This summer our school celebrates yet another year on year improvement in our results. The highest ever headline figure of 55 per cent 5 A*-Cs confirm we are a school that delivers good results for our pupils consistently year on year.

Many pupils achieved outstanding results; for example, Steven Bland, who attained 3 A* grades, 10 A grades, and a B grade; Charlotte Goode, who attained 4 A*, 4 As and 3 Bs; Chris Robson, who attained 3 A*, 7 As and 2 B grades. Generally, the school saw an impressive rise in the number of students achieving at the highest grades in many subjects.

Parents are asking us about a new measure for measuring pupils’ performance. Some parents worry that schools may use GNVQ subjects to boost league table performance, since it means that four of the five grades could be in just one subject. Consequently, the Government has introduced a new measure which still counts 5 good GCSE/GNVQ but requires that two of these subjects are Mathematics and English. This new measure will be reported along with the usual raw score. However, next year only the five A*-C percentage, including English and Maths will be reported. Our school welcomes this, since we believe that qualifications in English and Maths are key to a child’s future.

Taking this new measure, for our school, we are delighted to report yet another big improvement in 2006. This year, 37 per cent of our pupils achieved this level of performance and reflected a rising trend over the last three years. Our past experience tells us we can confidently expect this measure to be even higher in 2007.

Our results in the national curriculum tests (SATs) for year 9 were also the best ever achieved by the school. This means all our pupils should be confident about achieving highly in 2008.

Of course, what delights us most is when some of our children arrive in year 7 with just average performance at age 11 and then leave us with a lovely set of examination results in year 11. Worthy of special mention, is Claire Bailey, who exceeded all of her subject targets, to achieve 7 grade C GCSEs because of her dedication to her studies. Claire is a real role model for future students of all abilities. We take great pride in being a caring school where every child matters. We are especially pleased for the families of these children.

The progress the school makes each year is a tribute to the work of our pupils and staff and the total support of our parents. This will all continue for even better things in 2007!