This study explores the examination attainments of black pupils of West Indian origin and their white peers attending the same inner London secondary schools. At 16, black pupils were underrepresented in the highest exam pass grades, but more likely than whites to have achieved at least some graded results. Viewed against the background of earlier assessed attainments, results did not differ significantly between ethnic groups. By the time that they left school black pupils, and especially black girls, had improved their relative position to a considerable extent. This largely reflected the increased participation of black pupils in the examination system.