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 Red House Academy has seen its Progress 8 score increase to +0.32 from -0.53, with the number of students entering EBacc increase from zero to 17% resulting in the academy’s best ever results for EBacc subjects at grade 5+ and grade 4+ (7% and 13% respectively.)  It has also seen a vast improvement in the number of students achieving grade 5+ and 4+ in English and maths (56% and 73% respectively) meaning the results are above the national average for the first time.

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:

Leah Atkinson Smith achieved 4 Grade 9s and 3 Grade 8s, and said “I’m very happy with my results. I can’t put it into words”. Leah will be attending Sunderland College to complete her A levels in Biology, Chemistry as Geography. With a love for these subjects but especially science, Leah is hoping to pursue a career in science and is excited to see what opportunities lie ahead.

Tauni Leigh McMahon has also made Red House very proud, despite the challenges she faced, achieving brilliant results. Tauni said “I am over the moon with my results. I didn’t think I could do it but I have and I’m very proud of that”. Tauni is looking forward to starting her hair and beauty course at college, with aspirations of opening her own salon.

Samuel Main achieved 9 grade 9s and a distinction, and said “I am really pleased with my results. I feel like I am ready to take the next step at A level”. Samuel will be going to Sunderland College to study Maths, Further Maths, IT and Physics, with aspirations of a career in Cyber Security.

Heather Slater who also achieved exceptional results said “I am really proud of what I have achieved following the hardships I have faced this year. I have risen above the challenge and I am so proud of myself, especially my grade 9s in English and History”. Heather is looking forward to studying her A levels in English Literature, History and Law and seeing where life takes her.

Before they move onto their next phase in life, Year 11 students left some words of wisdom for upcoming GCSE students: work as hard as you can and don’t let stress affect you; keep trying and work hard, it really does pay off; revise every chance you get; and stick in and don’t lose focus on your work.