Students and staff at The Bulwell Academy are celebrating a landmark set of GCSE results, with the school recording its highest ever number of students achieving grade 4+ and grade 5+ passes in both English and mathematics.
This year, 57% of students achieved grade 4+ in both English and maths, with 36% achieving grade 5+ in both subjects. The school also saw more than 10 percentage points improvement in students achieving grade 4+ in English and maths, and an eight percentage point improvement at grade 5+.
The results mark another major milestone in the school’s improvement journey, following a recent Ofsted inspection which recognised the significant progress being made across the academy. Inspectors highlighted the school’s positive culture, strong pastoral support, improvements in attendance and behaviour, and the growing pride students have in their school community.
Across the academy, students achieved 28 grade 9s, with 18.56% of students achieving grades 8 or 9. The school’s Attainment 8 score, which measures the average academic achievement of pupils, rose to 39.13, with particularly strong outcomes in English and BTEC Sport.
Among the highest achievers was Ben Hunt, who achieved eight grade 9s and one grade 8. Finlay Bone achieved six grade 9s, one Distinction* and two grade 8s, while Callum Wade achieved four grade 9s, two grade 8s and one grade 7. Carly Morris also secured an excellent set of results, achieving one grade 9, three grade 8s and two grade 7s.
Finlay, who has been one of the highest-attaining students in the year group, is now planning to study A Levels at Bilborough College, with ambitions to go on to university to study Literature and eventually become an English teacher. During his time at The Bulwell Academy, he achieved full marks in Literature mock examinations, maintained 100% attendance and took part in every intervention opportunity available to him.
Another standout success story is Benedict Yankey, who joined The Bulwell Academy in January after arriving in the UK from Ghana in November. Despite having not previously studied the British curriculum and joining the school the day before mock examinations, Benedict went on to pass both English and mathematics after attending every intervention session available and rapidly closing gaps in his knowledge.
The school also celebrated the achievements of Summer Ryan Howell and Roxanne Bell, who had been working at grade 3 in both English and mathematics throughout Year 11 before using intervention and independent learning to turn their results around and pass both subjects.
Principal Matt Irons said:
“We are incredibly proud of this cohort, who have achieved the highest number of grade 4+ and grade 5+ passes in English and mathematics in the school’s history.
“These results reflect their hard work, determination and commitment to achieving their best. They also show the impact of the improvements we have made to teaching, learning, curriculum delivery and academic support across the academy.
“This cohort has been part of our improvement journey from the beginning and is the first to fully reflect the impact of those changes. They represent a new chapter for The Bulwell Academy, one where academic excellence is at the forefront of our success.
“What we will remember most is their willingness to go the extra mile. They embraced independent learning, supported one another and helped create a culture where achievement is something to celebrate. Their positivity, ambition and teamwork have left a lasting legacy.”
The Bulwell Academy is part of Creative Education Trust, a national family of schools working together to give children and young people the knowledge, skills and confidence to achieve ambitious futures.
Nicole McCartney, CEO of Creative Education Trust, said:
“Congratulations to Year 11! We are all very proud of what you have achieved and the commitment you have shown.
“I am hugely grateful to our excellent staff for their complete dedication to helping our students to achieve their very best and supporting them every step of the way.
“I want to wish all our students the very best for their exciting next steps. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you all.”
The academy said the results demonstrate the impact of its teaching and learning framework, its focus on independent practice, and its use of the science of learning to help students become more confident, successful learners.
Mr Irons added:
“At The Bulwell Academy, every child belongs. Our strong community, high-quality teaching and therapeutic approach mean students feel safe, supported and empowered to succeed.
“Results matter because they give young people choices and open up so many more pathways for their futures. These outcomes are another important milestone in our improvement journey, and we are excited to build on this success as we continue to raise aspirations and outcomes for all students.”
Families interested in finding out more about The Bulwell Academy, its improvement journey and the opportunities available to students are encouraged to visit the school during its upcoming open event.
