The Department for Education has published data (28 March 2018) showing the proportion of children in care in England who achieved higher grades in GCSEs in 2017, compared with all children and with children in need.
The data shows:
- 18% of children who had been in care for at least a year by the time of their GCSE exams achieved a 4+ grade in English and maths
- 7% of children achieved a 5+ grade
This compares unfavourably with all children:
- 59% of children who weren’t in care achieved achieved a 4+ grade in English and maths
- 40% of children achieved a 5+ grade
For children officially classed by local councils as in need, the data shows:
- 19% of children achieved a 4+ grade in English and maths
- 9% of children achieved a 5+ grade
Article 39’s Director, Carolyne Willow, said:
“Education is far more than exam results but doing well at school and college can be a life-changer for children in care. There is absolutely no question that children in care are as smart and capable as their friends and neighbours; it’s our responsibility as carers, teachers and advocates to make sure they get the best education, encouragement and support available.”
View the data here (outcomes tables).