Number of Children in Care and GCSEs taken (2) (FOI)

​Request

Please confirm the total number of children who left the care system within the past four years and were in their Year 11, therefore how many would have taken their GCSEs in this time, regardless of whether they attained five or more.

​Response

Over the last four years, there were 50 care leavers who were in care at some point during their Year 11.  Data is as at June 2024 (as per the previous Freedom of Information request referenced above) therefore those completing Year 11 in July 2024 are not included.

Exam data for 13 of the 50 students is not held.  This is either due to them attending a specialist provision or not attending an on-island school.

This period also covers the pandemic when GCSEs in the formal sense were suspended, and results were based on Centre Assessment Grades (CAGs).

It is important to note that not all of the young people in care at this point would have taken GCSEs.

A lot of care leavers have significant trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) that have a significant impact on their education.  Those that can achieve GCSEs will have been entered for them, some may not have been entered for five or more but may have been entered for fewer GCSEs combined with other formal qualifications.

For example, children who struggle to attend school will have had the opportunity to take Functional Skills exams in English and Mathematics. Accredited Scheme Development and Accredited Network (ASDAN) qualifications and City and Guilds would also be options.

The care leavers are supported and put a lot of hard work into accredited courses appropriate for them that give them access to where they need to be for their chosen 16+ pathways.