The Learning Community Trust says it is ‘absolutely thrilled’ with the GCSE results across its schools in Shropshire – with increases in high grade achievements across a wide range of subject areas.
Many of the schools have recorded their best results since joining the Trust, with 100 per cent pass rates in a long list of subject areas.
High grade passes rose across the whole Trust, which runs secondary Hadley Learning Community, Ercall Wood and Charlton in Wellington, New Road Academy at Wrockwardine Wood, and Burton Borough in Newport, plus specialist education academies Severndale in Shrewsbury, and Kickstart and Queensway in Telford.
At Hadley Learning Community, more than one in five results were high grades, with particularly strong performances in sciences, and a string of distinctions in health and social care, engineering, dance and sport BTECs.
Headteacher Daniel Roycroft said: “These are some of the best results that Hadley Learning Community has achieved in our 20-year history, making this a truly special year. Our students have worked exceptionally hard and demonstrated tremendous determination, commitment and resilience in achieving their grades.”
At Ercall Wood Academy in Wellington high grade passes rose by seven per cent with English results, and combined maths and English achievement, above national averages, and an overall increase in science.
Ercall Wood principal Nick Murphy said: “We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our students this year. These results reflect not only academic success but also the character, perseverance, and commitment our young people have shown throughout their secondary education. Every student should take pride in what they have accomplished.”
At Charlton School in Wellington, high grade passes were up by three per cent, English results were above national averages, and an average pass of grade four or above was achieved across the vast majority of subjects.
Principal Sarah Barton said the school had “lots to celebrate” after a year of pushing students harder than ever – extending the school day, keeping pupils in school during study leave, and even opening on Saturdays. she said the results showed how the effort had paid off, with students who had “risen to the challenge,” with improvements across key measures compared to last year.
Headlines at New Road Academy in Wrockwardine Wood included a third of languages, statistics and further maths students achieving high grades, and art and music remaining among the highest achieving areas.
BBC Radio Shropshire was on hand at the New Road results day to speak to staff and happy students. Principal Andrea Bell told them: “A day like this is all about celebration and saying well done to students who are happy with their results, and also being there for them to give them emotional support and guidance for their next steps.”
At Burton Borough School in Newport, there were increases in all measures, including a four per cent rise in high grades, and an improvement in maths and English combined results. The school recorded its best results since moving into the Trust.
Principal Caroline Bedford said: “This has been a truly special year group, and we are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved. Their examination results reflect not only their hard work and determination, but also the exceptional character they have shown.
“Many students have overcome personal challenges with remarkable resilience, demonstrating courage, perseverance and a commitment to one another that has been inspiring to witness.”
Kickstart Academy recorded its highest achievement since joining the Trust, including a 100% pass rate for maths, art, and hospitality and catering.
School council president Jaimie Lea Hickman was praised as a ‘shining example of leadership, collaboration and determination’ as she celebrated her GCSE results. She passed her art, maths and English GCSE and achieved a level two in catering and hospitality which is what she needed to continue her studies at Telford College
At Queensway there were 100% pass rates across areas including motor vehicle studies, and the Duke of Edinburgh programme. The overall BTEC pass rate was 95 per cent.
And at Severndale, 100 per cent of students achieved a maths and science pass, and there was also a 100 per cent success for the professional and social development award.
Paul Roberts, the Learning Community Trust chief executive, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the results this year, which show real progress across all of our schools and academies.
“These achievements are a testament to the exceptional hard work and dedication of our pupils – but also a credit to our teachers and support staff who show unwavering dedication and commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.
“We’re also incredibly grateful to parents and carers for the encouragement and support they have provided at all of our schools. The results we see today are very much a team effort.”
