GCSE English and maths results

Published 22 August 2019

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Contents

1. Main facts and figures

• in 2017/18, pupils from the Chinese ethnic group were the most likely to get a ‘strong pass’ (grade 5 or above) in GCSE English and maths
• White Gypsy/Roma pupils were the least likely to get a strong pass in GCSE English and maths
• in every ethnic group, girls were more likely than boys to get a strong pass in GCSE English and maths
• in every ethnic group, pupils eligible for free school meals were less likely to get a strong pass in GCSE English and maths than those not eligible
• White Gypsy/Roma pupils who were eligible for free school meals were the least likely out of all groups to get a strong pass in GCSE English and maths, with 2.9% of both boys and girls doing so

Things you need to know

In 2017/18, 523,626 pupils were entered for GCSEs in state-funded mainstream schools. Ethnicity was known for 516,460 (99%) of them.

Of the students for whom ethnicity was known 77% were White, 11% were Asian, 6% were Black, 5% had mixed ethnicities, 1.7% were in other ethnic groups and 0.4% were chinese.

Some of the statistics quoted here are based on very small numbers of pupils and can change a lot from year to year. For example, only 107 pupils in the Chinese ethnic group were eligible for free school meals in 2017/18.

The data shows that a lower percentage of Traveller of Irish Heritage pupils got a strong pass in GCSE English and maths. However, this is based 111 pupils taking GCSEs in 2017/18. This was a much smaller number than for other ethnic groups. Therefore, it isn’t possible to make reliable generalisations about Traveller of Irish Heritage pupils or compare them with other ethnic groups.

Schools can ask for a pupil to be removed from their performance results if the pupil:

• arrived recently from overseas and their first language isn’t English
• was admitted following a permanent exclusion from another school
• was not at the end of key stage 4
• left England to live abroad
• died

Pupils removed from a school’s performance results may still be included in national figures.

Some information about local authorities may be different to last year due to changes in suppression rules. (Suppression is where some data is excluded, for example if the size of the ethnic group population is small enough that an individual’s identity could be revealed.)

Local authority data doesn’t include figures for pupils in the ‘Other’ ethnic group. Instead, these pupils are included in the ‘All’ category, which also includes pupils for whom ethnicity wasn’t known.

Local authorities who have not reported any data will not appear in the accompanying data files.

What the data measures

This data measures the percentage of pupils within each ethnic group who got a grade 5 or above in GCSE English and maths.

The Department for Education recognises a grade 5 and above in English and maths as a ‘strong pass’. A grade 4 is considered a ‘standard pass’, similar to the old grade C.

Data is also analysed by factors including gender, eligibility for free school meals, and local authority area.

The data covers the academic year 2017/18 (September 2017 to July 2018).

For the ‘By ethnicity and type of school’ table, schools are divided into the following 9 categories:

• local authority-maintained mainstream schools
• academies and free schools
• converter academies
• free schools
• further education colleges with provision for 14 to 16-year-olds
• sponsored academies
• state-funded special schools
• studio schools
• university technical colleges

There are also 2 categories which group several school types together:

• all state-funded schools (includes local authority-maintained schools, academies, free schools, city technology colleges and state-funded special schools)
• all state-funded mainstream schools (as above but excludes state-funded special schools)

Find more on types of school on pages 30 and 31 of Revised GCSE and equivalent results in England 2017 to 2018: Quality and methodology information (PDF opens in a new window or tab) (PDF).

The ethnic categories used in this data

This data uses categories from the Department for Education’s school census, which is broadly based on the 2001 national Census, with 3 exceptions:

• Traveller of Irish Heritage and Gypsy/Roma children have been separated into 2 categories
• Sri Lankan is included in the Asian/Asian British group but is not reported separately
• Chinese pupils have been assigned a separate category from Asian

These changes were made after consulting local authorities and lobby groups.

Data is reported for 6 broad and 16 specific ethnic groups. These are:

Asian/Asian British:

• Indian
• Pakistani
• Bangladeshi
• Other Asian background

Black/African/Caribbean/Black British:

• Black African
• Black Caribbean
• Other Black background

Mixed/Multiple ethnic groups:

• White and Black Caribbean
• White and Black African
• White and Asian
• Other Mixed background

White:

• White British
• White Irish
• Traveller of Irish Heritage
• Gypsy/Roma
• Other White

Chinese

Other ethnic group

Some data is shown only for 5 or 6 broad ethnic groups.

The 6 broad groups are:

• Asian/Asian British
• Black/African/Caribbean/Black British
• Chinese
• Mixed/Multiple ethnic groups
• White
• Other ethnic group

The Other ethnic group isn’t included in data analysed by local authority area, basis for school admission, school type, special educational needs, and religion of school because DfE does not publish this data.

2. By ethnicity

• Location: England
• Time period: 2017/18
• Source: Key stage 4 and multi-academy trust performance 2018

Percentage of pupils getting a strong pass (grade 5 or above) in English and maths GCSE by ethnicity

Ethnicity	%	Pupils
All	43.3	523,626
Asian	50.2	55,737
Bangladeshi	49.1	9,384
Indian	62.0	14,575
Pakistani	40.1	22,840
Asian other	58.3	8,938
Black	38.8	28,949
Black African	44.3	18,358
Black Caribbean	26.9	6,933
Black other	33.2	3,658
Chinese	75.3	1,875
Mixed	43.7	24,646
Mixed White/Asian	54.8	5,537
Mixed White/Black African	41.1	2,936
Mixed White/Black Caribbean	31.4	7,093
Mixed other	47.4	9,080
White	42.6	396,680
White British	42.7	367,680
White Irish	55.8	1,646
Gypsy/Roma	5.3	1,107
Irish Traveller	9.9	111
White other	42.0	26,136
Other	43.8	8,573
Unknown	34.0	7,166

Download table data (CSV) Source data (CSV)

Summary of GCSE English and maths results By ethnicity Summary

The data shows that:

• in 2017/18, 43.3% of all pupils got a ‘strong pass’ (grade 5 or above) in GCSE English and maths
• 75.3% of pupils from the Chinese ethnic group got a strong pass in GCSE English and maths, the highest percentage out of all ethnic groups
• 5.3% of White Gypsy/Roma pupils and 9.9% of Traveller of Irish Heritage pupils got a strong pass in GCSE English and maths, the lowest percentages out of all ethnic groups

3. By ethnicity and eligibility for free school meals

• Location: England
• Time period: 2017/18
• Source: Key stage 4 and multi-academy trust performance 2018

Percentage of pupils getting a strong pass (grade 5 or above) in English and maths GCSE, by ethnicity and eligibility for free school meals

	Free school meals		No free school meals
Ethnicity	Free school meals %	Free school meals Pupils	No free school meals %	No free school meals Pupils
All	21.6	66,365	46.4	457,261
Asian	35.2	8,610	53.0	47,127
Bangladeshi	38.9	2,256	52.4	7,128
Indian	43.1	957	63.4	13,618
Pakistani	30.6	4,364	42.3	18,476
Asian other	38.9	1,033	60.8	7,905
Black	27.7	5,912	41.6	23,037
Black African	33.7	3,639	46.9	14,719
Black Caribbean	15.7	1,531	30.1	5,402
Black other	22.4	742	35.9	2,916
Chinese	67.3	107	75.7	1,768
Mixed	24.4	4,396	47.9	20,250
Mixed White/Asian	27.8	709	58.7	4,828
Mixed White/Black African	28.1	558	44.2	2,378
Mixed White/Black Caribbean	18.8	1,614	35.1	5,479
Mixed other	27.5	1,515	51.4	7,565
White	17.2	44,327	45.8	352,353
White British	16.7	41,457	46.0	326,223
White Irish	24.5	188	59.9	1,458
Gypsy/Roma	2.9	344	6.4	763
Irish Traveller	6.0	67	15.9	44
White other	29.2	2,271	43.2	23,865
Other	35.9	1,980	46.2	6,593
Unknown	18.3	1,033	36.7	6,133

Download table data (CSV) Source data (CSV)

Summary of GCSE English and maths results By ethnicity and eligibility for free school meals Summary

Eligibility for free school meals (FSM) is used as an indicator of deprivation by the Department for Education.

The data shows that:

• in 2017/18, 21.6% of FSM-eligible pupils got a strong pass in GCSE English and maths, while 46.4% of those not eligible did so
• in every ethnic group, FSM-eligible pupils were less likely to get a strong pass in GCSE English and maths than those not eligible
• out of the 6 broad ethnic groups, pupils from the Chinese ethnic group had the highest percentage of FSM-eligible pupils getting a strong pass in GCSE English and maths (67.3%)
• White FSM-eligible pupils were the least likely to get a strong pass in GCSE English and maths (17.2%)
• the biggest gap between FSM-eligible pupils and those not eligible was in the White Irish ethnic group, with 24.5% and 59.9% respectively getting a strong pass in GCSE English and maths (a 35.4 percentage point gap)

4. By ethnicity and area

• Location: England
• Time period: 2017/18
• Source: Key stage 4 and multi-academy trust performance 2018

Percentage of pupils getting a strong pass (grade 5 or above) in English and maths, by ethnicity and area

	All		Asian		Black		Chinese		Mixed		White
Geography	All %	All Pupils	Asian %	Asian Pupils	Black %	Black Pupils	Chinese %	Chinese Pupils	Mixed %	Mixed Pupils	White %	White Pupils
All - England	43.5	521,202	50.7	55,183	39.2	28,609	75.9	1,856	43.9	24,531	42.7	395,716
Barking and Dagenham	40.4	2,199	55.7	449	42.2	619	100.0	2	30.7	127	32.7	921
Barnet	60.8	3,810	81.2	532	46.1	497	84.1	44	58.9	409	59.6	1,914
Barnsley	39.2	2,011	50.0	8	21.4	14	N/A*	0	42.9	35	39.2	1,940
Bath and North East Somerset	47.6	2,074	52.2	23	29.2	24	100.0	5	48.9	94	48.5	1,868
Bedford	40.4	1,832	39.0	269	47.3	91	100.0	1	30.9	152	41.5	1,281
Bexley	51.3	3,032	70.7	232	61.9	620	78.8	33	44.3	194	45.8	1,901
Birmingham	40.1	12,166	40.5	5,017	34.5	1,489	92.9	42	37.5	864	42.4	3,992
Blackburn with Darwen	41.4	1,830	51.1	838	23.1	13	66.7	3	44.4	45	32.6	913
Blackpool	26.6	1,136	31.8	22	20.0	5	66.7	3	39.1	23	26.0	1,078
Bolton	39.8	3,251	49.7	698	37.7	146	80.0	5	32.1	109	37.2	2,238
Bournemouth	53.2	1,512	63.4	41	42.9	7	78.6	14	55.4	74	53.0	1,328
Bracknell Forest	45.2	1,043	54.2	59	33.3	21	0.0	1	58.5	41	44.2	911
Bradford	36.2	5,941	37.8	2,727	30.8	104	100.0	3	27.5	244	35.7	2,715
Brent	50.9	2,858	55.4	897	40.4	675	100.0	3	51.7	178	44.7	494
Brighton and Hove	46.7	2,169	47.4	57	25.9	58	53.8	13	47.1	191	47.2	1,775
Bristol, City of	41.0	3,109	44.4	261	29.6	345	76.9	13	39.9	248	42.3	2,167
Bromley	49.5	3,214	83.1	166	48.0	306	93.9	33	49.1	269	48.4	2,270
Buckinghamshire	60.8	5,665	64.2	1,021	58.3	187	83.3	18	59.6	327	59.8	4,015
Bury	39.4	2,113	38.1	307	17.4	46	62.5	8	30.9	97	40.4	1,618
Calderdale	47.9	2,410	45.6	384	30.8	26	75.0	4	42.5	73	48.8	1,909
Cambridgeshire	46.1	5,491	56.7	157	32.8	61	79.2	24	54.6	227	45.8	4,858
Camden	47.1	1,533	46.4	274	38.5	358	63.6	11	40.9	181	54.6	546
Central Bedfordshire	41.5	2,579	60.0	50	42.9	56	66.7	9	32.5	114	41.5	2,301
Cheshire East	47.9	3,537	55.7	61	41.7	12	87.5	8	41.2	85	47.9	3,328
Cheshire West and Chester	40.8	3,298	46.7	30	25.0	12	50.0	10	39.0	59	40.8	3,161
City of London	N/A*	0	N/A*	0	N/A*	0	N/A*	0	N/A*	0	N/A*	0
Cornwall	38.7	5,117	50.0	16	60.0	5	33.3	6	42.7	82	38.6	4,940
County Durham	39.2	4,614	53.1	32	54.5	11	83.3	6	42.9	49	39.3	4,434
Coventry	37.5	3,377	47.2	687	34.3	335	50.0	6	32.8	192	35.5	2,105
Croydon	42.4	3,452	53.2	472	37.7	998	92.3	13	41.3	499	44.6	1,268
Cumbria	43.3	4,689	66.7	30	46.7	15	86.7	15	50.8	59	43.2	4,407
Darlington	44.9	1,097	43.8	32	60.0	5	50.0	4	62.5	32	44.3	1,008
Derby	38.2	2,747	45.6	487	33.3	96	58.3	12	38.5	174	36.7	1,925
Derbyshire	42.7	7,069	57.1	70	37.0	27	83.3	12	41.5	171	42.6	6,739
Devon	41.0	6,559	47.8	23	20.0	5	84.6	13	43.1	109	41.1	6,179
Doncaster	37.4	2,903	40.0	95	29.6	27	40.0	5	45.6	68	37.1	2,677
Dorset	43.8	3,989	64.3	28	42.9	7	50.0	12	50.6	79	43.5	3,827
Dudley	36.7	3,283	43.4	302	23.2	82	75.0	4	30.9	181	37.1	2,643
Ealing	52.2	2,853	56.4	824	40.1	563	90.9	11	56.3	222	55.3	837
East Riding of Yorkshire	46.3	3,151	85.7	7	0.0	3	66.7	3	55.2	58	45.9	3,032
East Sussex	41.4	4,665	58.8	80	40.0	25	66.7	12	47.5	183	41.1	4,274
Enfield	41.6	3,414	64.9	299	36.5	852	82.4	17	45.2	336	38.9	1,619
Essex	41.0	14,040	68.4	380	51.1	440	80.5	41	43.2	546	39.6	12,382
Gateshead	42.9	1,885	50.0	44	38.1	21	80.0	5	50.0	20	42.5	1,729
Gloucestershire	47.3	6,006	58.0	176	35.2	71	60.0	15	48.1	231	47.2	5,417
Greenwich	39.4	2,269	46.2	197	39.9	747	62.5	16	40.1	227	37.3	1,011
Hackney	46.7	2,058	52.7	258	40.1	758	44.4	9	41.9	172	53.2	713
Halton	32.3	1,333	50.0	4	N/A*	0	0.0	1	51.6	31	31.7	1,281
Hammersmith and Fulham	54.8	1,291	51.8	114	40.3	315	83.3	12	49.2	126	64.2	567
Hampshire	45.2	12,497	53.6	319	39.0	123	64.9	37	49.5	323	44.8	11,536
Haringey	42.6	2,190	52.5	158	29.2	566	77.8	9	48.2	222	47.7	1,021
Harrow	51.2	2,044	62.5	912	40.8	311	62.5	8	49.7	167	40.8	507
Hartlepool	37.8	1,016	64.0	25	25.0	4	0.0	1	47.1	17	37.2	966
Havering	44.2	2,774	56.8	146	46.7	366	85.7	7	47.6	143	42.3	2,025
Herefordshire, County of	42.7	1,644	57.1	7	0.0	3	50.0	2	35.1	37	43.0	1,580
Hertfordshire	53.1	12,372	67.9	947	44.9	532	81.5	65	54.8	797	51.8	9,820
Hillingdon	47.7	3,064	61.4	715	41.2	345	50.0	4	49.0	339	41.1	1,410
Hounslow	49.2	2,666	59.6	805	43.4	346	100.0	3	45.1	237	46.8	915
Isle of Wight	33.3	1,070	60.0	5	50.0	2	N/A*	0	46.7	15	33.0	1,042
Isles of Scilly	80.0	15	N/A*	0	N/A*	0	N/A*	0	100.0	1	76.9	13
Islington	44.2	1,404	56.4	179	37.4	406	77.8	9	38.1	181	45.7	484
Kensington and Chelsea	53.8	718	61.0	41	41.3	121	100.0	2	55.5	119	62.3	260
Kent	44.2	15,516	70.1	581	61.3	393	77.2	57	52.8	716	42.0	13,479
Kingston upon Hull, City of	32.9	2,307	52.9	34	33.3	36	100.0	2	40.0	55	33.6	2,036
Kingston upon Thames	64.2	1,515	77.9	384	43.4	76	91.7	12	59.0	134	60.2	841
Kirklees	42.5	4,488	41.3	1,235	25.0	80	73.3	15	33.1	254	44.5	2,861
Knowsley	21.0	929	25.0	4	0.0	2	0.0	1	0.0	12	21.6	900
Lambeth	39.3	2,114	61.5	96	35.6	1,012	68.8	16	41.1	258	42.4	540
Lancashire	44.2	11,631	43.8	1,347	36.6	41	86.1	36	44.6	258	44.3	9,797
Leeds	40.9	7,598	39.7	956	31.9	476	65.8	38	35.2	369	44.0	5,344
Leicester	36.3	3,511	43.6	1,719	34.5	365	71.4	7	27.5	229	25.9	1,108
Leicestershire	43.6	6,837	61.2	547	33.3	78	66.7	12	40.8	260	42.2	5,877
Lewisham	40.7	2,104	46.4	125	34.4	902	80.0	25	42.8	297	46.5	596
Lincolnshire	43.0	7,255	81.3	80	64.5	31	68.0	25	54.3	162	42.3	6,878
Liverpool	35.9	4,461	61.7	128	36.5	181	72.7	44	41.2	228	34.2	3,748
Luton	35.9	2,567	40.9	1,177	26.6	282	62.5	8	34.4	183	32.3	863
Manchester	35.6	4,734	42.6	1,068	34.1	815	62.2	45	35.7	375	32.3	2,081
Medway	41.9	2,899	62.2	156	63.7	124	71.4	7	44.1	136	39.4	2,424
Merton	46.6	1,404	53.4	232	37.2	261	90.0	10	37.6	149	49.9	677
Middlesbrough	37.0	1,337	44.6	177	50.0	18	100.0	2	40.9	44	36.0	1,021
Milton Keynes	38.8	2,774	46.3	240	31.6	376	63.6	11	33.3	192	39.5	1,892
Newcastle upon Tyne	40.3	2,438	46.3	268	41.8	91	75.0	16	50.6	77	39.1	1,906
Newham	46.1	3,745	54.8	1,710	40.0	890	66.7	9	40.5	210	34.1	657
Norfolk	39.6	7,486	55.3	94	29.5	88	66.7	18	47.0	181	39.3	6,995
North East Lincolnshire	36.6	1,558	40.0	15	66.7	3	50.0	2	39.1	23	38.2	1,360
North Lincolnshire	40.9	1,680	35.7	70	20.0	10	33.3	3	44.0	25	40.8	1,526
North Somerset	43.8	2,085	53.1	32	66.7	15	75.0	4	53.7	54	43.1	1,970
North Tyneside	40.6	1,879	50.0	34	44.4	9	20.0	5	56.7	30	40.3	1,782
North Yorkshire	48.0	5,971	57.7	111	45.8	24	80.0	5	56.4	110	47.8	5,654
Northamptonshire	41.4	7,323	48.1	343	38.3	334	64.3	28	40.5	333	41.0	6,196
Northumberland	43.5	3,056	61.0	41	16.7	6	66.7	3	53.8	39	43.5	2,933
Nottingham	32.8	2,539	38.5	467	29.5	285	54.5	11	30.8	240	31.4	1,441
Nottinghamshire	45.6	7,494	64.8	213	41.1	90	75.0	24	44.4	277	45.2	6,792
Oldham	35.8	2,957	33.6	894	32.9	85	100.0	7	26.2	107	37.6	1,781
Oxfordshire	46.6	5,886	38.6	293	34.9	126	76.0	25	44.8	324	47.7	4,944
Peterborough	35.5	2,305	37.0	365	33.8	80	71.4	7	34.6	130	35.2	1,679
Plymouth	38.5	2,480	80.0	20	33.3	15	61.5	13	51.1	47	37.7	2,339
Poole	54.4	1,306	65.8	38	25.0	4	57.1	7	67.9	53	53.6	1,188
Portsmouth	37.1	1,686	51.0	96	37.8	45	60.0	5	37.7	61	35.5	1,437
Reading	46.5	1,076	62.6	211	33.3	87	90.0	20	44.0	91	40.6	621
Redbridge	56.7	3,508	65.4	1,858	42.2	507	87.5	24	51.1	231	47.2	797
Redcar and Cleveland	40.7	1,517	57.7	26	50.0	2	33.3	3	56.3	16	40.4	1,459
Richmond upon Thames	52.9	1,479	65.8	111	27.4	62	50.0	6	44.1	145	54.6	1,110
Rochdale	36.7	2,231	38.9	617	28.8	66	62.5	8	32.4	74	36.0	1,430
Rotherham	37.4	3,141	39.3	272	39.3	28	87.5	8	27.9	68	37.4	2,739
Rutland	57.7	459	50.0	4	25.0	4	N/A*	0	80.0	10	57.6	439
Salford	32.1	2,082	57.1	42	33.3	90	80.0	5	32.3	99	31.3	1,786
Sandwell	28.4	3,634	35.7	1,066	21.4	318	50.0	4	26.1	241	25.8	1,896
Sefton	39.4	2,855	45.5	33	50.0	14	100.0	6	36.7	60	40.0	2,662
Sheffield	40.0	4,993	37.1	550	30.0	230	78.9	19	34.0	294	42.0	3,683
Shropshire	40.6	2,850	42.9	28	62.5	8	63.6	11	37.9	58	40.3	2,695
Slough	56.7	1,679	63.5	891	48.9	139	83.3	6	60.2	133	42.9	429
Solihull	45.4	2,917	49.8	319	36.4	88	100.0	7	32.6	218	46.1	2,204
Somerset	39.3	4,606	38.1	42	40.0	10	55.6	9	39.3	84	39.3	4,421
South Gloucestershire	40.2	2,498	50.7	75	46.2	39	60.0	5	40.4	99	39.8	2,251
South Tyneside	39.3	1,462	51.7	58	42.9	7	100.0	1	36.0	25	39.5	1,324
Southampton	36.2	1,893	43.8	203	33.3	48	83.3	6	37.9	103	34.9	1,511
Southend-on-Sea	55.3	2,019	82.5	200	78.2	133	92.3	13	57.8	83	49.8	1,565
Southwark	48.2	2,386	61.6	138	44.8	1,064	80.0	30	48.5	260	49.9	645
St. Helens	38.8	1,732	50.0	14	16.7	6	100.0	3	48.3	29	39.4	1,634
Staffordshire	38.0	8,288	36.9	287	37.2	43	89.5	19	34.9	229	38.0	7,642
Stockport	45.4	2,571	55.6	151	25.9	27	68.8	16	43.5	108	45.0	2,239
Stockton-on-Tees	47.9	1,929	56.4	117	66.7	15	60.0	5	63.4	41	46.8	1,739
Stoke-on-Trent	32.5	2,168	36.6	355	39.4	66	80.0	5	27.5	80	31.4	1,636
Suffolk	41.3	6,775	59.5	116	40.0	55	83.3	6	38.8	263	41.1	6,206
Sunderland	36.6	2,608	53.1	96	35.7	14	50.0	4	33.3	33	36.1	2,446
Surrey	52.0	9,841	56.3	604	31.3	195	77.4	31	54.1	495	51.9	8,356
Sutton	63.2	2,719	85.4	636	53.1	224	95.0	40	64.3	238	54.0	1,519
Swindon	39.9	2,029	37.8	238	27.5	40	50.0	2	35.9	92	40.9	1,605
Tameside	40.4	2,512	44.0	302	31.0	42	85.7	7	35.2	88	40.3	2,053
Telford and Wrekin	39.9	1,934	47.2	127	43.1	51	63.6	11	31.3	80	39.4	1,654
Thurrock	38.7	1,634	60.6	71	51.9	162	83.3	12	45.7	70	35.5	1,271
Torbay	46.7	1,409	66.7	18	66.7	3	85.7	7	60.6	33	47.2	1,267
Tower Hamlets	44.8	2,721	49.9	1,865	41.7	302	100.0	4	25.2	111	27.8	299
Trafford	63.8	2,850	71.6	377	50.5	95	90.2	41	55.1	185	62.9	2,079
Wakefield	40.4	3,406	39.2	125	37.0	46	100.0	10	46.8	79	40.2	3,123
Walsall	36.3	3,233	47.1	716	30.6	160	75.0	4	32.8	180	33.1	2,142
Waltham Forest	42.9	2,484	50.3	743	31.5	546	92.3	13	44.7	237	42.6	840
Wandsworth	54.2	1,707	59.0	334	42.7	475	85.7	7	56.3	224	60.0	565
Warrington	46.6	2,365	58.8	51	28.6	14	70.0	10	58.8	68	46.3	2,184
Warwickshire	48.7	5,466	68.3	293	53.7	41	88.9	18	48.8	205	47.5	4,809
West Berkshire	47.4	1,741	52.1	48	51.7	29	66.7	3	42.6	68	48.0	1,562
West Sussex	43.6	7,578	57.3	330	33.0	115	50.0	22	39.5	286	43.3	6,736
Westminster	53.0	1,495	55.1	216	45.0	353	93.3	15	48.9	133	63.9	371
Wigan	38.7	3,221	48.3	29	34.4	32	75.0	8	45.5	55	38.5	3,070
Wiltshire	46.9	4,631	57.1	56	35.6	45	75.0	12	55.4	121	46.5	4,241
Windsor and Maidenhead	51.0	1,489	45.3	192	35.5	31	60.0	5	58.7	121	51.8	1,090
Wirral	45.9	3,237	74.6	59	33.3	6	68.8	16	56.5	85	45.0	3,035
Wokingham	55.2	1,636	56.2	185	40.4	57	71.4	14	46.1	89	56.3	1,253
Wolverhampton	36.4	2,612	50.7	578	27.4	266	57.1	7	28.6	269	33.9	1,454
Worcestershire	42.5	5,273	43.4	196	33.3	24	69.2	13	44.9	167	42.5	4,830
York	47.3	1,620	46.4	28	54.5	11	100.0	3	52.5	40	47.1	1,521

^* Not applicable

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Summary of GCSE English and maths results By ethnicity and area Summary

The summary below only includes figures that are based on high enough pupil numbers to make reliable generalisations.

The data shows that:

• in 2017/18, Kingston upon Thames had the highest percentage of pupils getting a strong pass (grade 5 or above) in GCSE English and maths (64.2%)
• Knowsley had the lowest percentage of pupils getting a strong pass in GCSE English and maths (at 21.0%)
• Sutton (London) had the highest percentage of Asian pupils getting a strong pass (85.4%), and Blackpool had the lowest percentage (31.8%)
• Southend-on-Sea had the highest percentage of Black pupils getting a strong pass (78.2%), and Bury had the lowest percentage (17.4%)
• 100% of pupils from the Chinese ethnic group got a strong pass in 17 local authorities, but only one of these (Wakefield) had 10 or more pupils; North Tyneside had the lowest percentage getting a strong pass (20.0%)
• Poole had the highest percentage of pupils with Mixed ethnicity getting a strong pass (67.9%), and Tower Hamlets had the lowest (25.2%)
• Hammersmith and Fulham had the highest percentage of White pupils getting a strong pass (64.2%), and Knowsley had the lowest (21.6%)

5. By ethnicity and gender

• Location: England
• Time period: 2017/18
• Source: Key stage 4 and multi-academy trust performance 2018

Percentage of pupils getting a strong pass (grade 5 or above) in English and maths GCSE, by ethnicity and gender

	Boys		Girls
Ethnicity	Boys %	Boys Pupils	Girls %	Girls Pupils
All	40.0	266,906	46.7	256,720
Asian	48.1	28,532	52.5	27,205
Bangladeshi	47.6	4,620	50.6	4,764
Indian	59.6	7,452	64.6	7,123
Pakistani	38.1	11,636	42.0	11,204
Asian other	54.7	4,824	62.5	4,114
Black	34.5	14,334	42.9	14,615
Black African	40.0	9,143	48.6	9,215
Black Caribbean	22.1	3,355	31.5	3,578
Black other	29.8	1,836	36.6	1,822
Chinese	71.8	903	78.5	972
Mixed	40.7	12,447	46.7	12,199
Mixed White/Asian	52.8	2,793	56.7	2,744
Mixed White/Black African	37.6	1,474	44.7	1,462
Mixed White/Black Caribbean	27.8	3,550	35.1	3,543
Mixed other	44.4	4,630	50.6	4,450
White	39.2	202,483	46.2	194,197
White British	39.3	187,806	46.3	179,874
White Irish	54.4	832	57.2	814
Gypsy/Roma	3.1	517	7.3	590
Irish Traveller	9.1	55	10.7	56
White other	38.7	13,273	45.4	12,863
Other	40.3	4,462	47.7	4,111
Unknown	31.1	3,745	37.2	3,421

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Summary of GCSE English and maths results By ethnicity and gender Summary

The data shows that:

• in 2017/18, 46.7% of girls and 40.0% of boys got a strong pass (grade 5 or above) in GCSE English and maths
• in every ethnic group, girls were more likely than boys to get a strong pass in GCSE English and maths
• Chinese girls were the most likely to get a strong pass in English and maths (with 78.5% doing so)
• White Gypsy/Roma boys were the least likely to (with 3.1% doing so)
• the biggest gap between boys and girls was in the Other Black ethnic group, where 36.6% of girls and 29.8% of boys got a strong pass in GCSE English and maths (a gap of 6.8 percentage points)

6. By ethnicity, gender and eligibility for free school meals

• Location: England
• Time period: 2017/18
• Source: Key stage 4 and multi-academy trust performance 2018

Percentage of pupils getting a strong pass (grade 5 or above) in English and maths GCSE by ethnicity, gender and eligibility for free school meals

	Boys: free school meals		Boys: no free school meals		Girls: free school meals		Girls: no free school meals
Ethnicity	Boys: free school meals %	Boys: free school meals Pupils	Boys: no free school meals %	Boys: no free school meals Pupils	Girls: free school meals %	Girls: free school meals Pupils	Girls: no free school meals %	Girls: no free school meals Pupils
All	19.2	33,697	43.0	233,209	24.1	32,668	50.0	224,052
Asian	33.6	4,331	50.7	24,201	36.7	4,279	55.5	22,926
Bangladeshi	38.4	1,093	50.4	3,527	39.4	1,163	54.2	3,601
Indian	40.7	457	60.8	6,995	45.2	500	66.1	6,623
Pakistani	29.3	2,225	40.3	9,411	32.0	2,139	44.4	9,065
Asian other	35.6	556	57.2	4,268	42.8	477	65.1	3,637
Black	23.4	2,880	37.3	11,454	31.7	3,032	45.9	11,583
Black African	29.2	1,774	42.6	7,369	38.1	1,865	51.2	7,350
Black Caribbean	11.2	734	25.1	2,621	19.9	797	34.8	2,781
Black other	20.2	372	32.2	1,464	24.6	370	39.7	1,452
Chinese	59.1	44	72.4	859	73.0	63	78.9	909
Mixed	21.6	2,213	44.9	10,234	27.3	2,183	51.0	10,016
Mixed White/Asian	24.9	357	56.9	2,436	30.7	352	60.6	2,392
Mixed White/Black African	24.5	286	40.7	1,188	32.0	272	47.6	1,190
Mixed White/Black Caribbean	15.5	811	31.4	2,739	22.2	803	38.8	2,740
Mixed other	25.3	759	48.1	3,871	29.6	756	54.8	3,694
White	15.0	22,720	42.2	179,763	19.6	21,607	49.5	172,590
White British	14.4	21,285	42.4	166,521	19.1	20,172	49.8	159,702
White Irish	19.4	93	58.9	739	29.5	95	60.9	719
Gypsy/Roma	2.9	170	3.2	347	2.9	174	9.1	416
Irish Traveller	3.1	32	17.4	23	8.6	35	14.3	21
White other	27.3	1,140	39.7	12,133	31.1	1,131	46.8	11,732
Other	34.4	1,000	42.0	3,462	37.3	980	51.0	3,131
Unknown	17.7	509	33.2	3,236	18.9	524	40.5	2,897

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Summary of GCSE English and maths results By ethnicity, gender and eligibility for free school meals Summary

Eligibility for free school meals (FSM) is used as an indicator of deprivation by the Department for Education.

The data shows that:

• in every ethnic group, boys and girls not eligible for FSM were more likely to get a strong pass (grade 5 or above) in GCSE English and maths than those who were eligible
• in every ethnic group except White Gypsy/Roma, FSM-eligible girls were more likely than FSM-eligible boys to get a strong pass in GCSE English and maths
• among FSM-eligible boys and girls, pupils from the Chinese ethnic group were most likely to get a strong pass in GCSE English and maths, with 59.1% and 73.0% doing so respectively
• White Gypsy/Roma girls and boys eligible for FSM had the lowest percentage of pupils achieving a grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSE (2.9%)
• the largest gap between FSM-eligible girls and boys, at 13.9 percentage points, was found among Chinese pupils
• White Irish boys had the largest gap between FSM-eligible pupils and those not eligible (39.5 percentage points)
• White Gypsy/Roma boys had the smallest gap between FSM-eligible pupils and those not eligible (0.3 percentage points)

7. By ethnicity, gender and area

• Location: England
• Time period: 2017/18
• Source: Key stage 4 and multi-academy trust performance 2018

Percentage of pupils getting a strong pass (grade 5 or above) in English and maths GCSE by ethnicity, gender and area

	Asian			Black			Chinese			Mixed			White
Geography	Asian All	Asian Boys	Asian Girls	Black All	Black Boys	Black Girls	Chinese All	Chinese Boys	Chinese Girls	Mixed All	Mixed Boys	Mixed Girls	White All	White Boys	White Girls
Barking and Dagenham	55.7	48.4	62.9	42.2	36.7	48.0	100.0	N/A*	100.0	30.7	19.3	40.0	32.7	31.7	33.7
Barnet	81.2	82.4	80.0	46.1	39.8	53.0	84.1	80.0	87.5	58.9	55.8	62.2	59.6	56.1	63.3
Barnsley	50.0	0.0	100.0	21.4	12.5	33.3	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	42.9	37.5	47.4	39.2	33.9	44.6
Bath and North East Somerset	52.2	50.0	53.8	29.2	25.0	33.3	100.0	100.0	100.0	48.9	48.9	49.0	48.5	43.4	53.6
Bedford	39.0	37.1	41.3	47.3	46.9	47.6	100.0	100.0	N/A*	30.9	26.4	36.9	41.5	39.8	43.3
Bexley	70.7	70.6	70.8	61.9	53.7	69.1	78.8	66.7	88.9	44.3	40.4	48.0	45.8	44.5	47.1
Birmingham	40.5	40.5	40.6	34.5	30.4	38.8	92.9	100.0	85.0	37.5	36.4	38.6	42.4	38.5	46.5
Blackburn with Darwen	51.1	47.1	55.3	23.1	25.0	20.0	66.7	N/A*	66.7	44.4	38.1	50.0	32.6	31.1	34.3
Blackpool	31.8	16.7	50.0	20.0	33.3	0.0	66.7	50.0	100.0	39.1	27.3	50.0	26.0	23.5	28.8
Bolton	49.7	45.5	54.3	37.7	37.0	38.4	80.0	N/A*	80.0	32.1	27.8	36.4	37.2	32.4	42.3
Bournemouth	63.4	56.5	72.2	42.9	66.7	25.0	78.6	66.7	87.5	55.4	56.1	54.5	53.0	47.5	58.5
Bracknell Forest	54.2	58.1	50.0	33.3	22.2	41.7	0.0	N/A*	0.0	58.5	58.3	58.8	44.2	39.6	48.8
Bradford	37.8	35.3	40.2	30.8	31.4	30.2	100.0	100.0	100.0	27.5	29.2	25.4	35.7	31.6	40.0
Brent	55.4	53.8	57.1	40.4	36.1	44.4	100.0	100.0	N/A*	51.7	46.4	58.0	44.7	44.4	45.1
Brighton and Hove	47.4	53.6	41.4	25.9	26.9	25.0	53.8	50.0	57.1	47.1	39.2	55.3	47.2	46.2	48.3
Bristol, City of	44.4	40.6	48.4	29.6	29.4	29.7	76.9	75.0	77.8	39.9	36.6	43.2	42.3	37.5	46.7
Bromley	83.1	86.7	80.2	48.0	36.8	56.6	93.9	92.3	95.0	49.1	46.8	51.0	48.4	43.2	53.9
Buckinghamshire	64.2	65.3	63.0	58.3	57.1	59.4	83.3	85.7	81.8	59.6	66.7	52.2	59.8	57.9	61.7
Bury	38.1	39.9	36.4	17.4	20.7	11.8	62.5	75.0	50.0	30.9	28.3	34.1	40.4	39.1	41.8
Calderdale	45.6	43.0	48.4	30.8	36.4	26.7	75.0	66.7	100.0	42.5	47.5	36.4	48.8	44.6	52.9
Cambridgeshire	56.7	59.5	54.2	32.8	32.3	33.3	79.2	91.7	66.7	54.6	55.1	54.1	45.8	42.5	49.4
Camden	46.4	40.5	51.7	38.5	31.0	43.7	63.6	40.0	83.3	40.9	29.4	47.8	54.6	43.4	62.6
Central Bedfordshire	60.0	50.0	70.8	42.9	47.8	39.4	66.7	25.0	100.0	32.5	31.5	33.3	41.5	39.6	43.5
Cheshire East	55.7	51.6	60.0	41.7	16.7	66.7	87.5	100.0	75.0	41.2	32.0	54.3	47.9	45.1	50.7
Cheshire West and Chester	46.7	47.4	45.5	25.0	0.0	50.0	50.0	33.3	75.0	39.0	34.5	43.3	40.8	39.3	42.5
City of London	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*
Cornwall	50.0	66.7	28.6	60.0	50.0	66.7	33.3	0.0	50.0	42.7	37.8	48.6	38.6	34.7	42.6
County Durham	53.1	56.5	44.4	54.5	50.0	66.7	83.3	100.0	50.0	42.9	52.4	35.7	39.3	36.0	42.7
Coventry	47.2	43.9	50.6	34.3	32.0	36.8	50.0	50.0	50.0	32.8	28.0	38.0	35.5	33.9	37.1
Croydon	53.2	49.6	56.8	37.7	37.3	38.1	92.3	100.0	85.7	41.3	38.2	44.0	44.6	41.5	47.2
Cumbria	66.7	64.3	68.8	46.7	53.8	0.0	86.7	100.0	66.7	50.8	51.9	50.0	43.2	39.5	46.9
Darlington	43.8	45.5	42.9	60.0	50.0	66.7	50.0	0.0	66.7	62.5	53.8	68.4	44.3	42.0	47.0
Derby	45.6	47.7	43.5	33.3	28.3	38.0	58.3	75.0	25.0	38.5	35.5	43.8	36.7	34.7	39.0
Derbyshire	57.1	56.1	58.6	37.0	37.5	36.4	83.3	100.0	66.7	41.5	39.5	43.5	42.6	37.7	47.6
Devon	47.8	50.0	46.7	20.0	0.0	33.3	84.6	80.0	87.5	43.1	45.8	40.0	41.1	36.8	45.8
Doncaster	40.0	37.0	43.9	29.6	21.4	38.5	40.0	0.0	66.7	45.6	39.0	55.6	37.1	32.5	42.0
Dorset	64.3	62.5	66.7	42.9	25.0	66.7	50.0	33.3	55.6	50.6	53.8	44.4	43.5	39.6	47.7
Dudley	43.4	37.2	49.4	23.2	22.9	23.5	75.0	100.0	50.0	30.9	25.0	37.6	37.1	32.6	41.7
Ealing	56.4	54.9	57.8	40.1	38.8	41.4	90.9	100.0	66.7	56.3	50.9	61.2	55.3	53.7	56.9
East Riding of Yorkshire	85.7	80.0	100.0	0.0	0.0	N/A*	66.7	66.7	N/A*	55.2	50.0	61.5	45.9	41.9	49.9
East Sussex	58.8	63.3	56.0	40.0	40.0	40.0	66.7	100.0	55.6	47.5	41.3	52.4	41.1	37.0	45.6
Enfield	64.9	59.9	70.4	36.5	33.3	39.8	82.4	62.5	100.0	45.2	39.8	51.3	38.9	35.3	42.7
Essex	68.4	69.2	67.5	51.1	41.6	59.2	80.5	70.0	90.5	43.2	44.0	42.4	39.6	36.1	43.4
Gateshead	50.0	41.9	69.2	38.1	36.4	40.0	80.0	100.0	75.0	50.0	28.6	61.5	42.5	39.7	45.4
Gloucestershire	58.0	54.6	62.0	35.2	28.6	41.7	60.0	50.0	71.4	48.1	46.0	50.0	47.2	43.2	51.3
Greenwich	46.2	47.2	45.1	39.9	33.2	46.6	62.5	50.0	83.3	40.1	34.5	46.3	37.3	37.1	37.5
Hackney	52.7	50.8	54.4	40.1	33.8	44.7	44.4	0.0	80.0	41.9	42.4	41.4	53.2	47.6	57.6
Halton	50.0	50.0	50.0	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	0.0	N/A*	0.0	51.6	61.1	38.5	31.7	29.5	34.0
Hammersmith and Fulham	51.8	50.8	52.9	40.3	39.1	41.5	83.3	85.7	80.0	49.2	31.6	63.8	64.2	56.1	72.3
Hampshire	53.6	50.0	57.8	39.0	36.5	41.7	64.9	72.2	57.9	49.5	43.4	55.5	44.8	41.4	48.5
Haringey	52.5	45.3	59.0	29.2	25.4	33.3	77.8	80.0	75.0	48.2	45.0	51.3	47.7	48.1	47.3
Harrow	62.5	58.6	66.5	40.8	31.2	48.6	62.5	50.0	75.0	49.7	50.6	48.8	40.8	36.5	44.7
Hartlepool	64.0	61.5	66.7	25.0	N/A*	25.0	0.0	N/A*	0.0	47.1	44.4	50.0	37.2	31.3	43.0
Havering	56.8	58.1	55.6	46.7	42.9	50.3	85.7	100.0	80.0	47.6	54.4	39.1	42.3	40.1	44.7
Herefordshire, County of	57.1	0.0	80.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	50.0	50.0	N/A*	35.1	38.5	33.3	43.0	38.6	47.7
Hertfordshire	67.9	64.9	71.4	44.9	46.0	43.9	81.5	78.6	83.8	54.8	54.3	55.4	51.8	49.1	54.6
Hillingdon	61.4	56.8	65.8	41.2	42.4	40.0	50.0	66.7	0.0	49.0	48.9	49.1	41.1	39.0	43.4
Hounslow	59.6	55.2	63.9	43.4	42.5	44.2	100.0	N/A*	100.0	45.1	43.7	46.8	46.8	45.0	48.7
Isle of Wight	60.0	N/A*	60.0	50.0	N/A*	50.0	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	46.7	37.5	57.1	33.0	32.9	33.1
Isles of Scilly	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	100.0	100.0	N/A*	76.9	71.4	83.3
Islington	56.4	65.6	47.2	37.4	32.6	43.1	77.8	60.0	100.0	38.1	33.9	44.4	45.7	45.0	46.3
Kensington and Chelsea	61.0	77.8	47.8	41.3	47.1	33.3	100.0	N/A*	100.0	55.5	53.2	57.9	62.3	67.5	53.2
Kent	70.1	65.8	74.9	61.3	55.9	67.8	77.2	66.7	86.7	52.8	45.5	59.9	42.0	37.9	46.3
Kingston upon Hull, City of	52.9	52.6	53.3	33.3	33.3	33.3	100.0	100.0	100.0	40.0	37.0	42.9	33.6	31.4	36.2
Kingston upon Thames	77.9	75.4	80.1	43.4	40.5	46.2	91.7	100.0	88.9	59.0	48.4	68.6	60.2	56.2	63.8
Kirklees	41.3	37.0	45.5	25.0	23.8	26.3	73.3	57.1	87.5	33.1	24.8	42.1	44.5	39.4	49.6
Knowsley	25.0	0.0	50.0	0.0	0.0	N/A*	0.0	0.0	N/A*	0.0	0.0	0.0	21.6	17.1	26.1
Lambeth	61.5	63.5	57.6	35.6	30.9	39.9	68.8	87.5	50.0	41.1	37.7	45.8	42.4	36.1	49.0
Lancashire	43.8	40.0	47.6	36.6	40.9	31.6	86.1	76.9	91.3	44.6	41.5	48.0	44.3	41.1	47.6
Leeds	39.7	35.6	45.3	31.9	26.9	37.2	65.8	64.7	66.7	35.2	31.0	39.5	44.0	40.9	47.1
Leicester	43.6	40.6	47.0	34.5	25.5	43.6	71.4	100.0	50.0	27.5	22.4	32.7	25.9	21.1	31.0
Leicestershire	61.2	58.8	63.7	33.3	48.8	16.2	66.7	50.0	75.0	40.8	42.1	39.4	42.2	36.8	47.9
Lewisham	46.4	40.0	54.5	34.4	30.3	38.6	80.0	80.0	80.0	42.8	39.3	45.9	46.5	43.2	49.7
Lincolnshire	81.3	85.7	77.8	64.5	53.8	72.2	68.0	70.6	62.5	54.3	54.8	53.9	42.3	38.8	46.0
Liverpool	61.7	59.0	64.2	36.5	40.2	32.6	72.7	70.8	75.0	41.2	37.5	44.4	34.2	30.1	38.1
Luton	40.9	41.2	40.6	26.6	29.1	24.1	62.5	33.3	80.0	34.4	29.1	39.2	32.3	30.2	34.8
Manchester	42.6	38.9	46.3	34.1	29.9	38.3	62.2	60.0	65.0	35.7	31.6	40.1	32.3	30.9	33.8
Medway	62.2	58.4	65.8	63.7	59.6	66.2	71.4	75.0	66.7	44.1	33.3	55.2	39.4	36.3	42.6
Merton	53.4	49.1	57.8	37.2	34.7	39.3	90.0	83.3	100.0	37.6	33.7	42.4	49.9	48.8	51.1
Middlesbrough	44.6	42.2	46.8	50.0	12.5	80.0	100.0	100.0	N/A*	40.9	43.8	39.3	36.0	34.9	37.3
Milton Keynes	46.3	44.7	47.9	31.6	25.7	37.8	63.6	75.0	57.1	33.3	33.0	33.7	39.5	36.8	42.4
Newcastle upon Tyne	46.3	39.6	53.0	41.8	38.1	44.9	75.0	40.0	90.9	50.6	50.0	51.3	39.1	38.9	39.5
Newham	54.8	54.7	54.9	40.0	35.4	44.1	66.7	50.0	80.0	40.5	33.7	46.8	34.1	30.9	37.1
Norfolk	55.3	54.3	56.3	29.5	27.3	31.8	66.7	42.9	81.8	47.0	43.0	51.9	39.3	36.2	42.6
North East Lincolnshire	40.0	28.6	50.0	66.7	100.0	50.0	50.0	N/A*	50.0	39.1	53.8	20.0	38.2	33.0	43.7
North Lincolnshire	35.7	48.7	19.4	20.0	28.6	0.0	33.3	0.0	100.0	44.0	14.3	55.6	40.8	35.4	46.9
North Somerset	53.1	70.6	33.3	66.7	55.6	83.3	75.0	75.0	N/A*	53.7	42.9	65.4	43.1	42.0	44.3
North Tyneside	50.0	50.0	50.0	44.4	37.5	100.0	20.0	0.0	50.0	56.7	30.8	76.5	40.3	36.5	44.2
North Yorkshire	57.7	53.3	62.7	45.8	33.3	53.3	80.0	50.0	100.0	56.4	47.3	65.5	47.8	43.7	52.0
Northamptonshire	48.1	45.8	50.0	38.3	33.5	43.7	64.3	70.0	61.1	40.5	41.3	39.9	41.0	38.0	44.3
Northumberland	61.0	55.0	66.7	16.7	0.0	50.0	66.7	66.7	N/A*	53.8	40.0	78.6	43.5	40.0	47.2
Nottingham	38.5	38.3	38.8	29.5	28.1	30.7	54.5	28.6	100.0	30.8	30.3	31.5	31.4	31.2	31.6
Nottinghamshire	64.8	60.5	70.2	41.1	35.6	46.7	75.0	64.3	90.0	44.4	41.0	47.6	45.2	42.7	47.9
Oldham	33.6	25.6	41.0	32.9	22.2	40.8	100.0	100.0	100.0	26.2	26.7	25.5	37.6	33.2	42.5
Oxfordshire	38.6	39.5	37.4	34.9	30.8	39.3	76.0	50.0	88.2	44.8	34.9	55.1	47.7	45.2	50.3
Peterborough	37.0	36.5	37.5	33.8	29.3	38.5	71.4	66.7	100.0	34.6	31.1	39.3	35.2	32.9	37.7
Plymouth	80.0	77.8	81.8	33.3	25.0	42.9	61.5	66.7	50.0	51.1	56.5	45.8	37.7	33.6	41.9
Poole	65.8	66.7	65.2	25.0	0.0	33.3	57.1	50.0	60.0	67.9	67.6	68.4	53.6	50.2	57.2
Portsmouth	51.0	45.7	56.0	37.8	31.3	41.4	60.0	50.0	66.7	37.7	35.7	42.1	35.5	30.7	41.0
Reading	62.6	57.8	67.6	33.3	29.8	37.5	90.0	91.7	87.5	44.0	25.6	57.7	40.6	39.5	42.0
Redbridge	65.4	63.8	67.3	42.2	36.9	47.0	87.5	90.0	85.7	51.1	46.6	55.8	47.2	46.1	48.4
Redcar and Cleveland	57.7	62.5	50.0	50.0	50.0	N/A*	33.3	33.3	N/A*	56.3	44.4	71.4	40.4	37.2	43.7
Richmond upon Thames	65.8	66.7	64.6	27.4	26.7	28.1	50.0	66.7	33.3	44.1	46.5	41.9	54.6	53.8	55.3
Rochdale	38.9	34.8	43.0	28.8	18.8	38.2	62.5	50.0	75.0	32.4	39.5	25.0	36.0	33.3	39.0
Rotherham	39.3	35.7	43.2	39.3	23.1	53.3	87.5	100.0	80.0	27.9	27.8	28.1	37.4	33.1	41.7
Rutland	50.0	50.0	50.0	25.0	0.0	50.0	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	80.0	85.7	66.7	57.6	51.8	63.6
Salford	57.1	54.2	61.1	33.3	27.9	38.3	80.0	0.0	100.0	32.3	29.8	34.6	31.3	26.5	35.9
Sandwell	35.7	33.7	38.1	21.4	23.2	19.6	50.0	50.0	N/A*	26.1	24.3	27.8	25.8	24.9	26.9
Sefton	45.5	42.9	50.0	50.0	33.3	62.5	100.0	100.0	100.0	36.7	40.6	32.1	40.0	36.1	44.2
Sheffield	37.1	39.0	35.0	30.0	24.6	35.3	78.9	70.0	88.9	34.0	28.7	39.1	42.0	39.5	44.7
Shropshire	42.9	35.3	54.5	62.5	33.3	80.0	63.6	62.5	66.7	37.9	33.3	44.0	40.3	37.9	42.9
Slough	63.5	58.4	68.1	48.9	28.4	68.1	83.3	75.0	100.0	60.2	64.5	56.3	42.9	35.7	49.1
Solihull	49.8	47.8	52.6	36.4	34.0	39.5	100.0	100.0	100.0	32.6	35.6	29.8	46.1	42.1	50.4
Somerset	38.1	52.4	23.8	40.0	33.3	42.9	55.6	50.0	60.0	39.3	31.8	47.5	39.3	33.8	45.2
South Gloucestershire	50.7	36.7	60.0	46.2	38.5	61.5	60.0	0.0	100.0	40.4	28.6	52.0	39.8	36.7	43.1
South Tyneside	51.7	51.9	51.6	42.9	25.0	66.7	100.0	100.0	N/A*	36.0	30.8	41.7	39.5	36.8	42.0
Southampton	43.8	44.4	43.3	33.3	36.0	30.4	83.3	100.0	50.0	37.9	30.6	44.4	34.9	32.2	37.8
Southend-on-Sea	82.5	81.4	83.9	78.2	71.6	86.4	92.3	80.0	100.0	57.8	44.7	68.9	49.8	45.5	54.3
Southwark	61.6	59.1	63.9	44.8	42.1	47.2	80.0	73.3	86.7	48.5	54.3	42.7	49.9	50.4	49.3
St. Helens	50.0	42.9	57.1	16.7	25.0	0.0	100.0	100.0	100.0	48.3	43.5	66.7	39.4	36.9	42.0
Staffordshire	36.9	35.7	38.3	37.2	27.3	47.6	89.5	80.0	100.0	34.9	33.9	35.8	38.0	34.5	41.7
Stockport	55.6	50.0	61.6	25.9	29.4	20.0	68.8	54.5	100.0	43.5	50.9	35.3	45.0	42.3	47.9
Stockton-on-Tees	56.4	54.5	58.8	66.7	80.0	60.0	60.0	50.0	66.7	63.4	52.2	77.8	46.8	45.5	48.2
Stoke-on-Trent	36.6	32.6	40.7	39.4	33.3	48.1	80.0	66.7	100.0	27.5	32.6	20.6	31.4	26.9	36.0
Suffolk	59.5	50.9	67.8	40.0	38.5	41.4	83.3	75.0	100.0	38.8	32.3	45.4	41.1	39.6	42.6
Sunderland	53.1	47.6	57.4	35.7	37.5	33.3	50.0	33.3	100.0	33.3	25.0	41.2	36.1	33.2	39.0
Surrey	56.3	52.6	60.4	31.3	25.0	37.9	77.4	76.9	77.8	54.1	49.4	59.0	51.9	49.0	55.0
Sutton	85.4	85.1	85.7	53.1	50.0	56.0	95.0	100.0	90.5	64.3	62.9	65.6	54.0	54.3	53.8
Swindon	37.8	33.9	41.7	27.5	30.0	25.0	50.0	100.0	0.0	35.9	36.0	35.7	40.9	37.7	44.4
Tameside	44.0	46.1	42.0	31.0	20.0	40.9	85.7	50.0	100.0	35.2	38.1	32.6	40.3	36.0	44.9
Telford and Wrekin	47.2	47.3	47.2	43.1	36.7	52.4	63.6	100.0	33.3	31.3	22.5	40.0	39.4	35.6	43.1
Thurrock	60.6	52.8	68.6	51.9	48.7	54.8	83.3	100.0	71.4	45.7	38.2	52.8	35.5	29.9	40.8
Torbay	66.7	80.0	61.5	66.7	66.7	N/A*	85.7	100.0	80.0	60.6	50.0	76.9	47.2	45.0	49.7
Tower Hamlets	49.9	46.2	53.3	41.7	36.5	46.8	100.0	100.0	100.0	25.2	23.4	27.7	27.8	21.8	33.6
Trafford	71.6	73.1	70.0	50.5	51.0	50.0	90.2	88.9	91.3	55.1	56.6	53.5	62.9	60.5	65.5
Wakefield	39.2	32.2	45.5	37.0	29.2	45.5	100.0	100.0	100.0	46.8	42.9	50.0	40.2	37.9	42.6
Walsall	47.1	47.1	47.0	30.6	25.3	35.8	75.0	50.0	100.0	32.8	31.2	34.0	33.1	29.0	37.3
Waltham Forest	50.3	47.6	53.1	31.5	24.5	37.4	92.3	100.0	83.3	44.7	44.4	45.0	42.6	39.4	45.8
Wandsworth	59.0	60.1	57.5	42.7	40.8	44.8	85.7	100.0	75.0	56.3	51.9	60.0	60.0	59.1	61.1
Warrington	58.8	65.6	47.4	28.6	28.6	28.6	70.0	66.7	71.4	58.8	55.6	62.5	46.3	42.3	50.8
Warwickshire	68.3	69.0	67.5	53.7	50.0	56.5	88.9	88.9	88.9	48.8	50.5	47.2	47.5	42.6	52.7
West Berkshire	52.1	42.3	63.6	51.7	35.3	75.0	66.7	66.7	N/A*	42.6	47.4	36.7	48.0	42.1	53.5
West Sussex	57.3	55.2	59.6	33.0	29.1	36.7	50.0	62.5	42.9	39.5	36.5	42.8	43.3	39.7	47.0
Westminster	55.1	54.5	55.9	45.0	35.3	56.0	93.3	80.0	100.0	48.9	43.1	52.4	63.9	50.7	72.9
Wigan	48.3	40.0	57.1	34.4	27.8	42.9	75.0	71.4	100.0	45.5	31.0	61.5	38.5	33.8	43.2
Wiltshire	57.1	50.0	66.7	35.6	26.3	42.3	75.0	100.0	62.5	55.4	57.8	53.9	46.5	42.3	50.8
Windsor and Maidenhead	45.3	42.9	47.5	35.5	21.4	47.1	60.0	N/A*	60.0	58.7	59.7	57.4	51.8	48.8	55.0
Wirral	74.6	78.6	71.0	33.3	0.0	50.0	68.8	77.8	57.1	56.5	62.5	51.1	45.0	40.1	49.8
Wokingham	56.2	56.0	56.5	40.4	28.6	59.1	71.4	55.6	100.0	46.1	38.1	53.2	56.3	52.8	59.7
Wolverhampton	50.7	46.8	54.4	27.4	22.3	33.1	57.1	60.0	50.0	28.6	20.5	35.4	33.9	26.3	41.0
Worcestershire	43.4	42.5	44.0	33.3	45.5	23.1	69.2	33.3	80.0	44.9	41.5	49.3	42.5	37.9	47.3
York	46.4	50.0	43.8	54.5	50.0	66.7	100.0	100.0	100.0	52.5	47.1	56.5	47.1	44.8	49.3

^* Not applicable

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Summary of GCSE English and maths results By ethnicity, gender and area Summary

The summary below only includes figures that are based on high enough pupil numbers to make reliable generalisations.

The data shows that:

• in all but two local authorities, a higher percentage of girls than boys got a strong pass (grade 5 or above) in GCSE English and maths
• among Asian pupils, the biggest gap between girls and boys was in Cornwall, where 66.7% of boys and 28.6% of girls got a strong pass (a gap of 38.1 percentage points)
• among Black pupils, the biggest gap between girls and boys was in Middlesbrough, where 80.0% of girls and 12.5% of boys got a strong pass (a gap of 67.5 percentage points)
• among pupils with Mixed ethnicity, the biggest gap between girls and boys was in North Tyneside, where 76.5% of girls and 30.8% of boys got a strong pass (a gap of 45.7 percentage points)
• among White pupils, the biggest gap between girls and boys was in Westminster, where 72.9% of girls and 50.7% of boys got a strong pass (a gap of 22.2 percentage points)

8. By ethnicity, gender and type of selection

• Location: England
• Time period: 2017/18
• Source: Key stage 4 and multi-academy trust performance 2018

Percentage of pupils getting a strong pass (grade 5 and above) in English and maths GCSE by ethnicity, gender and type of selection

	All			Asian			Black			Chinese			Mixed			White
Admission Basis	All All	All Boys	All Girls	Asian All	Asian Boys	Asian Girls	Black All	Black Boys	Black Girls	Chinese All	Chinese Boys	Chinese Girls	Mixed All	Mixed Boys	Mixed Girls	White All	White Boys	White Girls
All state-funded mainstream schools	44.1	41.1	47.2	50.9	48.9	53.0	39.6	35.6	43.4	76.1	73.1	79.0	44.6	42.0	47.2	43.5	40.4	46.7
Selective schools	92.9	92.1	93.8	96.1	96.2	96.0	95.3	92.9	97.3	96.3	94.7	97.8	94.1	94.1	94.1	91.8	90.6	92.9
Non-selective schools in highly selective areas	32.0	28.7	35.4	43.0	40.3	45.7	40.8	35.0	46.6	61.4	57.5	64.6	33.3	30.2	36.4	30.6	27.4	33.9
Non-selective schools in other areas	42.6	39.6	45.8	47.3	45.0	49.7	37.6	33.9	41.2	71.7	67.8	75.1	42.3	39.5	45.1	42.3	39.2	45.6

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Summary of GCSE English and maths results By ethnicity, gender and type of selection Summary

This data groups schools into the following 3 categories, according to whether they select their pupils by ability:

• selective schools – these accounted for 5% of pupils at the end of key stage 4 in 2017/18
• non-selective schools in highly selective areas (where 25% or more of state-funded secondary places are in state-funded selective schools) – 6% of pupils
• all other non-selective schools (including schools in local authorities with some selection, as well as those with no selection) – 89% of pupils

The data shows that:

• a higher percentage of girls than boys achieved a strong pass (grade 5 or above) in GCSE English and maths in all types of schools, except among Asian pupils in selective schools
• girls from the Chinese ethnic group in selective schools had the highest percentage getting a strong pass in GCSE English and maths (97.8%)
• White boys in non-selective schools in highly selective areas had the lowest percentage getting a strong pass (27.4%)

9. By ethnicity and type of school

• Location: England
• Time period: 2017/18
• Source: Key stage 4 and multi-academy trust performance 2018

Percentage of pupils getting a strong pass (grade 5 and above) in English and maths GCSE by ethnicity and type of school

	All		Asian		Black		Chinese		Mixed		White
Type of School	All %	All Pupils	Asian %	Asian Pupils	Black %	Black Pupils	Chinese %	Chinese Pupils	Mixed %	Mixed Pupils	White %	White Pupils
All state-funded schools	43.3	523,626	50.2	55,737	38.8	28,949	75.3	1,875	43.7	24,646	42.6	396,680
All state-funded mainstream schools	44.1	513,356	50.9	55,026	39.6	28,333	76.1	1,853	44.6	24,142	43.5	388,496
Academies and free schools	45.1	360,345	53.6	36,343	41.2	18,236	78.7	1,391	45.8	17,034	44.1	277,452
Converter academies	49.7	258,093	58.6	25,479	44.8	10,735	81.7	1,105	50.7	11,828	48.7	202,901
Free schools	47.9	6,037	61.3	1,291	45.1	588	73.1	26	47.4	428	43.9	3,400
Sponsored academies	32.9	92,197	39.8	9,231	35.5	6,670	67.2	256	34.3	4,549	31.5	68,219
Further education colleges with provision for 14- to 16-year-olds	8.4	1,209	0.0	5	0.0	4	N/A*	0	0.0	8	0.0	29
Local authority maintained mainstream schools	42.1	151,242	45.6	18,640	36.7	10,056	68.4	459	41.7	7,051	41.9	110,587
State-funded special schools	0.3	10,270	0.4	711	0.0	616	0.0	22	0.4	504	0.4	8,184
Studio schools	18.9	1,061	22.4	76	29.4	34	0.0	1	19.6	51	18.3	818
University technical colleges	27.5	2,957	30.5	266	24.4	209	33.3	3	21.3	178	27.7	2,114

^* Not applicable

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Summary of GCSE English and maths results By ethnicity and type of school Summary

In 2017/18, 29% of pupils were in state-funded mainstream schools, 69% were in academies and free schools, and 2% were in state-funded special schools.

The data shows that:

• pupils from the Chinese ethnic group were the most likely to get a strong pass (grade 5 or above) in GCSE English and maths in academies and free schools (where 78.7% did so) and in local authority maintained schools (where 68.4% did so)
• Black pupils were the least likely group to get a strong pass in local authority maintained mainstream schools (where 36.7% did so) and in academies and free schools (where 41.2% did so)

10. By ethnicity, special education needs and gender

• Location: England
• Time period: 2017/18
• Source: Key stage 4 and multi-academy trust performance 2018

Percentage of pupils getting a strong pass (grade 5 and above) in English and maths GCSE by ethnicity, special education needs and gender

	All			Asian			Black			Chinese			Mixed			White
SEN	All All	All Boys	All Girls	Asian All	Asian Boys	Asian Girls	Black All	Black Boys	Black Girls	Chinese All	Chinese Boys	Chinese Girls	Mixed All	Mixed Boys	Mixed Girls	White All	White Boys	White Girls
No identified SEN	48.3	46.0	50.4	54.3	52.8	55.8	43.7	40.4	46.6	78.4	75.7	80.7	48.5	46.6	50.2	47.6	45.3	49.8
All SEN	13.5	12.2	15.8	13.4	13.3	13.5	9.7	9.2	10.7	34.6	36.0	31.8	15.3	13.6	18.2	13.7	12.3	16.3
SEN Support	16.5	15.1	18.7	15.8	15.5	16.3	11.7	11.5	12.1	46.5	51.9	38.2	18.9	17.0	21.6	16.8	15.2	19.1
SEN with a statement or EHC plan	5.3	5.6	4.3	6.4	7.7	3.8	4.4	4.2	4.9	12.8	13.5	10.0	5.8	6.5	3.6	5.2	5.5	4.4

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Summary of GCSE English and maths results By ethnicity, special education needs and gender Summary

Pupils with special education needs (SEN) have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age.

From 2015, pupils have been categorised as follows:

• no identified SEN
• SEN support: extra or different help is given from that provided as part of the school's usual curriculum, and the class teacher and SEN coordinator (SENCO) may receive advice or support from outside specialists
• SEN statement or education, health and care (EHC) plan: a pupil is given a SEN statement or an EHC plan once a formal assessment has been made

In 2017/18, there were 73,530 pupils at the end of key stage 4 with special education needs: 79% were White, 8% were Asian, 6% were Black, 5% were Mixed and 0.2% were Chinese.

Of the 73,530 SEN pupils in total, 73% had SEN support and 27% had SEN with a statement or EHC plan.

The data shows that:

• in 2017/18, 13.5% of pupils with special education needs (SEN) got a strong pass (grade 5 or above) in GCSE English and maths, compared with 48.3% of pupils without SEN
• in every ethnic group, pupils with SEN were less likely than non-SEN pupils to get a strong pass
• of all pupils with SEN, those from the Chinese ethnic group were the most likely to get a strong pass in GCSE English and maths (34.6%), and Black pupils were the least likely to (9.7%)
• among pupils with SEN support, those from the Chinese ethnic group were the most likely to get a strong pass (46.5%), and Black pupils were the least likely to (11.7%)
• among pupils with a SEN statement or EHC plan, those from the Chinese ethnic group were the most likely to get a strong pass (12.8%), and Black pupils were the least likely to (4.4%)

11. By ethnicity, religion of school and gender

• Location: England
• Time period: 2017/18
• Source: Key stage 4 and multi-academy trust performance 2018

Percentage of pupils getting a strong pass (grade 5 and above) in English and maths GCSE, by ethnicity, religion of school and gender

	All			Asian			Black			Chinese			Mixed			White
Religious character	All All	All Boys	All Girls	Asian All	Asian Boys	Asian Girls	Black All	Black Boys	Black Girls	Chinese All	Chinese Boys	Chinese Girls	Mixed All	Mixed Boys	Mixed Girls	White All	White Boys	White Girls
All state-funded mainstream schools	44.1	41.1	47.2	50.9	48.9	53.0	39.6	35.6	43.4	76.1	73.1	79.0	44.6	42.0	47.2	43.5	40.4	46.7
Church of England schools	45.7	43.2	48.2	53.4	52.5	54.3	39.3	35.3	42.6	75.7	69.2	81.7	44.8	46.5	43.3	45.7	42.8	48.7
Hindu schools	66.4	61.4	72.0	68.0	64.2	72.7	0.0	N/A*	0.0	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	60.0	33.3	100.0	33.3	0.0	50.0
Jewish schools	69.3	69.0	69.6	69.6	68.2	70.8	41.4	37.5	46.2	100.0	100.0	N/A*	55.6	50.0	60.0	68.6	67.1	69.7
Muslim schools	67.4	66.8	67.6	67.5	67.9	67.3	67.2	61.1	69.4	N/A*	N/A*	N/A*	55.6	37.5	70.0	100.0	N/A*	100.0
No religious character	43.5	40.5	46.7	49.8	48.0	51.8	38.5	34.9	42.1	75.6	72.0	78.8	44.0	41.0	47.0	42.9	39.7	46.2
Other Christian faith schools	49.0	48.2	50.0	69.0	67.4	71.1	40.3	36.1	46.2	84.1	88.6	76.0	58.4	61.4	54.2	46.6	45.7	47.5
Roman Catholic schools	47.0	43.8	50.0	53.9	50.1	58.2	43.6	38.7	47.6	77.9	76.7	79.2	46.3	43.0	49.0	46.6	43.7	49.4
Sikh schools	57.7	54.0	61.5	58.0	54.2	61.9	25.0	N/A*	25.0	100.0	100.0	N/A*	57.9	50.0	63.6	100.0	100.0	100.0

^* Not applicable

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Summary of GCSE English and maths results By ethnicity, religion of school and gender Summary

This data divides schools into the following religious categories:

• no religious character – these accounted for 82% of pupils at the end of key stage 4 in 2017/18
• Church of England schools – 6% of pupils
• Roman Catholic schools – 10%
• Other Christian faith schools (including those of mixed denomination or other Christian beliefs, for example, Greek Orthodox) – 2%
• Jewish schools – 0.3%
• Muslim schools – 0.2%
• Sikh schools – 0.1%
• Hindu schools – 0.02%

The data shows that:

• in 2017/18, pupils at Jewish schools were most likely to get a strong pass (grade 5 or above) in GCSE English and maths, with 69.3% doing so
• boys from the Chinese ethnic group at Other Christian faith schools were most likely group to get a strong pass (with 88.6% doing so)

12. Methodology

The data for the KS4 analysis was compiled using information from:

• pupils’ key stage 2 results
• school census records
• qualification entries and results collected from awarding bodies

Records are matched, using identifiers such as surname, forename, date of birth, unique pupil number, gender and postcode. This successfully matches around 98% of results.

Schools census data is provided for all pupils aged 5 and over on 31 August 2017. Any information that still needs to be collected is recorded as ‘not yet obtained’.

If a pupil or parent refused to give information, this is recorded as 'refused'.

This data includes pupils whose ethnicity was not obtained, who refused to respond, or whose ethnicity could not be determined.

These statistics cover the data collated for the 2018 secondary school performance tables. The performance tables and the related statistical first release show results based on pupils at the end of key stage 4, who are typically 15 years old at the start of the academic year.

The data includes mainstream state-funded schools in England, including city technology colleges and academies. It doesn’t include hospital schools, pupil referral units and alternative provision.

Free school meals (FSM):

Pupils are included in the figures for free school meals if their families claimed eligibility for FSM at the time of the annual spring school census. This definition includes all pupils who were eligible to receive free school meals, not only those who actually received free school meals.

Pupils not eligible for free school meals or unclassified pupils are described as ‘Non-FSM’ or ‘All other pupils’.

Parents are able to claim FSM if they receive a qualifying benefit like Jobseeker’s Allowance.

FSM is used as an indicator of disadvantage. Not all eligible parents apply for FSM, and families who don’t quite reach the eligibility threshold for FSM may still be suffering deprivation.

In 2017/18, 13% of pupils at the end of key stage 4 were eligible for free school meals. 23% of pupils from the Other ethnic group were eligible, followed by 20% of Black pupils, 18% of pupils of Mixed ethnicity, 15% of Asian pupils, 11% of White pupils and 6% of pupils from the Chinese ethnic group.

Rounding

Percentages are rounded to 1 decimal place.

Related publications

Schools, pupils and their characteristics: January 2018

Quality and methodology information

13. Data sources

Source

Key stage 4 and multi-academy trust performance 2018

Type of data

Administrative data

Type of statistic

National Statistics

Publisher

Department for Education

Publication frequency

Yearly

Purpose of data source

The data is collected to help measure schools’ and pupils’ performance at GCSE level (key stage 4).

14. Download the data

GCSE English and maths results National - Spreadsheet (csv) 159 KB

GCSE English and maths results Local Authority - Spreadsheet (csv) 621 KB

Publication release date: 22 August 2019

full page history

1. 22 August 2019 Updated with the latest available data, for 2017/18.

From: Department for Education

Previous editions:

1. 14 May 2019
2. 8 March 2018

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