The first set of GCSE results for Rye College as part of Aquinas Trust have been published today and, whilst the College only joined the Trust in November of last year, there have been all-round rises across key measures.
In the basic measure of students passing both English and maths, standard passes rose from 50% last year to 56% this year and strong passes rose from 28% to 38%. When considered alongside the performance of other subjects, both rises mean that on average students now leave Rye College with a standard pass in all their qualifications.
Head of College, Dom Downes, said: “These rises are a cause for celebration – for the first time under the new reformed qualifications all students are leaving the college with an average standard pass in all their subjects. Our young people have every reason to be proud of their performance – they have worked incredibly hard and risen to the increased expectations set for them. We wish them every success as they move on to higher education, employment or training.”
Also a cause for celebration was the increased number of Grade 9s, the highest grade available under the new qualification system, awarded to students. May Mayor achieved three such grades in English Language, Art and Photography; Phoenix Boyle two Grade 9s in English Language and Literature; whilst Natasha Davey, George Eastes, Lev Govorovski, Isabell Tierney, Poppy Williams and Yolanda Wells-Ordonez achieved a Grade 9 in either Art, Drama or English.
Executive Headteacher, Barry Blakelock said: “I am thrilled to see the hard work and determination of our students pay-off – they have definitely risen to the challenge of increased expectations. Our students have never been better prepared under the new GCSEs for the challenges that lay ahead of them. I would like to thank everyone involved, including colleagues, families and community, for all their efforts.”
Whilst the government does not publish progress data until later in the year, leaders at the college are confident these outcomes will mean a significant improvement in this area as well. Although there undoubtedly remain a number of challenges for the college, this set of results demonstrates the improvements being made and positive impact for the young people taught there.
Image Credits: Rye College .
Congratulations to the students and staff of Rye College on their GCSE results! The dedicated work of the staff in supporting and encouraging the students is beginning to bear fruit and show improvements in outcomes. If we, the community, get behind the students and staff, these improvements will surely continue and we will have a school in our community that we can truly be proud of.
After years of bad publicity, and recent negativnes when Aquinas took the helm of the Rye College, it’s great to see the College on the up,with these results, full Mark’s must go to those in charge,of this remarkable turn around.
Its great to hear some good news from the school/college on top of the structural changes made earlier in the year. Keep up the good work!
Many congratulations to the staff and students. Well done!
Barry, Dom, the teachers and particularly the students all deserve a big clap; great stuff!