Students at Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form have achieved the school's highest-ever A-level results, with a record average of A*/A grades up 11% on last year and the best-ever number of top grades from A* to B, a 14.8% leap.
Year 13 students returned to the school yesterday to collect their A-level and BTEC results after the summer's exams. The school is celebrating its most successful year in recent times, with strong performances across a range of subjects.
Subject Highlights and Student Success
In computer science and further maths, half of all grades were A* or A, while in biology, chemistry, English literature, physics and religious studies, at least 40% of all grades were A* or A. In BTEC Sport, 90.9% of all grades were at either Distinction or Distinction*.
A group of 15 students also sat an additional qualification, the EPQ Extended Project, achieving a 100% pass rate. Among the high achievers this year are Oscar Parry, who achieved A*A*A* and an A* in his EPQ, meeting his offer for natural sciences at Cambridge University; Charlie Alldis, who secured a place at the University of Warwick for mechanical engineering with A*A*AB; and triplets Amy, Nina and Ruby, who secured eight A* and A grades between them.
Ofsted Praise and Headteacher's Comments
The results come after Ofsted inspectors visited the school this year and praised the sixth form for being at an Expected Standard. The report stated: "When students join the sixth form, they are taught how to study and use their time productively. This ensures the transition from Year 11 to 12 is a smooth and successful one."
The report continued: "Students are increasingly taught very effectively in lessons. Staff have high expectations, and students aspire to meet them. As a result, students generally progress well through the curriculum, particularly when studying applied vocational courses. They go on to a wide range of destinations, including universities. Students also learn about other routes, such as apprenticeships. They learn about budgeting and personal finance. This ensures that they are well-informed and ready for adulthood."
Headteacher Mark Barrow said: "This year's results are the best Notley has achieved in many years - a real testament to the hard work and ambition of our students and staff. They come hot on the heels of Ofsted’s inspection in May, which confirmed that our sixth form students are known well and that they are taught how to study and how to manage their time productively."
He added: "These results show that promise translating into outcomes and are confirmation that the improvement Ofsted recognised is being felt right across the school, from the classroom to the exam hall. I couldn't be prouder of our sixth form and everyone who has supported them on this journey."
