Angela Rayner MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, commenting as pupils receive their GCSE results today, said:

“Congratulations to everyone receiving their GCSE results today. Hopefully this will be the start of an exciting new chapter in their lives, whether in training, further education, or entering the world of work.

“However this sharp and unprecedented fall in pass rates is worrying and should serve as a wakeup call for the Tories that their constant chopping and changing to assessment and the curriculum is leaving an almighty mess in our schools.

“Theresa May needs to sort out this department which is badly letting down students, teachers, and parents who have continued to work  hard in very difficult circumstances.”

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