The number of pupils in Liverpool gaining five or more A* - C grades has risen dramatically, and the gap between the city's results and the national rate is closing.  Last year Liverpool was 5.6% below the average target.  This year the gap has closed to just .04%

The performance of youngsters at all secondary schools in Liverpool show that 55.6% of pupils in the city achieved the good grades - up from 50.1% last year.

The massive improvement in the performance of Liverpool's children compares with a rise nationally of just 1.2%.
Councillor Paul Clein, the city's executive member for children's services, said: "This is a wonderful achievement, and is a result of all the hard work of students, their teachers, the governors and the outstanding support of parents.
"The Lib Dem Council has invested millions in our schools in recent years, improving standards across the board and helping build a brighter futures for our young people. This investment is really paying off.

"I'd like to offer my congratulations to everyone - but it's vital that we are not complacent, because there is still much to do."
 
"I'm delighted for both the young people and all the staff who have worked so hard for these excellent results. They deserve full credit for this achievement, which is the latest success story for education in Liverpool.

"Liverpool's pupils have improved at about four times the national average, we've followed up a number of good years with an excellent year, I am so pleased not only for all of the pupils and teachers but all of the work undertaken by governors and support staff has paid off too.

"It's a great confidence booster for everyone and reflects the huge effort that is going into developing a first class education service.

"These fantastic results mean that this year, there are more young people than ever in Liverpool with at least five good GCSE grades than ever before, which bodes well for the future."

Last week, a record 61.4% of Liverpool students gained grades A to C in their A-Levels.