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Proving to be pass masters
Leeds schools put in a record-breaking effort in this year's GCSE exam results, improving at more than double the national rate. Ian Rosser reports
EXAM records tumbled across Leeds as many schools posted their best-ever GCSE scores last week.
According to provisional figures, the average pass rate for the proportion of the city's 8,500 Year 11 pupils gaining five or more grades between A* to C jumped by 5.9 per cent.
That is a pretty impressive increase by any measurement, but to put it into context, the national increase was 2.4 per cent, which in itself was being hailed as a great result.
Leeds's top-performing state school was Garforth Community College, where 94 per cent of students gained five or more top grades. It was a startling result that would make many fee-paying selective schools jealous.
St Mary's Catholic Comprehensive in Menston wasn't too far behind, notching up an 89 per cent pass rate. Both Horsforth and Morley high schools posted an 80 per cent pass rate.
Target
There were, or course, schools with far lower pass rates. But even there, notably among inner city secondaries with some of the most challenging children, were success stories.
Seven schools that were previously below the Government target of a 30 per cent pass rate for five or more A*s to C, including English and maths, were now above that figure.
But there were also improvements at those that remain, including Carr Manor in Meanwood with a pass rate of 29.7 per cent (24 per cent last year),
Wortley with 25 per cent (previously 23 per cent) and South Leeds High with 10.4 per cent (up from seven per cent).
A few, however, did slip, including Intake in Bramley with 19.9 per cent (23 per cent last year), Parklands Girls' in Seacroft with 19 per cent (also previously 23 per cent) and Primrose High in Burmantofts with 18.7 per cent (down from 23 per cent as well).
Finalised results will be published by the Government early next year, but the initial pass rates were welcomed by education bosses in the city.
"Although we have not yet got a full picture of results across the city, it is already clear there is an enormous amount to celebrate," said Chris Edwards, chief executive of Education Leeds.
Leeds City councillor Richard Harker, executive board member responsible for learning, added:
"These early indicators of success are the result of the hard work and commitment that our young people, parents and teachers have demonstrated in the build-up to these exams," he said.
Among those celebrating rising results was Guiseley School, where 76 per cent of students gained five or more good GCSE grades – up one per cent on the previous record set in 2006
"There were a lot of happy faces with many students gaining outstanding results," said headteacher Paul Morrissey. "Notable amongst these were Beth Whitaker and Poppy Shuttleworth who gained 10 A*s, Chris Dick 8 A*s and Frances Stephen and Judith Tattersall who both achieved 7 A*s.
Support
"These are tremendous results for Guiseley School and reflect the hard work of both staff and students with support from parents."
At Crawshaw School in Pudsey, the pass rate was 60 per cent – marginally down on last summer's 63 per cent, but much higher than preceding years.
Headteacher Joanna Ruse said: "This is the second set of results since I joined Crawshaw School and once again the students and staff have confirmed the immense potential that lies within the Pudsey area."
Outstanding pupils included identical twins Ben and Jake Thompson, who between them achieved eight GCSE grades at A* and 12 at grade A. Jon Wood gained four A* grades and five A grades, while Miriam Lester achieved three A* grades and seven A grades and Richard Noble achieved three A* grades and six A grades.
At Woodkirk – one of Leeds' biggest schools with about 2,000 pupils, 71 per cent of Year 11 pupils gained five or more good grades – the best in the school's history by three per cent.
Headteacher Jonathan White said: "When the students collected their results, it was brilliant. To see the sheer delight on the face of the young people is one of the best parts of my job."
l Provisional GCSE results in Leeds show a 5.9 per cent pass rate increase to 62.9 per cent of 16-year-old gaining five or more grades A* to C.
Although Leeds still lags behind the national average, it is closely the gap. Nationally, the pass rate increased this summer by 2.4 per
cent to 65.7 per cent.
It's a 500 per cent success story!
A Leeds school has managed a stunning 500 per cent pass rate increase in just three years.
At John Smeaton Community High in Stanks, 70 per cent of pupils gained five or more GCSE grades between A* to C. Last year the school managed 52 per cent, and in 2005, the pass rate was just 14 per cent.
Assistant headteacher Sarah Storer said: "The whole school is delighted to have surpassed last year's results and the increase is a reflection of the hard work that our pupils have put in to pass these exams."
Outstanding pupils included Kirsty Rice, 16, with five A grades, three Bs and four Cs.
"I am really pleased with my results," said Kirsty, who plans to stay on at John Smeaton's sixth form and study history and law.
"They are the results of lots of hard work and revision and the support from my teachers."
Another high achiever was Joshua McClean, also 16, with four A*s, three As, three Bs and two Cs. The 16-year-old managed a hatful of top grades despite juggling his studies with being a trainee professional footballer.
He said: "I was surprised with my results as I thought attending the Huddersfield Town Academy for one day a week may have affected my grades."
Carr Manor High in Meanwood also posted its best ever pass rate of 48 per cent, not including English and maths.
Assistant head Judith Martin said: "Carr Manor pupils continue to achieve more and their GCSE results are the best in the history of the school."
Top students included Aisha Shabbir and Lucy Riach. Aisha, the youngest of five siblings at the school, achieved 14 GCSEs, including four A*'s, seven As and three Bs. Lucy gained 12 GCSEs including three A*s, six As and three Bs.
Eight means joy for Jordan
Fulneck School pupil Jordan Miers managed eight good GCSE grades despite being diagnosed as dyslexic.
The 16-year-old, from Adel, gained one A*, five As and two Bs.
"I am very happy with my results," said Jordan. "I worked extremely hard for my grades and I look forward to starting A-level in September so I can achieve my dream of going to university to study history."
The independent school's principal, Trevor Kernohan, said: "It is a common misconception that because an individual is dyslexic they will be unable to achieve academically.
"With the correct mentoring and facilities there is no reason why these pupils should not perform as well as their non-dyslexic peers."
Overall, 88 per cent of pupils gained five or more GCSEs between grades A* to C.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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