Students across our secondary schools have been praised following the release of their GCSE results and other qualifications.

Breckland School

‘Thrilled’ leaders at Breckland School have praised the performance of GCSE students.

Deputy headteacher Annabelle Culley-Tea said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the class of 2025 and the host of success stories. These results are a true reflection of their unwavering dedication, resilience and incredible focus. The school continues to be ambitious for our future generations.”

Castle Manor Academy

Castle Manor Academy are celebrating with Year 11 students today as they collect their GCSE results.

The Haverhill school praised students for working incredibly hard to achieve results that everyone is proud of.

Headteacher Vanessa Whitcombe said: “We are delighted to celebrate with our class of 2025. Their hard work and efforts have really paid off and we are very proud indeed of them. My congratulations go to all students and we wish them best wishes for their next exciting steps.

“I also want to offer my thanks to staff and families who have together worked to really support students with their efforts.”

County High School

The partnership between students, parents and staff was highlighted at County High School in Bury St Edmunds after the strongest set of GCSE results since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Headteacher Sally Kennedy said: “We are very proud of the achievements of the class of 2025 as they have gone on to build upon previously established strong results.

“One of the most significant factors impacting on the outcomes of students is attendance. It is an area that all headteachers nationally are concerned about because we can see the impact that attending school has on the results that each child achieves and we know that this will impact on the opportunities available for each young person.

“It is very clear from our results this year, that the students who attend regularly and are in a good learning routine do exceptionally well at County High School.

“For this reason, we will continue to be ambitious for all of our students and prioritise working with students and their families to ensure that there are no barriers to them attending and going on to achieve their potential.”

Felixstowe School

Students at Felixstowe School are once again celebrating a fantastic set of GCSE results.

Headteacher Emma Wilson-Downes said the results were a reflection on the commitment of both students and staff – and the strength of the school community.

She added: “Today is about celebrating the incredible achievements of our Year 11 students in their GCSEs. They have shown tremendous character, dedication and resilience – and their results show how they have lived out our school values.

“We are delighted that a growing number of our students have chosen to remain with us, moving into our sixth form to continue their education. Our sixth form is deliberately small – a family where every individual is known, supported and challenged to achieve their very best. It is one of the things that makes us unique at Felixstowe and we are proud that so many students want to continue their journey with us.”

Newmarket Academy

Students at Newmarket Academy are today celebrating following the best set of GCSE results in the school’s history.

Headteacher Martin Witter said: “On behalf of all staff at Newmarket Academy, we are so proud of the achievements of this year’s GCSE cohort.

“They have shown amazing dedication and commitment to their studies and their hard work has been rewarded with the best GCSE results in the school’s history.

“They deserve all this success and we can’t wait to watch them continue their studies in the months and years ahead.”

Samuel Ward Academy

Students at Samuel Ward Academy are celebrating their results in GCSEs and vocational studies.

Headteacher, Tom Johnston, said: “These students joined Samuel Ward in 2020 at the height of the pandemic and have demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication to achieve these results which provide them with a springboard to their next steps.

“I congratulate each student who worked hard to do their very best. These students formed a fantastic year group and the teachers and support staff were happy to support them in their achievements.

“My thanks go out to the staff and to the parents who, undoubtably, have walked this path with their children.

“The buzz in the results hall was really rewarding today – it’s a proud moment for the teachers of Year 11 and myself as the headteacher to see students reaping the rewards of their hard work and endeavour. Ultimately, it is our aim that students leave Samuel Ward ready to live rich and rewarding lives.”

St Edward’s Academy

The hard work and dedication of students and staff at St Edward’s Academy have been praised following another great year of GCSE results.

The results in core subjects have been particularly outstanding this year, further solidifying St Edward’s Academy’s reputation as one of Havering’s top-performing schools.

Jodie Hassan, Executive Headteacher of St Edward’s Academy, expressed her pride in the students’ accomplishments, saying: “I am incredibly proud of all our students for their tremendous effort and commitment. Their hard work, coupled with the unwavering support from our dedicated staff, has truly paid off. I couldn’t be more pleased the successes of our students.”

Sybil Andrews Academy

Sybil Andrews Academy has congratulated students who achieved a continued year-on-year improvement in their GSCE exams and other Level 1 and 2 qualifications.

Interim headteacher, Joe Pointon, said students should feel proud of their hard work and positive attitude to learning – having engaged enthusiastically in lessons and opportunities outside of the classroom.

Mr Pointon added: “The pupils have worked extremely hard to achieve these impressive grades and I am so pleased that their perseverance and resilience have been rewarded.

“I am grateful to the staff for their commitment and dedication, and I would also like to thank the parents for their ongoing support.

“We wish all our pupils the best of luck for their academic and vocational courses next year. It has been a pleasure to work with this cohort of pupils and we are confident that they will be successful in their chosen career paths.”

Thomas Gainsborough School

Students’ commitment and resilience have been praised following the publication of GCSE results at Thomas Gainsborough School.

Headteacher Helen Yapp said: “Following our outstanding A-level results last week, we are delighted that our Year 11 students have also achieved highly at GCSE.

“They have shown themselves to be a committed and resilient year group who have made excellent progress and achieved GCSE results in line with last years.

“We are looking forward to welcoming many of them into our sixth form and wish them, and all our Year 11 students, every success and happiness in their chosen pathways.”

Sixth form campuses across Unity Schools Partnership have been celebrating their post-16 results today.

Felixstowe School

Felixstowe School is celebrating another year of success for its Sixth Form students, with excellent outcomes enabling them to take their next steps into higher education, apprenticeships and employment.

Headteacher Emma Wilson-Downes praised the resilience, determination and ambition shown by students throughout their studies, saying: “We are incredibly proud of our Key Stage 5 students. Their hard work, commitment and the support they have received from our staff, families and wider community have ensured they are ready for the exciting opportunities ahead.

“These results reflect not only academic excellence, but also the way our students have lived our school values throughout their time with us – showing inspiration by aiming high, influence by working hard and making a positive impact, and integrity by being kind and respectful to others.

“Our sixth formers leave us as well-rounded young adults, equipped not just with qualifications, but with the empathy, resilience and moral purpose to make a positive difference in the world.”

Felixstowe School has seen continued strong performance in science subjects, with 100% of students achieving A–C grades across Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This was matched in Art, Drama, English Literature, Film and Sport, as well as 100% of students achieving the top grade of Distinction Star in the IT Technicals qualification.

Notable individual successes included Harry Bolton who achieved A in maths, A in physics and Distinction Star in IT. Ferne Hope was also celebrating her A in psychology, Distinction Star in Sport and Distinction Star in Child Development. She plans to go to University of Winchester to study Primary Education with QTS.

Iona Botezatu achieved A in Geography, A in Sociology and B in History, as well as an A in EPQ. Iona will be going to the University of Birmingham to read Law.

Eve Hope achieved A* in Criminology, A in Geography and B in History and is planning to go to Coventry University to study Forensic Psychology.

Martin Nevyanov achieved A in Biology, B in Maths and Distinction Star in IT. He will be reading Computer Science at UEA.

The school extends its congratulations to every student, celebrating their achievements both in the classroom and beyond.

Samuel Ward Sixth Form

Students at Samuel Ward Sixth Form are celebrating their results in A-levels and vocational studies today, which have opened up the doors to future study at university, apprenticeships and employment.

Ollie Dalzell achieved a magnificent A*A*A in Further Maths, Maths and Economics, alongside a B in Business and is now looking ahead to study MORSE (Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics) at Warwick University in September.

There were more top grades across a range of subjects, particularly in Maths, Economics, Art & Design, English Language and Literature and the Sciences. In the vocational subjects, almost half the grades were a Distinction* or Distinction and notable success in Business and Uniformed Services.

Headteacher, Tom Johnston, praised the ambition and resilience of the students, saying: “Since my arrival at Samuel Ward Academy last year, I have been impressed by the students in all year groups, but particularly in the Sixth Form.

“The excellent grades that have been achieved demonstrate very clearly that if you are determined, work hard and take advantage of the excellent support from teachers and staff at the school then students will achieve their ambitions.

“It’s a joy to share the celebrations of the students who have put in the necessary hard work and can now look forward to their first choice university placements or chosen pathway.

“Today is an important milestone for students, their families and the school staff who have supported each student. Thank you to all those who have supported these students who now have the springboard for future success.”

Other notable high-achievers included Alex Dockerill (ABCC), Daniel Quarrell (ABCC) – who are both moving on to study mathematics at the University of Essex and the University of Surrey respectively.

Both Belle Deeks and Felicity Payne are going to Nottingham Trent where they’ll read Psychology and Sport Science and Management respectively. Jessica Lines moves on to the University of Reading to read Ancient History and Archaeology and Joyce Hayden is studying Business Management at the University of Brighton.

Over the course of the last academic year, Haverhill Community Sixth Form has been re-branded to become ‘Samuel Ward Sixth Form’, which reflects the core role the sixth form has in the school.

Alongside a reformed curriculum and enrichment offer for September 2025, there has been significant investment in the resources available for students – with a fully refurbished study centre and café and each student who enrols being given an iPad for use in their studies at both school and home.

Jo Wilson, Assistant Headteacher, added: “There’s never been a better time to join Samuel Ward Sixth Form and continue the Samuel Ward seven-year journey from Year 7 to Year 13.

“It’s been a privilege to work with the Year 13s and I am proud of each one receiving results this year. It’s particularly pleasing that the students have secured the right future pathway for them – whatever their ambitions, including top universities and other routes.”

St Edward’s Academy

St Edward’s Academy is incredibly pleased to celebrate their Year 13 students who received their A-level results today. 

Headteacher Jodie Hassan said: “All our students have worked so hard to earn these results and we are unbelievably proud of what they have achieved. 

“It was delightful to observe so many students who were able to secure the course and university of their choice this morning.

“We are so happy for our cohort of Year 13s and we all wish them huge success in their chosen pathways.”

Highlights included Temilade Bejide, who is going to study aeronautics and astronautics at Southampton University.

Sam Gibbons is going to study accounting and finance at the University of Kent while Lara Ofosu will be studying biological sciences at the University of Leicester. Ethan Chenthuran will be studying business management and law at SOAS.

Thomas Gainsborough School

Students at Thomas Gainsborough School are celebrating after achieving higher post-16 results than in previous years.

A total of 84.5% of students achieved A* to C grades with 98% achieving A* to E grades,

Among the top achievers were Tommy Bentley who will be studying Chemistry at Oxford after his  A* in Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.

Faran Kirkham achieved an A* in Further Maths, Maths and Physics and will be studying Maths at University College London while Thea Reeve got an A* in English Language and Psychology and Distinction * in Health and Social Care. Thea will be studying Psychology at the University of East Anglia.

Headteacher Helen Yapp paid tribute to the success of students, saying: “We are all very proud of the results from this year’s cohort.

“They have worked incredibly hard and also been supported by their families and our staff in what has been a great team effort.

“We look forward to watching them go on to great success in the years to come.”

Other notable successes included George Bowden whose A in English Literature, Film Studies and History will see him study Film Studies at St Andrews University.

While Kyle de La Cruz will be studying Politics at Kings London after his A* in Government and Politics and A’s in Economics and Law.

The chief executive of Unity Schools Partnership has announced that he will be leaving after eight years in the role.

Tim Coulson has been appointed as the Director General, Regions Group, at the Department for Education.

Mr Coulson has overseen a period of substantial growth within the multi-academy trust which has 40 schools across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.

He said: “I have enjoyed eight years at Unity, by far the longest time in any post in my career, and the opportunity has exceeded all the expectations I had when I was appointed. 

“I have worked with some amazing people, both across the trust and all our family of schools, and I would like to thank them all for their commitment and dedication to making young lives better. 

“While looking forward to the challenge of my new role, I will always look back on my time with Unity Schools Partnership with great fondness and how all our schools have played such an active role in the heart of their communities.

“Visiting schools across the trust has been one of the greatest joys ever in my work, as has been the extensive partnerships with colleagues in schools beyond the trust.”

Chris Quinn, Chair of Unity Schools Partnership, said: “We would like to congratulate Tim on this appointment and are proud that the successes and strengths of the work of the trust has provided the credibility for this appointment. 

“We send him our very best wishes and thank him for his leadership and commitment to children and young people. 

“The board is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Garner, currently Deputy Chief Executive, as Interim Chief Executive of the trust from Monday 8th September. 

“We are fortunate to have great experience and talent amongst many leaders across the schools in the trust and the trust central team. 

“We are engaging a recruitment partner, Saxton Bamfylde, to make our next Chief Executive appointment and will be advertising shortly.”

In his new role, Mr Coulson and his regional team will work to improve outcomes for children, families and learners, especially those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable, working across children’s social care, special educational needs and schools. 

The work on improving outcomes across the education and care systems will play a central role in delivering the objectives of the government’s Opportunity Mission, which is to break the link between young people’s outcomes and their background.

More than 1,500 of our school and central team staff gathered at Thomas Gainsborough School for our annual Unity Day.
The personal development day included a wide-ranging series of CPD, wellbeing and activity sessions as well as keynote speakers and exhibitors.
It was a fantastic day and one that truly showcased the spirit of our Trust.
And it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of so many – including our volunteers who organised and ran the day, those who led the varied and engaging sessions and the staff who attended from across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Romford. Thank you all!
A very special thank you also to our wonderful keynote speakers – Dr Emma Kell, Andrew Moffat and Amjad Ali – and to our partners for running insightful stands throughout the day.

From discussing the importance of communication to launching our new teacher training programme, the last few weeks have been both busy and positive at Unity Schools Partnership.

We started the month with the fantastic news that we have been shortlisted as a finalist in the MAT Excellence Awards.

Over the last few years, we have created 650 specialist places across our special schools and also our SEND hubs in our primary and secondary schools.

This commitment to enhancing our provision would not have been possible without the dedication of our Trust and school staff and this recognition is a fitting tribute to that.

This month also saw the launch of our ‘Keep Safe’ month. The annual event includes talks, workshops and classroom activities running throughout all our trust schools in Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex.

Last Friday, pupils from across our family of schools once again joined together to reflect on the importance of keeping safe, both in school and in the community.

Geographically-speaking, it’s not always possible for our schools to come together but it is always wonderful when they do and to see pupils working so well together.

Thanks to the hard work of a small team that has coordinated Keep Safe month, the event has become an important part of the trust calendar. It has also been made possible thanks to a grant from the Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner’s Fund, which is managed by Suffolk Community Foundation, and we thank them for their generosity.

The grant was facilitated by our newly-formed Unity Schools Partnership Charitable Foundation, set up to further enhance the lives of children attending Unity schools.

Another first this month was our first open event to promote our teacher training programme, as we start to sign up trainees for September.

We will also be involved in a wider drop-in event – hosted by University of Suffolk on Wednesday 19th March – in collaboration with Unity Teaching School Hub, Suffolk Couty Council and local ITT providers on Wednesday 19th March.

We look forward to working with partners and utilising all our experience within Unity Schools Partnership to provide the best possible teacher training.

Finally, to conclude what has been a whistlestop few weeks since the last newspaper column, I was delighted to be asked to be a guest speaker at last week’s education communication conference, run by the Confederation of School Trusts.

The theme for the talk was how the Trust implemented a two-week half term and how this was communicated before, during and after. As with any good networking and sector event, it was an insightful and engaging day with lots to takeaway and learn from.

A month-long programme aimed at promoting a ‘Keep Safe’ message among almost 40 local schools will begin in March.

It is the third year that Unity Schools Partnership has organised special talks, workshops and classroom activities running throughout the trust schools in Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex.

This year’s activities include performances from Bigfoot Arts Education around knife crime awareness and sessions from Paul Hannaford who will deliver his hard-hitting talks to schools around his past addiction and crime problems.

Schools will come together next Friday 7^th March to discuss how they can create a vision for a safer future while there will also be a Trust-wide Keep Safe logo competition running throughout the month.

Toni Kittle, Director of Education (Secondary) at Unity Schools Partnership, said: “Our Keep Safe month has become an important part of the trust calendar, designed at promoting the importance of keeping safe, both in school and in the community.

“We would like to thank everyone who is supporting our Keep Safe activities and we look forward to working with partners throughout this month – and beyond.”

This year’s event has been supported by the newly-formed Unity Schools Partnership Charitable Foundation, set up by the multi-academy trust to further enhance the lives of children attending Unity schools. 

The aims of the USP Foundation are to support children who have greater educational need, face significant hardship which prevents them from succeeding at school and young people who otherwise would not be able to access the broader and deeper curriculum available at all our schools.

Through the charitable foundation, the Keep Safe month has received a grant from the Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner’s Fund, which is managed by Suffolk Community Foundation. The money will go towards the additional cost of running sessions and workshops.

Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, said: “I am delighted to award Unity Schools funding for their ambitious education programme across Suffolk.

“They are an organisation that strives to enhance life opportunities for every child, regardless of their starting point, and will provide vital awareness on exploitation and safety.

“I commend their practical approach to learning, using digital tools, art, and real-life experience to drive impactful change.”

One of the recurring themes in this column over the last year or so has been staff recruitment and retention.

We know this is a challenge right across the education sector. But we also know that teaching is an incredible job, offering the chance to inspire, excite and engage, all while making a real difference to the lives of young people.

That is why Unity Schools Partnership is delighted to announce exciting plans to deliver initial teacher training from July 2025.

Working as an associate college of the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT), and under the name of NIoT@Unity, the Trust will be delivering both primary and secondary school initial teacher training in Bury St Edmunds.

The National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) is a school-led professional development provider that delivers research and programmes designed by teachers and leaders who understand the joys and pressures of school life.

They work closely with partner schools who have extensive knowledge of local needs and a similar moral purpose to improve the life chances of local children.

To launch the new initial teacher training, a series of information and drop-in events and webinars will be taking place, starting with an information event at Abbots Green Primary Academy in Bury St Edmunds on Monday 3rd March.

We will also be involved in a wider drop-in event – hosted by University of Suffolk on Wednesday 19^th March – in collaboration with Unity Teaching School Hub, Suffolk Couty Council and local ITT providers on Wednesday 19th March.

We look forward to working with partners and utilising all our experience within Unity Schools Partnership to provide the best possible teacher training.

To find out more about our Initial Teacher Training and our upcoming events, please visit https://www.unitysp.co.uk/initial-teacher-training/.

Earlier this month, our Trust board met for the first time in 2025. From positive Ofsted inspections to milestone moments around our brand new primary school in Norfolk, board members reflected on there being much to celebrate in so many of our schools.

One of the priorities for the board this year is to refresh our vision for what we want to achieve in the coming years and we will be holding an external review to support us with this.

Externally, it is a busy time with developments in national policy in education – proposals for Ofsted inspection, the curriculum and assessment review and the progress through Parliament of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

By looking at where we want to be over the next few years, we know we will be best placed to use all these developments to further support the work we do with young people across all our schools.

Happy New Year to all the readers of this newspaper.

It is of course time to look forward and think about goals and aspirations for the year ahead.

What do we want to see from 2025? As a multi-academy trust now in its 12^th year, Unity Schools Partnership is both strong in experience but also still relatively young.

We are proud of our many achievements and proud of the education we offer to the 16,000 children in our family of primary, secondary and special schools. This is a result of hard work and everyone pulling together on a daily basis.

As we approach 40 schools in our trust, a milestone we will reach in September when a new primary school opens in Norfolk, we have seen considerable change – both within Unity and across the educational landscape.

Staying close to our values of integrity, inclusion and kindness, our resolution for the coming year is to do all we can to be as good as the best academy trusts nationally.

A few years ago, we committed to ‘Making Remarkable Happen’ and outlined plans for our children to match the best across the country. We can see huge improvements in many schools and we are in a position to continue working towards this ambition.

This has been supported by a central trust team which has strong expertise across many fields and we are lucky to have them.

Within our trust, and over the last 12 years, we have been joined by schools who sometimes have needed some extra support and we have been delighted to work with them to ensure they move forward and receive well deserved positive Ofsted reports.

In addition, we have had the privilege of opening brand new schools – including four special schools, with two more planned to open in 2027. Increasing this provision will remain a priority for Unity Schools Partnership this year and in coming years.

More broadly, we are committed to being part of an increased emphasis on collaboration, as outlined by the new Government.

From teacher development to curriculum partnerships, we already work with many schools and partners beyond our trust – including contributing nationally to policy on improving attainment of children from disadvantaged families.

We also work with 700 schools beyond our trust through our CUSP curriculum as well as supporting governance and leadership in other schools.

It is also a time of year to welcome new staff and new appointments – in our schools, supporting our sixth form provision and across school governance.

We welcome them all and look forward to a positive and productive 2025 ahead.

Tim Coulson, Chief Executive, Unity Schools Partnership

A huge congratulations to every GCSE student who picked up their results today.

We would also like to praise all our school staff members for their support, hard work and commitment.

Breckland School said they were thrilled with the performance of students picking up their GCSE results.
Annabelle Culley-Tea, Head of School, said: “All of our students have worked incredibly hard to secure the platform for their future successes and we are looking forward to hearing of their bright and exciting futures.
“These results reaffirm the school’s commitment to ensuring that the school continues to be one which the town of Brandon and surrounding villages can be proud of.
“The school thanks the staff, families and the wider community for their support of the cohort of 2024.”

Castle Manor Academy are celebrating with Year 11 as they collect their GCSE results this morning.

The Class of 2024 achieved excellent results and were praised for showing real resilience and working incredibly hard.

Headline figures at Castle Manor are once again strong, with 56% of students gaining grades 4+ in English and Maths.

Headteacher Vanessa Whitcombe said: ‘The students should be so proud of their results. “Our congratulations go to all of them, along with best wishes for their next steps.

“They have been expertly supported by teachers and support staff and of course parents, and I would like to thank everyone involved in helping our students to reach their goals.”

70% of the 187 students taking GCSEs at County High School achieved a Grade 4 in English and Maths with 45% achieving a strong pass in those subjects.

Sally Kennedy, headteacher at County High School, said: “I am very proud of our students who have worked hard in their studies as well as contributing so positively to school life and the positive community of our school. They have demonstrated our school values of ambition and determination in their examinations.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff who worked so hard to support every student achieve their potential and we wish all our alumnae the very best in their next steps.”

GCSE and Level 2 BTEC students at Felixstowe School have been praised for showing remarkable determination and resilience throughout the last few challenging years.

The school paid tribute to the achievements of students picking up their results with many choosing to stay on at the school for sixth form.

Headteacher Emma Wilson-Downes said: “This year, our students have been incredible in rising to the challenges they have been presented with.

“The work ethic they have built and continually demonstrated will serve them well in future, and the grit and determination they have shown throughout has been nothing short of inspirational.

“We are delighted in particular with the success in our Modern Foreign Languages department, where we have seen spectacular results in French.

“We are also delighted with outcomes in Triple Science, which echoes the successes seen in the sixth form science outcomes this year.

“This year, we are thrilled that so many of our year 11 students have chosen us as their further education provider and we know they will continue to impress us as they enter the sixth form and embark on their Level 3 journey with either A Levels or vocational qualifications.”

The headteacher of Newmarket Academy has praised the hard work of students and staff following the recent GCSE results.

Headteacher Martin Witter said: “We would like to congratulate all our fantastic Year 11 students who have received their GCSE results. 

“We are delighted with the results from our students this year and we would like to pay tribute and thank all the young people, their families and all the staff at Newmarket Academy for all of their hard work over the years.  

“We are sure our students will go on and do fantastic things and we look forward to seeing and celebrating their future achievements.”

More than 220 students from Samuel Ward Academy in Haverhill collected their GCSE results.

The school has paid tribute to students after 65% achieved Grade 4 or higher in both English and maths. 

Dr Kev Geall, Head of School, said: “It’s a pleasure and a privilege to see so many students delighted that their hard work has paid off. 

“I congratulate them, the staff who have worked so hard to guide them and the families who have supported them. The future is bright for this cohort of great young people.”

St Edward’s Academy was thrilled to announce another year of exceptional GCSE results – a testament to the hard work and dedication of both students and staff.

The school said they were immensely proud of the remarkable achievements across the board, with many students attaining the highest grades and setting a new benchmark for excellence at the school.

Jodie Hassan, Executive Headteacher of St Edward’s Academy, expressed her pride in the students’ accomplishments: “I am incredibly proud of all our students for their tremendous effort and commitment, which have led to these fantastic results.

“Their hard work, coupled with the unwavering support from our dedicated staff, has truly paid off. These results are a reflection of the resilience and determination our students have shown, and I couldn’t be more pleased with their success.

“This is an exciting time for St Edward’s Academy as we continue to innovate and invest in our students’ futures.

“Starting in September 2024, every student in our Sixth Form will receive an iPad as we transition to becoming an Apple School. We are confident that this advanced technology will not only enhance the learning experience but also help drive further academic success – making St Edward’s Sixth Form an institution of choice for students across East London.”

Students at Sybil Andrews Academy have been praised after achieving the school’s best ever set of results in non-Covid times.

Grade 5 figures for English and maths at the Bury St Edmunds school increased by 10% to 50% while the Grade 4 percentage for English and Maths increased by 9% to 71%.

Almost one fifth of pupils in the year group also averaged a Grade 7 or above. 

Kevin Blakey, Executive Headteacher, said: “I would like to say well done to all pupils and staff for their hard work and to Sybil Andrews parents for their support.

“This set of results validates the good judgement received from Ofsted. We are also confident that we are on an excellent trajectory for GCSE results over the coming years.” 

Joe Pointon, Head of School, added: “We know that some pupils have overcome significant personal challenges in their preparation for these qualifications and we are delighted that their perseverance and resilience have been rewarded.”

After 74% of pupils at Thomas Gainsborough School achieved a Grade 4+ in English and maths, Helen Yapp, headteacher at Thomas Gainsborough School, said: “We are delighted by our GCSE results this year.

“They are a testament to the hard work and dedication of both the students and the staff. This cohort have risen to the challenges they have faced during their secondary education, and we look forward to their continued success as they start their A-level and college courses.”

Post-16 students across Unity Schools Partnership have today been celebrating following the publication of their Level 3 results.

Praising their hard work and commitment, Tim Coulson, Chief Executive of the Trust, said: “Today is a day of pride and celebration.

“It is our privilege as educators to watch young people develop and mature and we look with pride on what they have become.

“We celebrate their successes and wish them well in the next stage of their education and lives. We are proud too to have staff with the skill and dedication that has helped young people achieve all we can see today has come to fruition.”

*****

The final sixth form cohort at County High School in Bury St Edmunds have graduated on a high with 41.5% of grades being awarded an A or A* and 64% A*-B. 

Headteacher Sally Kennedy said: “We are very proud of our sixth form students who have all worked very hard and supported each other to fulfil their potential. 

“We know the personal challenges some of our students have faced and we are very proud of the resilience and determination they have demonstrated over the past two years. 

“We wish them the very best as they move onto their next adventure and look forward to them returning to inspire the next generations of students at County High School.”

Despite the challenging circumstances of the past few years, and the return to pre-pandemic grading, Felixstowe School students are celebrating their recent Level 3 qualifications, which show strongly improving headline figures on last year, particularly in the numbers of students achieving the top grades.

Headteacher Emma Wilson-Downes said: “The students at Felixstowe School can be rightly proud of their achievements, and proud of being Felixstownians, Alumni of Felixstowe School Sixth Form.

“The support and kindness they have shown to each other, alongside the work ethic they have built and continually demonstrated, will be a huge asset to them in their future careers.

“It is a great testament to their continued high aspirations that 60% of this year group will be going on to study at University, the highest proportion the school has seen move on to Higher Education.

“We are so proud to call them our alumni, and look forward to hearing the great things that they go on to achieve in the future.”

Students at Haverhill Community Sixth Form are celebrating after picking up their Level 3 qualifications – with many achieving their first choice of university and apprenticeships.

The sixth form’s vocational results were also the best in their history.

Pete Wilson, Head of Haverhill Community Sixth Form, said: “I congratulate students and staff on all the hard work that has gone into achieving these results.  

“I’m pleased that so many of our students are moving on to their first choice of university, apprenticeship or employment.” 

A-level students at St Edward’s Academy in Romford have been praised for the “hard work and dedication” shown over the last two years.

School leaders said the results announced today reflected the tremendous effort and potential of all students.

Executive headteacher, Jodie Hassan, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students and the results they have achieved this year.

“Their hard work and determination and their lovely positivity and demeanour makes this a standout year group.

“Our students’ successes are a testament to the support from our dedicated staff and the vibrant learning community here at St Edward’s Academy.”

A-level students at Thomas Gainsborough School have been praised after 99% received an A to E grade and 81% achieving A to C’s.

Both figures were a rise on the last set of pre-Covid grades and headteacher Helen Yapp praised the commitment of students sitting exams this year.

She said: “We are very proud of the hard work, determination and resilience shown by our A-level students.
“The results are particularly pleasing when compared to the 2019 results and when we take into account the disruption to learning during their GCSEs.”