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 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.

Northern Education Trust The Blyth Academy has seen its Progress 8 score increase to +0.18 from -0.58, with the number of students entering EBacc increase by 30 percentage points to 35%, resulting in the academy’s best ever results for EBacc subjects at grade 5+ and grade 4+ (21% and 29% respectively.)

Particularly noteworthy is the tremendous progress of students at academies who have joined the trust in recent years, including Northern Education Trust Walbottle Academy.  Students achieving grade 5+ at Walbottle have improved 33 percentage points to 53%, 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 from The Blyth Academy:

Phillipa Turner who achieved 9 in English and maths, 8 in Biology, French and Statistics, and 7 in Chemistry Lit and Physics is feeling PROUD, shocked and speechless. Phillipa will be moving on to study A levels before going to Edinburgh University to study veterinary medicine.

Bethany Maddison who achieved 1 grade 8 and 6 grade 7s said “I’m so happy.  I didn’t think I would do as well”. Bethany will be going to Sixth Form College to study Business, Law and Geography and aspires to be a lawyer.

Marley Churchill achieved 2 8s in English and Maths, 3 grade 7s and 3 grade 6s and is feeling great and more than happy with his results. Marley is going to join the army, saying: “it’s what I’ve wanted to do for years and I’ve worked very hard for it.  I will be a dismounted infantryman.”

Before they leave to enter the next stage of their lives, the students left some words of wisdom for upcoming GCSE students: revise but don’t overwork yourself; put the effort in and work hard and the results will reflect how hard you have worked.