The first set of GCSE results for Rye College as part of Aquinas have been published today and, whilst only having joined the trust in November of last year, there have been all-round rises across key measures.

In the basic of 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:
“We are 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.