Youngsters across Telford & Wrekin have celebrated the borough’s best ever GCSE results this week, with every school maintaining or improving on last year’s performance.
Year 11 pupils received their results on Tuesday, with many recording record breaking results – and Telford & Wrekin Council has received a congratulatory message praising the performance of its schools from a central government official.
The message received by Telford & Wrekin Council from the Department for Education offered huge congratulations on the borough’s performance, adding: “Some of the results are absolutely amazing and I am so pleased for all the schools and pupils.”
Sutherland Business and Enterprise College was delighted to see 97 per cent of students gaining five A*-C grade GCSEs and 60 per cent achieving five A*-C including English and maths.
Wrockwardine Wood Arts College and Stirchley’s Lord Silkin School were also celebrating fantastic results after seeing dramatic improvements since last year.
Hadley Learning Community’s A*-C grades went up 23 per cent and there was a solid seven per cent rise at Newport’s Burton Borough School.
And schools in Wellington also recorded improved results, with all three showing at least a 10 per cent rise in A*-C grades and at least nine per cent in A*-C including English and Maths.
Phoenix School in Dawley celebrated their best ever results, prompting head teacher Neil Stonehouse to praise the work of his students.
“We are obviously extremely pleased with this year’s examination results, which are the best in the school’s history,” said Mr Stonehouse.
“We congratulate all our students, parents, staff and governors. They all worked extremely hard and deserve the results they achieved.
“These are really exciting times for Phoenix School as we continue to raise attainment and look forward to providing more opportunities and facilities with the building of the new Sports and Learning Community.”
Madeley Academy saw 95 per cent of students achieving 5 A*-C grades, with Bronwyn Parton from Madeley achieved a staggering 18 A grades (six of which were A*), Lucy Thomas from Aqueduct earning 14 A grades (six of which were A*), Jessica Gerrish of Madeley achieving 14 A grades (four of which were A*), and Alice Cousins of Madeley achieved 13 A grades (four of which were A*).
Headteacher Vic Maher said: “We are blessed with an outstanding staff team, which includes both non-teaching and teaching staff who have worked extremely hard to ensure that the students achieve the best they can.
“It has been a tonic to see so many students and parents celebrating exceptional results today.”
And there was success for local students studying outside the area as well, with Telford based Aran Batth and Bridgnorth based Jacob Cunningham gaining 10 A*s at Wolverhampton Grammar School.
Councillor Stephen Burrell, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “These excellent results have been achieved thanks to a massive commitment to improving standards from teachers, assistants, heads and governors.
“It now means every secondary school in Telford and Wrekin is above the government targets – with a combined score above the national average.”
by Pam Griffin