Local MP Maria Miller has welcomed news that 77% more students in Basingstoke are now achieving GCSEs in core academic subjects that make up the EBacc, meaning they are gaining the skills they need to go on to university or secure a good job.
The new English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is awarded when students achieve A* to C in five core GCSE subjects including English, Maths, Science, Humanities and Languages – the courses that universities and employers can value the most. New figures show that the EBacc is encouraging more young people in Basingstoke to study the core academic subjects.
Commenting on this news Maria Miller said, ‘Young people in Basingstoke face tough competition in the jobs market and need the very best qualifications they can get. That starts with GCSEs.
‘Some employers lost faith in exams in recent years. That’s why it is great news that more Basingstoke young people are now opting for subjects that make up the EBacc, the sort of subjects colleges, universities and employers look for.
‘More than 30% of young people in our area are now taking up the subjects which will help them when looking for a university place or the best jobs.
‘To secure Basingstoke's future success we need the best schools and skills for our young people. These new figures show that now we are encouraging more young people to get the best GCSEs they can and the skills they need to get on in life.’