Pride in our schools and trusts
It has been a total privilege to support the incredible schools and Trusts that we represent across the country in the media and across a multitude of communication platforms this summer. We are fortunate to have many wonderful years of experience working with mainstream, alternative provision and SEHM special schools – so we understand the importance of grades, but also know they are not the ‘be all and end all’ in determining success. Sometimes it grates on us to see coverage for coverage sake supporting a narrative that only serves ‘the few’ and not ‘the masses’. We are proud to represent the many wonderful young people that face and overcome challenges in their everyday lives. We know that with the right support they will go on to achieve incredible things.
It has certainly been a fraught couple of weeks for many schools as they anticipated this year’s academic results. However, despite years of disruption for this cohort of young people due to covid and the seemingly sudden shift in grade boundaries, they have all done exceedingly well in their chosen areas and have made their schools, families and friends (and us!) exceptionally proud.
The Schools’ Results
Ralph Allen School
The national average in England has seen 67.8% of pupils score grades marked at 4/C and above.
At Ralph Allen School, in Bath, the Palladian Academy Trust saw some exceptional results. 31% of grades were 9, 8 or 7. 28% of students achieving 5 or more top grades. 8% were grade 9. However, it’s the students’ application to the stressful period of exams that was commended by Headteacher, Andy Greenhough.
He said:
“Another fantastic year of examination results and a chance to celebrate the success of our students. Congratulations to Ralph Allen students for the amazing results they have achieved this year. I am always inspired by their approach to their examinations, it is a very intense time which can involve sitting up to over 20 examinations during the exam season.
“Students have remained buoyant and positive despite the pressures and associated emotions that they have experienced. It is great to see all their hard work, dedication and application paying off.”
North Star 240°
It was equally a proud day at North Star 240°, an SEMH Special School in North Bristol. This leading inclusive school in the Southwest empowers and re-engages children in education who have social, emotional and mental health needs and associated learning difficulties.
It offers a nurturing approach for pupils whose needs were unable to be met in mainstream education. Of the ten pupils getting their results, 100% gained five passes at GCSE (or equivalent) across a range of subjects.
Head of North Star, Jo Grayson, said:
“We are really proud of Year 11 and their success in gaining their qualifications. All of our attending students gained GCSEs in English, Maths and Biology as well as a range of other GCSEs and vocational qualifications. That is a huge achievement and a testament to their hard work and the support that they have received whilst at North Star. Many of these students have had to overcome a range of personal challenges and it is great to see their resilience pay off and for them to gain the qualifications that they need to move on to the next stage of their educational journey.”
Ethos College
Ethos College, part of the Ethos Academy Trust family, is also leading the way in Alternative Provision in Yorkshire. The results achieved today were testament to their holistic and nurturing approach to education and the commitment and resilience of their students.
What is extraordinary is that prior to their Ethos journey, the learning outcomes for these pupils were worryingly low, due to the fact prior to arriving at Ethos College they had significant gaps in their education – with some unable to access any formal education at all.
However, thanks to the success of an ambitious, bespoke and nurturing approach, the pupils had a renewed love of learning to equip them as they begin their next chapters.
This cohort of pupils excelled in English Language, with 60% of pupils achieving a grade 4 or above and in Science Trilogy, with 65% of pupils achieving a grade 4 or above.
Pupils at Ethos College are offered a wide range of options to support their unique journeys and encourage their love of learning. These include Art, Geography, Health and Social Care, Psychology, Hospitality and Catering, Film Studies, PE, Child Development, Public Services and Enterprise.
In Art, 71% of pupils achieved a grade 4 or above – with some achieving a grade 9!
Rebecca Smith, Ethos College Head Teacher said:
“We are so very proud of our wonderful pupils. They have overcome many challenges in their lives and within education. To be part of their journey and to see them flourish today is a privilege. The results our pupils have achieved today are truly commendable, but we’re just as proud of the progress they have made socially and emotionally. It’s with mixed emotions that we say goodbye to our year 12s, but they always know we’re here for them and their families should they need our support. We wish them well and will continue to champion their progress as they move on to the next stage of their journeys.”
We wish the young people we have got to know the very best of luck and look forward to celebrating their continued successes. We remain committed to changing the narrative to support and celebrate the unique brilliance of every young person making huge positive strides.
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