Provisional GCSE data shows that students across all 17 Northern Education Trust secondary academies have performed at or above national levels in English and mathematics, marking another year of strong progress across the trust.
In 2024, the national average for achieving a grade 5 or above in both subjects stands at 46%. Every Northern Education Trust secondary academy met or exceeded this benchmark, with 12 academies surpassing the 50% mark. Achievement at grade 4 or above was equally positive, with at least 60% of students across the trust reaching this level. Ten academies recorded results above 70%, while 16 of the 17 academies matched or exceeded the national average of 65%.
Trust-wide improvement despite challenging contexts
Across the trust, the average proportion of students achieving grade 5+ in English and maths increased from 49% to 54%, representing a five percentage point rise year on year. These results are particularly noteworthy given that 46% of secondary pupils across the trust are eligible for pupil premium funding—significantly higher than the national average of 26%—reflecting the socio-economic challenges faced by many local communities.
Significant academy-level gains
Performance improved in 13 of the 17 secondary academies compared with the previous year. Some of the most striking gains were seen in the trust’s newest North West academies:
- Denton Community Academy recorded an 8% increase
- Essa Academy achieved a 14% rise
- Buile Hill Academy celebrated a remarkable 35% increase, just months after joining the trust in September 2024
Other academies posting double-digit improvements included Manor Community Academy, with an 11% increase, and Walbottle Academy, which improved by 12%.
Strong outcomes at primary level
Northern Education Trust also reported excellent results at Key Stage 2. Across the trust, 76.1% of pupils achieved at least the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, exceeding the national figure by 15.1 percentage points. In addition, 10.2% of pupils achieved at a higher standard, with every individual academy performing above national benchmarks.
Primary academies that recently joined the trust in the North West also delivered impressive gains:
- Chesham Primary Academy increased outcomes by 3.8%, reaching 70.5%
- Essa Primary Academy improved by 6.8%, achieving 66.2%
- Hazlehurst Primary Academy recorded a standout increase of 12.7%, with 89.7% of pupils meeting the expected standard
Leadership response
Chief Executive Jane Wilson said the results reflect the collective effort and commitment of students, staff and families across the trust. She highlighted that the progress made—particularly in communities facing greater challenges—demonstrates the strength of the trust’s school improvement approach.
Wilson added that the outcomes will help raise aspirations and open up future opportunities for young people as they move on to the next stage of their education or training. She also thanked families, staff, governors and trustees for their continued support in helping students achieve such positive results.