Broadband News

The quicker access to online educational resources offered by broadband connections is leading to better exam results in schools, a recent report suggested.

Figures from a study conducted by the Office for National Statistics and backed up by governmental IT advisory body Becta show that schools with broadband were reaping the benefits.

According to Becta, schools which make "good use" of broadband connectivity did better in GCSE results the year after they had broadband installed.

This translated into more A* to C grades for pupils in schools which had set up a broadband connection a year previously.

Stephen Crowne, chief executive of Becta, commented: "The evidence is clear; when schools use technology effectively, it can have a direct impact on pupil attainment and results."

However, Mr Crowne insisted that there is still room for improvement and estimated that only 20 per cent of schools were "using technology effectively right across the curriculum".