Students and staff are thrilled with the results achieved, in the first GCSE examinations since the pandemic.

The percentage of students across the trust who have achieved strong passes (at grade 5+) in English and maths has improved by 6% since 2019, up to a fantastic 53%.  The percentage of students achieving standard passes (at grade 4+) in English and maths has improved by 5% since 2019, up to a phenomenal 72%.  Set against the background of the pandemic, and the fact that many of the trust’s academies are located in areas of high deprivation, with 48% of secondary students eligible for free school meals, this is an exceptional achievement.   The overall numbers are expected to far exceed the national percentages at grade 5+ and grade 4+.

Northern Education Trust Kearsley Academy in Bolton continues to be a high performing school, with its students achieving well above the national average for in grade 5+ and 4+ in English and maths and the Progress 8 score.  It has also seen an increase in students entering and achieving at grade 5+ and grade 4+ in the EBacc qualification.

Thorp Academy in Tyne and Wear has the highest number of students achieving grade 5+ and grade 4+ within the trust, at 68% and a magnificent 82% respectively.

Particularly noteworthy is the tremendous progress of students at academies who have joined the trust in recent years: Freebrough and Walbottle.  Students achieving grade 5+ at Freebrough have improved 32 percentage points to 58%; and Walbottle students have improved 33 percentage points to 53%.  79% of Freebrough students have achieved grade 4+, up from 50% in 2019; and the percentage of Walbottle students achieving grade 4+ has increased from 42% to 68% this year.

All secondary academies have seen an increase in the number of entries to the English Baccalaureate qualification (EBacc) this year, and in particular the aspirational subjects in EBacc (geography, history, modern foreign languages and science).  Overall the number of entries across the trust has increased to 34%, bringing the trust much closer to the expected national figure than previously.

Several secondary academies have been inspected by Ofsted in the last year, all of which improved in their ratings.  Two academies were graded outstanding – Dyke House Academy in Hartlepool, and North Shore Academy in Stockton on Tees which rose from Requires Improvement straight to Outstanding, having never been judged to be a Good school previously.  Both sets of results reinforce and validate their Ofsted judgements.  North Shore’s results show an increase of 41 percentage points of students entering EBacc – up to 54% from 2019.  The Progress 8 score for their students (based on the current methodology which will change in the autumn) has increased to a massive +0.63, from -0.19 in 2019.  The results for a good pass (grade 5+) in English and Maths at Dyke House have improved 9 percentage points, with their Progress 8 score increasing by one third of a grade.

Rob Tarn, Chief Executive, is over the moon with the results, saying: “Our students have worked incredibly hard over the last few years to achieve these results, with many overcoming difficult barriers to do so.   The improvements since 2019 clearly demonstrate the effectiveness and success of the NORTHERN model of school improvement, allowing us to fulfil our vision of enhancing the life chances of our students.  My thanks go to the staff for their energy and commitment to ensuring our students succeed, and to all parents, carers, governors and the trust board for their continual support.

“I am extremely proud of our students – these results are the culmination of their incredible efforts and dedication, allowing them to progress to the next stage of their lives with confidence in their abilities to succeed.  My congratulations go to every single one of them, and I wish them every possible success in their future. “

Student reflections:

Zaki Musazai, who will be studying A level Maths, Physics and Chemistry at college, said “I feel so happy!  I broke my arm not long before the exams and I was scared that this might mean I wouldn’t get the same results.  But with the help and support of my teachers I am over the moon.  I am so happy with my grades and I am proud that I also got great grades in the sciences”.  Zaki has dreams of pursuing a career in Mechanical Engineering.

Luke Findlow said about his results “I am really pleased – they are really good.  I am glad that I got my Distinction in Sport”.  Luke has already started his scholarship with Blackpool FC and is really enjoying it.  He hopes to become a professional footballer.

Lily Turner who will be studying A level Chemistry, Biology and Psychology said about her results “I feel really good.  Really pleased.  Some are even better than I expected.”  Lily is looking forward to the future and aspires to be a doctor.

Kazie Sharples said about her results “I feel that they are amazing.  I am so, so pleased with them.”  The aspiring musician is very excited to be studying Music and Future Skills at Media City.

The happy students left some words of advice for upcoming GCSE students: never give up; don’t stress, you can do it; revise from January and keep going; stay focused and value your lessons.