Council congratulates GCSE students in Buckinghamshire

Mike Appleyard, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

The nerve-racking wait isfinally over for thousands of young people across Buckinghamshire as theycollect theirGCSE results today (August 24).

And Mike Appleyard, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills wanted to be among the first to offer his congratulations.

‘A very well done toall our GCSE students on their results today. I know how much hard work goes into preparing for exams and our students are not only a credit to their schools but also to Buckinghamshire.

“Of course behind their success is all the support they receive from their teachers, as well asfamilies and friends, to set them on the best possible course for their future learning and development. I hopethey’re rewarded for their efforts and got the grades they wanted.

“Whatever the outcome it’s really important for Year 11 students to know exactly what options are open to them as they stay on in education or training. These are:

– full-time education such as sixth form orcollege.
– an apprenticeship or traineeship
– part-time education or training if they are employed, self-employed or volunteering for more than 20 hours a week.

“Even if students don’t do quite as well as expected in their GCSEs, all is not lost.Schools can put them in touch with advisers who can go through all the options open to them. These include a wide range of vocational qualifications,apprenticeships and other opportunities. Further information is also available at www.stayinlearning.org.uk which is specifically aimed at Year 11 leavers.

“Mike added, “Buckinghamshire has a reputation for greateducation andweare constantly looking for new ways to work with schools and other providers to ensure children and young people have access to the very best opportunities available.

“With everything that is changing in education,we are currently working with schools and other stakeholdersto develop a brand new Education and Skills strategy through to 2021, with the aim of making sure all our pupilsreach their fullpotential going forward.”