AS Alton schools declare results that show they have risen to the challenge of the revamped GCSE examination system, Education Minister Damian Hinds has added his congratulations to students, staff and parents on their achievements.

Having outperformed the national average in A-Levels, Advanced Tech-Level and GCSEs, to earn an ‘A’ for effort and achievement from Hampshire Council Council, the young scholars have also received praise from Mr Hinds.

He said: “The young people who have just finished their GCSEs or A-levels have completed a really key stage in their education, gaining important knowledge and skills for their future success.

“My congratulations to all the students in East Hampshire, and their families and their teachers, for what they have achieved.”

Mr Hinds, the MP for East Hampshire, continued: “Responding to employers and universities, back in 2011 the government initiated a review of the curriculum and reform of public exams.

“We are seeing that coming through now in the reformed GCSEs and A-levels, which better prepare students for the next step in their journey.

“But it is really important that the system is fair to each year’s cohort of students, and indeed we have seen the pass rates and proportion of entrants getting a grade A/grade seven stay broadly constant year on year.

“How we educate our young people could not be more important, both for our future economic success and for the self-fulfilment of the individuals.

“The more rigorous content better prepares people for the world of work or further study and is now on par with expectations in other countries with high-performing education systems.”

And he concluded: “Whatever they choose to do next, these qualifications will give young people a solid base that they can build on.”