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 The Grangefield Academy continues to be an exceptionally high performing school, with its students achieving well above the national average for all measures, and seeing a significant increase in students achieving at grade 5+ and grade 4+ in the EBacc qualification.

Particularly noteworthy is the tremendous progress of students at academies who have joined the trust in recent years, and Freebrough in particular.  Students achieving grade 5+ at Freebrough have improved 32 percentage points to 58%, with 79% achieving grade 4+, up from 50% in 2019.

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.

Northern Education Trust 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.

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.

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.”

Reflections from Freebrough Academy:

Amber Holmes and Olivia Marku are two students whose hard work and dedication have helped them achieve brilliant results.  Amber said: “I am very happy with my results. I am also relieved as I did not think I would do so well.”  Amber plans to study A level Biology, Chemistry and French at Prior Pursglove College and aspires to build a career in medicine.

Olivia said: “I am extremely happy with my results and I am proud of the effort I put in – I am over the moon.”  Oliva will also be going to Prior Pursglove College to study Psychology and History at A levels.  Olivia is still deciding whether to study English Language, English Literature or Chemistry alongside these.  Once she completes her A levels, Olivia will be continuing her education at university and is interested in a career in psychology and forensic science.

Olivia and Amber left some words of wisdom for upcoming GCSE students: always use the subject specific language – for example in science, as that’s what the examiners like to see; also learn all of the key vocabulary; revise little and often; try to find something a little bit different to do as well, to take a step back from your studies to have a break; try not to stress about the exams, although you will be nervous – try to enjoy them as it is really rewarding; in terms of revision, find a way that works for you – don’t worry if it is different from your friends.