Young people in Northumberland are celebrating this week as the majority of schools have posted better A-Level results than in 2018.

Astley Community High School and Berwick Academy almost doubled their outcomes from last year and James Calvert Spence College improved by 33%, with Bedlington Academy improving by 12%. A number of schools had outstanding results at A-level, with 22 students at Queen Elizabeth High School in Hexham achieving three or more A/A* equivalent grades. At King Edward VI School in Morpeth 38 students achieved all A/A* grades, nine of whom achieved all A*s.

The leader of Northumberland County Council, Councillor Peter Jackson has placed improving education across the county high on his council’s agenda. He said:

“Not only do we have the largest school investment programme of any county in the UK, but we are placing huge emphasis on supporting every school in our county to improve educational outcomes and this effort is starting to bear fruit.

“Young people are the foundation of success for the future of our county and we are doing everything in our power to give them the opportunity to reach their potential. There is a Conservative-run revolution in standards rolling out across Northumberland.

“Thanks to the work we have put in 88% of our young people now go to schools rated Good or Outstanding. We will not rest until we reach our target to make this 100%.

“No young person should be left behind.”

The improvement in academic qualifications has been matched by a greater range and quality of vocational courses offered to young people. Northumberland County Council has invested heavily in this type of training under Peter Jackson’s Conservative administration.

The step change in our schools has been led by Wayne Daley, cabinet member for children’s services. He said: “We are celebrating a great year with some really good performances by individual students across our schools and academies.

“This is testament to the hard work of students and their teachers and I would like to congratulate all those who have taken exams this year.  

“Once again I am incredibly impressed by the efforts and results of our students. They have worked extremely hard to obtain these wonderful results and I wish them all the very best for the future.”

Cllr Jackson assured all residents that this programme of investment is just the start for improving education in Northumberland. Schools in the county were at their lowest ebb for decades when Northumberland Conservatives took control of the council in 2017. The county was at the bottom of national league tables in a number of areas, limiting the potential of all young people in the area.

The council will now work with teachers and students to ensure that schools continue to deliver improved results year on year in the future.