The education sponsor and social enterprise specialises in developing academies that transform opportunities for pupils in the state sector, often in challenging circumstances. On average E-ACT academies have improved 5+A*-C GCSE performance with English and Maths, by more than eight per cent.
The Crest Boys’ and Girls’ academies in Neasden, north west London, previously reported as among the worst performing secondary schools in the capital, have flourished seeing the number of pupils achieving 5+A*-C GCSEs with English and Maths jump by 23 % and 16% per cent respectively. This has been achieved despite pupil populations where significant numbers of students define English as an additional language.
Crest Boys’ Principal Keith Miller said: “I am delighted with the results achieved which is a reflection of the hard work and dedication by both our students and staff. This has been a difficult and challenging year, but we’ve maintained our focus on our core objectives, to provide an excellent learning experience for students and to help them achieve their true potential. We have helped more and more students to do that this year and our work continues to give all our students real opportunities to excel.”
In Yorkshire, E-ACT’s Leeds West Academy increased the number of students achieving 5+ A*-C GCSEs with English and Maths from 30% to 37%.
Principal Annette Hall praised the effort of staff and students. She said: “The commitment and effort put in by our staff and students has been phenomenal. We’ve turned round a culture of low expectation to one of high expectation and a belief in each individual’s potential. Parents and the community are also seeing the change and giving us more and more support as we set high standards for all. Ultimately though it’s the students who reap the rewards.”
In Birmingham, where E-ACT sponsors three academies, results were also up on last year. At Heartlands in the City, pupils achieved 48% 5+ A*-C GCSEs including English and Maths, up from 40% last year.
Sir Bruce Liddington, Director General of the leading multi-academy sponsor said: “We specialise in transforming educational opportunities for young people by creating effective, high performing academies. We focus on creating the right approach and introducing the right ingredients for success from day one, and our first year of results is extremely encouraging and I want to congratulate our successful students. Academies really can transform the lives of people and communities in some of the most challenging and deprived areas of England as well as in more prosperous communities.
Our goal is to maintain this high level of achievement year on year and we are in a strong position to do just that. We are also expanding and offering the same level of education and operational expertise to those interested in developing Free Schools.”
