TEENAGERS who tackled their GCSEs across the borough this year have recorded a rise in students securing five good passes, including English and maths, according to provisional results.

Academies across Darlington have reported a higher proportion of students attaining five solid GCSE grades in comparison to 2015.

Provisional analysis of exam results in the area have also revealed that this academic year’s pupils have improved on last year’s national average for the number of grade C passes and above in English and maths.

The successful 16-year-olds leaving schools across the area must now take on an additional two years of full or part-time education, or volunteer work for more than 20 hours a week.

The release of the promising provisional results by Darlington Borough Council has also seen the launch of a dedicated website to ensure teenagers can explore all the post-16 routes available.

Councillor Cyndi Hughes, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “I know exam results can be a stressful time for many families, as young people make important decisions about their future.

“It’s important that we take time to recognise and applaud all of our young people’s efforts as they collect their exam results.

“We must also thank parents and carers, school staff and governors for supporting our young people in their endeavours.

“Hopefully the outcome is cause for celebration, but even if it is not such a positive picture, there’s a lot of help and advice on offer.

“So the main thing is not to panic and to gather as much information as possible so as to make an informed decision about what comes next.”

The council’s website includes information on sixth form colleges and other further education providers in the area that offer apprenticeships and study programmes.

As of 2015, the Government raised the school leaving age from 16 to 18 across England and Wales which requires young people to remain in education or training after sitting their final GCSE exams in secondary school.

Nationally, GCSE pass rates for English and maths have fallen since the introduction of the new leaving age.

Darlington Borough Council plan to release fully validated GCSE results for 2016 in late October.

For more information on post-16 options, visit darlington.gov.uk/education-and-learning/11-19-partnership/careers-and-post-16-options/