Torbay councillor Jean Cope has paid tribute to the dedication of staff and pupils following publication of the 2003 GCSE and A Level results.

Councillor Cope, Executive Member for Learning and Cultural Services, said: "The dedication of staff and pupils is shown by these successful results. Both GCSE and A levels are changing to meet the needs of the community and to enable our pupils to prepare for the next stages of their lives. There are tremendous benefits for us all when pupils achieve well. We need to be sure that pupils are achieving their potential.

'The commitment of schools, parents and pupils is rewarded by recognising their achievements both in these examination results and other results celebrated by each school. Our education system is about much more than academic results'

Torbay's Director of Learning and Culture, Tony Smith, said: 'It is essential that our students continue to develop skills and knowledge to prepare them for education and training opportunities for which they wish to apply. Students benefit greatly when leaving school as young adults, well prepared for the increasing life choices available to them.'

The comments come after the Department for Education and Skills published national GCSE and A level results.

Results show GCSE and GNVQ results for pupils age 16, and AS and A level achievements for pupils age 18, but do not yet include additional courses. Headteachers praise the work of all their pupils, and recognise their dedication and effort by writing in the Torbay parent results booklets. These booklets will shortly be available to parents, with reference copies at libraries, Connections and schools.

Pupils select their GCSE courses and other studies during year 9, and commit to them until they are 16, and reach the end of their compulsory education. Torbay achieved 52 per cent grades A* - C this year, and ranks 65th out of the total 149 LEAs. Additionally, Torbay celebrates a rank of 42nd (top 30 per cent) out of all LEAs by achieving 89 per cent of pupils with 5+ A* - G grades (including English and Maths).

At A level, the number of students attending Torbay LEA school 6th forms has increased by 20 per cent since 2000, and our schools are pleased that more students have more choice in their studies. Now the unified A level framework for both general and vocational studies enables a wide range of achievement to be fully accredited and reported. Torbay's A Level results of 238.5 total points per student, with 80.2 points per entry, rank Torbay eighth out of nearly 150 LEAs nationally.

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