Once again, the local secondary schools (now all part of the Midsomer Norton Schools’ Partnership) have posted some excellent GCSE results. Following the extremely strong A levels last week, students at all four schools in the Somer Valley area achieved some very positive outcomes.

Norton Hill School

At Norton Hill, students produced another superb set of results, with over 75% achieving a Grade 4 pass in both English and Maths. This is equivalent to the old A*-C measure. Even more impressive was the percentage of students achieving a Grade 5 or above in both subjects, which currently stands at over 50%. Nationally, the figure is thought to be around 45% this year.

In other areas of the curriculum, results were equally as impressive. Science saw close to 80% of grades at 4 or above, and most other subjects were above 70% of grades at 9–4. In the 5 or more 9–4/A*-C including English and Maths measure, the school again achieved high outcomes, with over 70% achieving this gold standard. In terms of progress, Norton Hill expects again to be in the top 25% nationally.

Headteacher, Gordon Green, said: “I am very proud of the efforts made by all the students, and it is especially pleasing to realise such good outcomes from our disadvantaged children and those with a special educational need again this year. Attainment remains well above the national level, and almost all children have been able to progress to the Sixth Form or their apprenticeship.”

Somervale School

At Somervale, the school posted the highest estimated progress measure of all the schools in the Trust, with children achieving on average, ½ a grade higher than expected based on national targets.

Attainment was also at the national average, with both English and Maths performing above national rates for attainment and progress. In Science, there was a superb set of outcomes with nearly 70% gaining two grade 4s (equivalent to the old ‘C’ grade). These results are likely to place Somervale firmly in the top 15% of schools in England for progress.

Headteacher, Joanna Postlethwaite, said: “It has been another fantastic year at Somervale. Topping the Trust’s league table for progress is really pleasing, as I know just how hard staff and children worked.

“What I am most proud of is the number of children that have decided to undertake further study at the Midsomer Norton Sixth Form. We have seen a 30% rise in applications from Year 11, which shows just how high aspirations are at the school. Well done to everybody and good luck for the future.”

Writhlington School

At Writhlington there has been a climb in the attainment of pupils, particularly in English and Maths. The key measure of a 4+ in both English and Maths is now at close to 70%, with 5+ in both English and Maths at over 40%. Humanities subjects, often seen as some of the most challenging academically, have performed well too, with progress measures suggesting children have exceeded national targets set. Overall, there has been a great deal of improvement, something the school will aim to build on over the coming years to ensure it is once again graded ‘Good’ by OFSTED.

Mark Everett, Headteacher, said: “It has been a difficult year for the school, but so many children have performed well, and are able to go on to their next phase of education or training. Whilst we have not yet solved all the issues facing the school, there is a definite and tangible improvement being seen.

“This is clearly evidenced by over half of our students securing a positive progress 8 score, along with some notable exceptional performance and one student achieving nine Grade 9s and one 8.”

Mendip Studio School

The Mendip Studio School had very positive results in their A levels, and now celebrate strong GCSEs. A good number of pupils intend to stay on for post-16 studies at the school and it has been a delight to see the strength of vocational outcomes across a wide range of subjects. Academic studies do not always suit all children and in the ‘real’ world, vocational skills are so important. Almost all children passed a full set of 8 or more qualifications, a brilliant achievement.

Bruce Haine, Headteacher, said: “We are thrilled that our students have done so well, grasping the unique opportunities our Studio School has to offer – a different, more relevant and applied approach for this inspiring generation of tomorrow’s creators, engineers and scientists.

“I am so pleased that those students who opted for a fresh start two years ago have experienced success in their GCSEs. BTEC qualifications, in particular, have really impressed. Another great year for our students, and one that we will continue to build on over the coming year."

Photos: Will Nicol