One hundred and thirty three students sat 381 GCSE examinations in fourteen different subjects at Acorn Care and Education Schools this summer. Students also achieved over 300 other qualifications including BTECs, NVQs, Functional Skills, ASDAN and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Mike Blakey, Group Director for Quality & Compliance said: “I am delighted that our students passed 88% of the GCSE qualifications they sat this year. The wide range of qualifications studied, including the essential English and Mathematics subjects, but also subjects such as Statistics, Psychology and Art and Design demonstrates the ongoing commitment of our staff in delivering subjects that are not always taught in specialist schools.”
He added: “It has been heart-warming to hear so many powerful stories from teachers, students and parents in the last few hours. For example Harry, a student at Oak Tree School, gained a Grade 4 in English Literature and a Grade 4 in English Language with a merit for speaking and listening. He also gained two Grade 4s in Mathematics and Biology and a range of other qualifications. I heard today that when Harry started at Oak Tree school he couldn’t read and was six years behind his peers. Words cannot express how proud we all are of Harry and all those people who have helped him achieve these amazing results.”
“Meanwhile, at Longdon Hall School, Mitchell was delighted to find out that he had achieved Grade 5s in Mathematics and Statistics and four other GCSEs at Grade 4. These exceptional results mean that Mitchell has secured his place at college to study accountancy. I look forward to the day when Mitchell comes back to ask us for work experience in our accounts department and maybe even a job.’
David Leatherbarrow, Group Chief Executive, continued by saying: ‘Our mission is to improve the lives of thousands of young people, their families and communities by a relentless focus on caring and learning. I am absolutely delighted to hear the stories from students at our schools across the UK today and I know what a difference these results will make to their futures. I look forward to telling you the success stories of the young people in our foster care over the next few weeks.’
Richard Power, Managing Director, finished by saying: ‘I just want to say how proud I am today of the students, teachers and support staff. It takes many years of hard work to achieve results like these and I am immensely proud of their achievements. Well done all.’
Finally, the most powerful messages are always from our students. Niall, a student at Underley Garden School told us: ‘I have enjoyed my time at Underley. The staff have been really helpful whilst I’ve been here and supported me with my GCSEs and transitioning to Kendal college to complete a business course. Thank you for supporting me.’ Corey, another student, said: ‘Staff are always nice and Underley has helped me turn into a polite gentleman.’ Powerful words that help to capture the difference we all make.
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