Students at Chantry Academy in Ipswich, part of the Active Learning Trust, are celebrating after another year of successful results with 53 per cent of students achieving a good pass in both English and maths.

Chantry Academy has maintained successful GCSE results after recording its highest ever set of results in 2017. Over two thirds of students have attained higher grades in English or maths, which is even more impressive when considering that this year’s examinations are widely accepted as being more rigorous than in previous years.

In English and maths, 66 per cent and 67 per cent of grades were at 4 or above respectively, with around half at grade 5 or above. There were also strong results in art, with 75 per cent of grades at 4 or above and in French, 80 per cent of students achieved a grade 4 or higher. Overall, Chantry Academy’s results show that attainment has improved in eight subjects from the previous year.

Principal of Chantry Academy, Craig D’Cunha, said: “I am delighted that the hard work of our students, staff and local community have led to the academy’s continued improvement. We have seen a rapid improvement over the past two years, which has been a real team effort and I am proud to be working alongside Chantry’s committed and talented staff and students.

“These successful grades will allow Chantry Academy students the freedom to make their own choices about the next stage of their education – well done to all.”

Chief Executive of the Active Learning Trust, Gary Peile, said: “As Craig has stated, this year has seen a new more rigorous GCSE exam in many subjects and therefore, the students and staff deserve much credit for another good set of results.

“It is great to see that as well as the improvements in English and maths, other subjects that have been subject to concern as having been “squeezed” from the curriculum have also seen a strong set of results. These results show the school is continuing on its impressive improvement journey and is doing a great job to support the young people from the local community.”

There were a number of standout individual performances, in particular:

  • Amelia Sleczka achieved five of the prestigious grade 9s in English, maths, science and history, an 8, three A*s and two As.
  • Ellie Furnace attained one 9, three 8s, three A*s and a 7. 
  • Lee Allender achieved four 8s, two As and a 7. 
  • Chloe Lynch achieved one 8, six 7s and two A*s.

The results are the second time the Government’s new GCSE grading measures of 1 to 9 have been used, with 9 the highest mark and 4 representing a standard pass – previously a C.