School league tables: Top school celebrates results

Whitburn Church of England Academy has taken the top slot in the borough in the GCSE league tables, which were released today.

Zoom in to read the table hereKey to tables

A level

A - average point score per pupil.

B - percentage of students gaining at least 3 A*-E A-levels.

C - Value added score.

GCSE

A - Total number of pupils at Key Stage 4.

B - Percentage of disadvantaged pupils.

C - Percentage of pupils gaining 5+ A*-C GCSEs including maths and English.

D - Percentage of pupils gainging the English Baccalaureate.

E - Percentage of pupils gaining 5+ A*-C in any subject.

The performance tables for GCSE and A-levels were unveiled by the Governmemt this morning.

At Whitburn CE Academy 76% of the students gained five or more A*-C grades including maths and English.

Alan Hardie, principal, said: “It is wonderful to see the hard work of our pupils and staff recognised once again. I am particularly delighted that many of those who gained those excellent GCSE results are still with us at Whitburn as our first ever Sixth Form students.

“I am very proud of the fact that a third of all grades achieved were A* or A and that we maintained outstanding figures for the value-added indicators.”

He said the school progress and attainment figures have also been published and he is delighted they demonstrate excellence in both areas.

Mr Hardie, said: “I welcome transparency in sharing data and I hope that increasing the range of headline performance indicators will create a more balanced picture of school performance. A narrow range of indicators gives a very limited view of performance of schools, as most of the headline figures are absolute and the context of the school is not considered.

“A greater focus on the progress that children make from their individual starting point is crucial, as is recognition for the fantastic work many schools do but which isn’t easily measured, such as developing confidence, resilience and teamwork skills.”

Councillor Joan Atkinson, Lead Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “This is a fantastic result and is testament to the talent, commitment and hard work of our students and staff and leaders in our schools.

“Providing our young people with an outstanding education is a key priority for the Council so I’m delighted that we are achieving that aim and performing well ahead of the national average.

“Of particular note is Hebburn Comprehensive which has increased the number of young people getting gaining five or more GCSEs with grades A*-C including maths and English rise by a staggering 22 per cent.

“These achievements are not easily gained. I’d like to thank all those involved in securing this wonderful result – including parents and carers – for their support. We will do all we can to maintain and enhance still further these excellent standards.”