Map of GCSE results as Knowsley recorded as worst performing area

NewsLiverpool NewsKnowsleyA regional divide is emerging from this year's results12:28, 20 Aug 2026Knowsley was the worst performing council area in England for GCSE results this year according to exam data. Only 8% of results made it to 7 or above – traditional A or A* grades – in the borough for the latest academic year.‌Across the North West, only 19% secured marks worthy of a 7 or higher, highlighting a growing national divide. In the City of London, 72% of students made the cut by comparison, with three other London boroughs in the mid to high 40s.‌Halton, which sits in the Liverpool City Region, was joint third with North East Lincolnshire performing council area, with just 11% of grade 7 or higher results. Liverpool’s results were marked at 17% while Sefton recorded 16.5%.‌Wirral was