between Worcestershire County Council, Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, and the Department for Work and Pensions.

They partner with local training, education, work, and wellbeing partners to offer support to Worcestershire’s young adults.