PICS: Outwood and Valley academy students celebrate best GCSE results yet

The record-breaking results were announced to delighted pupils st Outwood Academy Valley and Outwood Academy Portland on Thursday morning.

The number of students leaving with top A*-C GCSE’s is at an all-time high for Worksop, with Valley achieving 84 per cent and Portland achieving 88 per cent.

This is a five per cent increase on last year’s marks, placing Valley and Portland in the list of top achieving schools in the country.

The main halls at both schools were filled as students and tutors congratulated each other on their victory and discussed the next stage- with many students or embarking on apprenticeshhips.

Principal Dr Philip Smith said: “Both academies have smash their previous records to achieve their best ever results- we could not be prouder.

“Staff are still celebrating record-breaking AS and A Level from the trust’s Post-16 centre last week, and it’s great to see the achievements continuing from our younger students.

“They have really exceeded every expectation, and shown the rest of the country what world-class looks like.”

Under new GCSE measures introduced this year, Valley has an attainment 8 score of 5.6 with an expected progress 8 of +0.55, and Portland has an attainment 8 of 5.8 with an expected progress 8 of +1.02.

These results are classed as “exceptional”, says Carol Gill, assitant to Dr Smith.

She said: “National trends have shown that GCSE results have fallen in the UK this year- they’re said to be the worst in a decade. But Worksop pupils haven’t followed that trend and done us seriously proud.”

Ellie Boyle, 16, achieved 13 A-C GCSE’s, including an A in English.

She told the Guardian: “Of course I was worried, we all were, but it’s turned out more than fine.

“I’m really pleased. I’m looking forward to starting my AS Levels at the Post-16 centre and then I’d love to go on to University.”