Northern Education Trust has reported continued progress in GCSE English and mathematics outcomes, with overall performance now exceeding pre-pandemic levels despite the return to traditional grading and the challenges faced by students in disadvantaged communities.
Across the trust, the proportion of pupils achieving strong passes (grade 5 or above) in both English and maths has risen by three percentage points since 2019, while attainment at grade 4 or above has increased by one percentage point. These gains are particularly notable given that nearly 45% of secondary pupils across the trust are eligible for pupil premium funding and that academies serve areas with high levels of socio-economic deprivation.
Strong academy-level improvements
At the higher grade threshold (5+), eight of the trust’s twelve secondary academies either matched or surpassed their 2019 results. The most significant gains were recorded at the trust’s newer academies, including Freebrough Academy, which saw a 34% increase, Walbottle Academy with a 26% rise, and Hetton Academy, which improved by 15%.
A similar trend was seen at grade 4+, where eight academies improved compared with 2019. Again, Freebrough Academy led the way with a 25% increase, followed by Walbottle Academy at 21% and Hetton Academy at 10%. Freebrough also achieved the strongest overall results in the trust, with 60% of students attaining grade 5+ in English and maths, and 75% reaching grade 4+.
Ofsted recognition highlights improvement journey
Recent Ofsted inspections further reinforced the progress made by trust academies. Grangefield Academy in Stockton and Freebrough Academy in Brotton were both rated Outstanding during inspections in the last academic year. Freebrough’s judgement marked a significant turnaround, having previously been rated Inadequate before joining the trust.
Meanwhile, Walbottle Academy in Newcastle was inspected in January 2023 and received a Good rating, another notable improvement following an earlier Inadequate judgement prior to its inclusion in the trust.
Growing engagement with the EBacc
Participation in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) has also increased across all secondary academies. Overall entry rates rose by 31 percentage points, bringing participation to 49%, with seven academies recording increases of more than 35% compared with 2019.
Achievement within the EBacc has improved alongside participation. Across the trust, 17% of students achieved grade 5+—an increase of 12 percentage points since 2019—while 26% secured grade 4+, up 18 percentage points over the same period.
Leadership response
Chief Executive Rob Tarn CBE praised students for their resilience and commitment, noting that many have overcome significant barriers to reach these outcomes. He said the results reflect sustained effort over several years and will enable students to move confidently into the next phase of their education or training.
Trust board chair Mark Sanders OBE echoed this sentiment, describing the results as evidence of the effectiveness of the trust’s school improvement strategy. He thanked staff, families, governors and board members for their continued support, and said the achievements demonstrate meaningful progress toward the trust’s goal of improving life chances for every student.