“Firstly, well done to the kids for this years exam results.

I left Whitgift school about 18 years ago with two C's, two E's and two F's.
I was accused of cheating when I got 100% in mock exams and refused entry to higher level exams. My grade was reduced in two subjects because they wouldn't believe that I had done the work and in another I wasn't given entry for my exam at all. It was a terrible school.
While applying for jobs I soon found that exam results were only part of my chances for employment in this area. Supporting the right football team and/or being the right kind of drinking buddy seemed essential to many employers. To be honest it makes sense that employers find someone who they feel most confortable working along side.

Locally I spent many years doing worthless temp jobs and only had a hand full of permanent jobs, but looked towards the internet for something better.
These days I'm partnered with a number of firms in the US, but still live in the area while I build up funds from my wasted years.”

“I think the previous comment was rather an elaborate and conceited way of getting across to us all, that he has more superior opinions than the average G. Telegraph reader, and we should all aspire to him in order to function better in our jobs and at home. And perhaps to gloat about his relation's achievements.”

“The upward trend in local GCSE results locally far exceeds the national increase that some contributors here are suggesting is due to an easing of exam standards and other factors. Therefore, in statistical terms, NE Lincs people are making significant progress towards becoming nationally competitive. That's good news.

The fact that all local schools exceeded the government's current 'floor target' of 30% A*-C rate including English and Mathematics is a relief. I'm sure all local heads will be aiming to exceed 40% next year. This means that the vital underpinning skills of communication and analysis will enable people to contribute more intelligently at work, at home...and in comment columns.

TH reminds us of the power of the internet to enable us all to learn faster. Is s/he suggesting that computers should be available in the exam room (Denmark at least is experimenting with this)? I hope that all of us commenting would welcome the chance to sit these exams - without a computer. My nephew was not untypical in taking 12 subjects, quite a challenge.

Information technology is here to stay and the nature of employment, education and success will never be the same. Let's pool our ideas about what will make NE Lincs move forward in this context.”

“John, Grimsby

tell me something positive about Grimsby

oh wait no.”

“Angry, Waltham

Tell me something interesting about Waltham ,,, oh you can`t”

“EVERYONE TO E-FACTOR, THE dream makers. 260 companies set up since E-Factors conseption, only 20 still exist !!! E-Factor, the land of brokEn drEams.”

“WELL DONE. NOW TRY TO FIND A JOB. NO CHANCE.”

“No disrespect to the children as I am sure they have all worked hard, but we are now living in an age where schools are dominated by computers. I'm sure the exams are no harder now than when I was at school BC (Before Computers). Let's face it you can find out anything at all on the internet. All you have to do is type in your question and 'Ask Jeeves' or 'Google' it and lo and behold there is your answer. Computers will do your maths for you and correct your spelling mistakes and grammar. Would the results have been the same if children were not allowed to use computers at all?”

“the comments that people on here post serve to only highlight the fact that grimsby is a depressing town of failure.
You can get an average job without decent qualifications - true, but can you go to university? No. Can you get a meaningful, high paid job? No. Who would trust a brain surgeon with no qualifications?!
Regardless of whether the exams are getting easier, young people are working as hard as ever, and most have a desire to do well, and with university places becoming more difficult to attain, then good on them!”

“the comments that people on here post serve to only highlight the fact that grimsby is a depressing town of failure.
You can get an average job without decent qualifications - true, but can you go to university? No. Can you get a meaningful, high paid job? No. Who would trust a brain surgeon with no qualifications?!
Regardless of whether the exams are getting easier, young people are working as hard as ever, and most have a desire to do well, and with university places becoming more difficult to attain, then good on them!”