Wolverhampton’s education chief has wished students good luck as they prepare to collect their GCSE and other results this week.

Thousands of pupils in Wolverhampton will be finding out how they fared on Thursday (22 August, 2019), and Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "I want to wish all our young people collecting their GCSE and other results the very best of luck, and I hope they achieve the outcomes they want.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate pupils – and their teachers and parents – on all their hard work and wish them the very best for the future, whether they are planning on continuing their education, taking up an apprenticeship or traineeship, or entering employment for the first time.”

He added: "The City of Wolverhampton Council is committed to helping schools improve and to driving up standards so that our children and young people have the chance to reach their full potential.

"We have seen steady improvements in educational standards in Wolverhampton over the last few years, with 84% of our schools now rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, and soon we'll start to get a clear picture of how pupils have performed in their GCSEs this year.”

A number of organisations will be providing help and advice to students, including schools, colleges and training providers, and there are lots of options available for young people – whether their exam results are as they expected, better or not quite as good as they hoped they would be. These include going on to college, entering the world of work or becoming an apprentice. 

Apprenticeships are real opportunities for people of all ages who are motivated to work, enthusiastic to learn, and want to earn a competitive salary while gaining a nationally recognised qualification. Leading industries and businesses are looking for the next set of dynamic apprentices to shape the future of organisations in Wolverhampton. More information about apprenticeships is available from Wolves Workbox Apprenticeships.  

Black Country Impact provides one to one customised support and training for young people in Wolverhampton who are aged 16 plus and not in employment, education or training. It helps them overcome the barriers that may be stopping them from finding and securing training, education or a job. For more details, please visit Black Country Impact Wolverhampton.   

Young people can also get impartial advice and help to apply for opportunities from Connexions Wolverhampton. No appointment is needed to use its drop in service at the Civic Centre, Wolverhampton, on Wednesdays and Fridays from 1.30pm to 4.30pm, or by calling 01902 554499 during office hours. 

Connexions will also be holding a special GCSE results event at the Civic Centre on Friday (23 August) from 12pm to 4pm, when personal advisors will be on hand to offer impartial guidance. Local training providers and other support agencies will also be present to showcase what they have to offer. For details, please visit Wolves Workbox - Young People - Connexions

Councillor Hardacre added: “If you haven't quite decided what to do next, don't panic – there are plenty of doors open to you, and plenty of support out there to help you make the right choice including from your school, Connexions Wolverhampton or Wolves Workbox.”