Over 6,000 more 16-year-olds achieved a GCSE grade 7 and above in maths this year.

Overall, GCSE outcomes in all subjects improved (up 0.2 percentage points at grade 4+ for 16-year-olds),

What's more, there were 7,965 more Technical Award Level 2 passes achieved compared to last year.

Education Secretary, Lucy Powell, said: "More of you are hitting top grades in maths, and technical pass rates are climbing in every region. That’s proof there is no wrong door, only different routes that suit everyone’s individual ambition.

"But there’s more to do to put academic and technical qualifications on an equal footing, so we’re introducing V Levels and expanding T Levels and apprenticeships, so wherever you’re headed next, there’s a path that works for you."

While regional gaps in academic performance remain persistently high, other measures are starting to show positive signs of improvement: the gender gap is starting to narrow with a reduction at both grade 4+ and grade 7+ of 0.2 ppts.