Labour’s Schools Minister Andrew Adonis has congratulated young people on their hard work and achievements, as the 2008 GCSE results show the overall A*-C pass rate has jumped 2.4 percentage points to 65.7%. These results show that more young people than ever are achieving highly in English and mathematics – the bedrock of every child’s education and lifelong skills- with English and maths rising 0.7% and 1.1% respectively

The results come from the first group of GCSE students to be educated exclusively under Labour - benefiting fully from Labour’s extra investment in schools, increased numbers of teachers and teaching assistants and reforms such as the Literacy and Numeracy Hours.

These good results are due to students’ hard work and excellent teaching and show the benefits of sustained extra investment in teachers and resources in the education system and of Labour’s radical reforms over the past 10 years.

We want all young people to achieve success and GCSEs give them a respected qualification and a quality, worthwhile goal – enabling them to take a broad range of subjects, in depth, and preparing them for study at a higher level or employment.

Despite this year’s success we are not complacent and are continuing our relentless drive to ensure that every child performs to their maximum throughout the education system.

Labour’s Schools Minister Andrew Adonis said:

"I would like to congratulate all the young people who have worked so hard for their results but I'd also like to say well done to teachers up and down the country whose skills have unlocked the talents of so many young people.

"I particularly welcome the record results in English and maths and the sharp rise in entries in biology, physics and chemistry. The overall increase in pass rates and top grades is built firmly on improvements in the key subjects of English and maths

"Our message to young people is to stay on in education or training, whatever your results, and go on to fulfil your full potential. The September Guarantee means that all those completing year 11 are guaranteed, by the end of September, the offer of a suitable opportunity to stay in learning - regardless of their results. Almost half of all young people who stay on will qualify for the Education Maintenance Allowance, a weekly payment of up to £30 a week to help with staying on.