Anxious wait for GCSE results nearly over for Derbyshire pupils

Last year, 55 per cent of students in the county achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C including English and maths – an increase of three per cent from 2014.

Derbyshire County Council says is hoping for continued success across its 45 secondary schools but is also offering support and advice for anyone who needs it when results come out on Thursday (August 25).

Cabinet member for children’s services at the county council, Councillor Jim Coyle, said: “Waiting for exam results is naturally a nervous time for students and I hope they’re rewarded for their efforts and get the grades they want.

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

Further education or training options open to Year 11 students are:

• Full-time education such as sixth form, college or work-based learning

• An apprenticeship

• Part-time education or training if they are employed, self-employed or volunteering for more than 20 hours a week.

Councillor Coyle added: “Young people staying on in education or work-based training have the chance to develop better skills and create opportunities and have more chance of fulfilling their learning potential and getting a job they enjoy.

“Even if students don’t do as well as expected in their GCSEs, 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 and apprenticeships which will be showcased at our Skills Festivals.”

The county council’s Skills Festivals are Derbyshire’s largest careers events for young people and are aimed at students aged 15 to 19, including those in Year 11 who are considering their options after school. This year’s events will be held at:

• Queen’s Park Sports Centre, Boythorpe Road, Chesterfield, S40 2ND on Thursday, 15 September between 3.30pm and 8pm

• The Roundhouse, Derby College, Roundhouse Road, Derby, DE24 8JE on Wednesday, 21 and Thursday, 22 September between 3.30pm and 8pm

Training providers, the Armed Forces and larger employers will be on hand to talk to young people. They will also be invited to take part in a range of have-a-go activities including forensic science, 3D printing and the use of technology in manufacturing.

There will be sessions for young people with special educational needs and disabilities and NEETs (young people who are not in education, employment or training) will also be invited.

Meanwhile, students who are not thinking about higher education can check out the Government’s apprenticeships website at: www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Derbyshire County Council also has apprenticeships available throughout the year with the latest vacancies available at: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/apprenticeships