Exam Results 2009

As ever the two August exam results days were tense and emotive occasions for all concerned.  For most students they were also very satisfying as the results are very pleasing.

Click here to download a full results analysis booklet

Many congratulations to the students, their parents and, of course, the staff.

GCSE

A strong set of results with best ever increases in some areas.  Particularly pleasing are the increases in the average point scores per student, the 5A*-C percentage and the large increase in the A* total from 250 to 390.

5A*-C                         83% (82%)*                Boys 82% (80%)         Girls 84% (84%)
5A*-C                         70% (72%)                  Boys 67% (67%)         Girls 72% (78%)
(including E&M)
5A*-G             98% (96%)

Average point score per student 426 (411)
Average point score per entry 44.2 (43.6)
* indicates 2008 results in brackets.

A Level

Overall, the 2008 results were exceptional and were always going to be difficult to exceed but the year group had a good try at doing so and did so in some areas.  As a result, progression to higher education has been as successful as last year.  A very strong set of results and, marginally, the second best ever.

A2 Pass Rate                                       97.5%  (98.9%)
% at A/B                                             56.7%  (53.8%)
% at A-C                                             77.7%  (78.8%)
Average point score per entry             221.8   (224.9)
* 2008 results in brackets

Ofsted subject inspection February 8/9th  2010

The two day inspection of PHSE (Personal, Social and Health Education) involving a single HMI is also part of a national survey Ofsted is undertaking which will be reported to government later this year. As with any Ofsted visit the days are high pressure but it is pleasing that the high quality of the school’s work is recognised and celebrated.

Click here to see the full Subject Report

Ofsted News: Inspection March 18th/19th

While Ofsted’s recent visit was a slight surprise, as it was three months early, the outcome was outstanding in every way.

In conjunction with our three feeder middle schools we were the recipients of one of the new co-ordinated inspections which, as well as being a normal two day inspection, also considered the work and impact of the North Bedfordshire Schools Trust.  Originally, Ofsted was considering an inspection of all 19 NBST schools but decided against it due to the scale of the task!

The school has been judged Outstanding, Grade 1 in all categories and, as a result, has received four successive top grade inspections (Excellent in 1996 on the original grading scheme and Outstanding on 2001, 2006 and now 2009).

Click here to see the full Ofsted Report

The following comments give a flavour of the inspection findings:

Overall effectiveness of the school – Grade One

1. ‘Although aspects of provision have been judged outstanding, there are areas where exemplary practice was observed’.
2. ‘The school has a secure track record of innovation and expertise’
3. The school’s capacity to improve is outstanding’.

Effectiveness of the Sixth Form – Grade One

1. ‘The range of learning opportunities is exceptional’.
2. ‘Although standards are high and the quality of education exceptional, leaders and managers are not complacent’.

Achievements and Standards – Grade One

1. ‘The educational value added at 16 is significantly above the national and county average; student progress is outstanding’.
2. ‘They (Sixth Form students) make rapid progress to make consistently high standards on AS and A level courses’.

Personal Development & Well Being – Grade One

1. ‘The students’ outstanding personal development is a major contributory factor in their academic success.  They really enjoy coming to school and are very keen to learn’.

 Teaching and Learning – Grade One

1. ‘The quality of teaching is outstanding.  Inspectors judged nine out of ten (lessons)to be good or better, a remarkable level of professional consistency’
2. ‘The staff’s high expectations and the students’ eagerness to learn are a consistent feature’.

 Curriculum and other activities – Grade One

1. ‘The range of learning opportunities is extensive and this enables students to pursue their interests and meet their learning needs’.
2. ‘The school has three specialisms which, collectively, contribute greatly to students’ achievements and standards, and to the quality of education that they receive’.
3. ‘The specialism in applied learning contributes strongly in making the curriculum outstanding’.

Care, guidance and support- Grade One

1. ‘The quality of care, guidance and support provided is outstanding because it is focussed on the individual’.
2. ‘Excellent learning support is provided in lessons for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.  Co-ordination of provision for special needs is outstanding, leading to high achievement’.
3. ‘The assessment and monitoring of students’ progress and regular academic reviews days are very effective’. 

Leadership and Management – Grade One

1. ‘Leadership and Management are outstanding’.
2. ‘The Headteacher and his senior staff set a very clear direction that consistently seeks to improve learning opportunities for all and the provision of high quality care’.
3. ‘Governance is outstanding, not just because of the way it has supported the development of the school since the last inspection, but also because of the manner in which it has been happy to support the whole learning community of the 19 schools within the Trust’.
4. ‘The public consultation on a further development of the Trust status towards formal Federation is a logical and well-considered move’
5. ‘Community cohesion is outstanding’.

We are, without doubt, delighted with the Ofsted feedback and the positive affirmation of our work and direction.

As a team, we know that there are always ways in which we can develop whether working in school or with others in the community, so, two further quotes seem to sum this up:

1. ‘The focus of the senior staff on review, evaluation and further development is the obsession that drives the school forward’.
2. ‘The school’s evaluation is accurate but not complacent and the headteacher is calmly in pursuit of excellence’

John Clemence