Pupils pass test

Record pass rates, which saw almost one in four examinations leading to results of grade A, are testament to the hard work of both pupils and teachers.

More pupils entered science subjects and there was better performance in the key subjects of maths and English.

Yet despite the undoubted achievements of many, concerns must remain that boys are continuing to fall further behind girls.

Entries in modern languages fell again, perpetuating the national embarrassment that so few Britons are proficient in other tongues.

The improvement in performance in key subjects is likely to be further enhanced in years to come as Ministers put greater emphasis on the area, with the new English baccalaureate awarded to youngsters achieving A*-C in English, maths, two sciences, a foreign language and either history or geography.

Reforms to league tables to stop schools using easier qualifications to boost their results through vocational courses, which are the equivalent of up to four GCSEs, will also improve standards, although vocational subjects do have a valuable place for some in the curriculum and there will be significant numbers of pupils who should not be pushed towards subjects which are not suitable for them.

Despite serious doubts about Education Secretary Michael Gove’s old-fashioned approach, with its emphasis on rote learning that is better suited to Victorian times than the 21st century, appalling standards of literacy and numeracy of some school-leavers demand that action is taken to deliver higher standards in tougher subjects.

Schools that chase grades for the sake of it with courses which offer little benefit in later life, do youngsters no service.