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+.

Several secondary academies have been inspected by Ofsted in the last year, all of which improved in their ratings.  Two academies were graded outstanding – Northern Education Trust Dyke House Academy in Hartlepool, and Northern Education Trust 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 Manor Academy’s results have seen a continual improvement year on year, with this year being their best ever results in both grade 5+ and grade 4+ in English and maths, an increase in their Progress 8 score, and an increase in the number of students entering and achieving 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.

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 from Dyke House Academy:

Ben Pattison, who achieved 7 grade 9s 2 grade 8s and a Distinction*, is very happy with his results and looking forward to studying A level Maths, Economics and Chemistry at Hartlepool College.  Ben plans to go to University and pursue a career in finance.

Leon Grgic, who achieved 5 grade 9s, 1 grade 8, 1 grade 7 and 1 grade 6, said “I feel very satisfied with my results, mainly chemistry and biology as they are important for my career aspirations.”  Leon will be staying at Dyke House Sixth Form to study Biology, Chemistry, Maths and the Extended Project Qualification, before going to University.  After University Leon wants to pursue a career in pharmacology or medical research as he feels these best suit his skills.

Becky Chen achieved 4 grade 9s, 3 grade 8s, 1 grade 7, 1 grade 6 and 1 grade 5 and said “I was really nervous about opening my exam results, but was extremely pleased to find out how I did once I opened them.”  Becky will be going to Hartlepool Sixth Form to study A level English Literature, Biology, Chemistry and Maths, before going to University to study for a career in law or forensics.

The students left some final words of wisdom for upcoming GCSE students: try to relax as much as you can in the run up to the final exams, if you have worked hard then they are fine; revise as early as you can and prepare for the year ahead; don’t worry too much about the exams, as long as you work hard you will be fine.