Education
Education promotes an active contribution to and integration with society through the development of a basic skills base, increased self confidence and self-esteem, all which help individuals to fulfil their potential. Good standards of education contribute to a stable workforce and strong economy.
Indicator ED1 - GCSE performance
The provisional results for 2005 show a continuation in high achievement. There has been a steady increase in the percentage of pupils achieving 5A*-C each year from 2002, which is also reflected nationally. In 2005, 61.2% achieved 5A*-C grades in Hertfordshire compared to the national figure of 54%. The gap between Hertfordshire and national figures has increased this year to 7.2% compared to 4.8% in 2004.
GCSE performance*
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*Figures for 2005 are based on the figures for those at
the end of KS4, rather than those aged 15 who have
taken GCSEs. This is a new way of reporting the
performance tables this year.
Initial GCE Advanced Level figures for this year suggest a slight improvement on previous years, which is consistent with national figures.
The attainment of pupils at Key Stage 1, 2 and 3 remains above the national average with pupils achieving on average between 2.7% and 7% higher than the national average depending on subject and key stage.
Indicator ED2 - Adult education
The Local Labour Force Survey 2004/5 shows that Hertfordshire's working-age population has a higher proportion of qualified adults than the England average.
Proportion of working age population qualified to NVQ level 2/4*
Source: Department for Education and Skills, English
Local Labour Force Survey 2004/5 - download and view this data in excel
*NVQ2 - equivalent to 5 GCSEs A*-C, NVQ4 equivalent
to 1st degree
The Hertfordshire Learning and Skills Council has calculated that for 2004, 74% of 19 year olds have level 2 qualifications (equivalent to 5 GCSE's A* - C grade).
Indicator ED3 - Funded early education and childcare
By spring 2005, 91.44% of all Hertfordshire threeyear- olds were accessing their entitlement to funded part time early years education. This is a significant increase on 2004 figures (84.98%). The number of childcare places has remained fairly static during 2005/6, with the development of new places matching the closure of some provision. Funding for new places is targeted on areas where there is an identified need. Business support is offered to ensure that provision remains sustainable, and an audit of vacancy levels was undertaken in January 2006. The Childcare Bill currently going through Parliament puts a duty on local authorities to manage the places market by supporting existing providers and ensuring there are sufficient places to meet local demand. The affordability of childcare remains an issue in Hertfordshire, and the promotion of tax credits and salary sacrifice childcare vouchers is a key part of the childcare places strategy.
Hertfordshire has 6 designated children's centres and a further 44 are planned to be open by April 2008.
Indicator ED4 - Attendance - half days missed due to total absence in local authority schools
Attendance in Hertfordshire schools, both primary and secondary, is generally in line with or above the national average. The total absence for primary schools is 5.13, with 4.8 authorised absences and 0.33 unauthorised. The figure for secondary schools is 7.29 for all absence, with 6.51 authorised and 0.78 unauthorised. The Hertfordshire absence figure for all schools is below the national average, 6.14 compared to 6.45. The unauthorised figure for all Hertfordshire schools is well below the national figure, 0.54 compared to 0.79.
Total absence in schools maintained by the LEA
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