There was the sharpest decline in pupils achieving a grade A* to C since GCSEs since they were introduced in the late 1980s down from 69 per cent last year to 66.9 per cent.

To tackle the subject from every angle we are speaking to Jemima Durrant a local mum whose son has just completed his GCSE’s this year. Then we will speak to Eric Budge a local student who has completed his GCSEs.

Then local careers advisor Louise Knight will talk us through how the career landscape has changed for children post 16. Finally, Sean Scully from Oaklands College will talk to us about the many opportunities available to post GSCE students.