MORE than a quarter of 19-year-olds in Nottingham last year did not have at least five GCSEs.
This marks a huge improvement from five years previously – when barely half of people of the same age had those grades – but the city is still rooted at the bottom of that particular table.
Figures from the Department for Education reveal that at the end of the 2011-12 academic year, 2,064 19-year-olds in Nottingham – 74 per cent of those of that age – had the minimum of qualifications.
In Notts, 79 per cent had reached that level. The national average was 84 per cent.
Nottingham's figures have been cause for concern in the past, particularly because many big companies look at the figures when deciding which cities to invest in. But George Cowcher, chief executive of Derbyshire and Notts Chamber of Commerce, insisted things were looking better.
He said: "Attainment levels are up on where they were five years ago, which is very encouraging and is testament to the good work that the city council and its partners have done in this regard.
"Tackling the skills issue is a major priority, as workforce capability is one of the main things that employers look at when planning to invest, expand and create jobs, so it's crucial to build on the progress made so far."
Councillor David Mellen, city council portfolio holder for children's services, said it was vital young people were encouraged to take re-sits if they failed their GCSEs.
He said: "It's encouraging that the figures are getting better. We have some great colleges where young people can have another go at getting their five GCSEs if possible. It is important that young people who don't get their five first time around are given another chance.
"However we know there are other qualification routes they can also take."
The council says its figures tend to be lower because it has a number of deprived areas, while more affluent places like West Bridgford are just outside its border. But in the county, where there are more affluent parts, the figures still pale in comparison to the national average. Last year, there were 7,320 19-year-olds who had the five GCSEs, 79 per cent of those of that age. Councillor Philip Owen, chairman of the children and young people's committee at Notts County Council, said he was keen for this to improve. He said: "We have to improve. We need to see more people of this age reaching this level. We are targeting being able to do this over five years."
The council is equally keen to work with colleges and schools to encourage young people to re-take their exams if they fail them first time around. But some people have questioned whether the qualifications are necessary.
Former Eastwood Comprehensive pupil Rachel Meakin, of Kirkby-in-Ashfield, went on to do a hairdressing apprenticeship after picking up mostly Ds in her GCSEs.
She said: "I believe that it is possible to be successful without getting five GCSEs between A* and C. I have always found the vocational pathway is more suited to me, which is why I chose to do that. And I don't regret it."
