Redland schools continue to lead way with GCSE results in Bristol

The number of Bristol GCSE students achieving five A*-C grades has increased from less than 50 per cent to almost 80 per cent over the past five years.

Redland Schools have always been well-placed to achieve top GCSE results (see this year's results) and it seems now, the rest of the city is following suit.

Over the last five years, the percentage of students at Bristol schools and academies gaining five or more GCSEs at grade A* to C has increased from 47% to 77%. For the same period, the percentage of students in Bristol gaining five or more GCSEs at grade A* to C including English and Maths has increased from 31% to 50%. 

And the city's schools are making steady progress in moving up national rankings, according to the latest government figures. But there is still a long way to go. The provisional position for 2011 shows Bristol moving up to joint 115th place out of 151 local authorities - compared to being at the bottom of the tables in 149th place out of 149 local authorities five years ago.

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Bristol City Councillor Clare Campion-Smith, said: "Standards in Bristol secondary schools and academies are continuing to rise and this is reflected in the city's improved ranking compared to other local authority areas. While we must not be complacent, or lose focus on the need to raise standards further, this is clear evidence of progress to date. Bristol City Council will continue to work with schools in the city to deliver the best possible education for our children and young people." 

When you put it into perspective, and with schools in Redland achieving GCSE success year on year, you've got to wonder just how the wider Bristol picture was and kind of is so bad.