Headteacher’s delight as college is named top of the class again
JON MACPHERSON
PUPILS and staff at a secondary school are celebrating after it was named one of the best in the country for GCSE progress for a second year running.
The Hollins Technology College in Accrington has received national recognition for the ‘ exceptional attainment’ of its students in the 2015 GCSE examinations.
SSAT, the Schools, Students and Teachers Network, recently undertook its annual in-depth analysis of official Department for Education data on all state-funded schools in England and identified The Hollins Technology College’s success.
Headteacher Steve Campbell said: “We are delighted to receive this award for the second year in a row.
“This illustrates the ongoing commitment of our staff and pupils to achieve educational excellence regardless of starting points.
“We are ambitious and aspirational for all of our pupils in every aspect of school life.”
Figures from the school show how 70 per cent of GCSE pupils achieved at least five A* to C grades including English and Maths in 2015, compared to 62 per cent in 2014.
Nearly half of pupils also made greater than expected progress in English along with 34 per cent in science.
Bosses said students also achieved one-third of a grade higher across all subjects compared to those on a similar starting point nationally.
The school has now qualified again for an SSAT Educational Outcomes Award by being in the top 20 per cent of schools nationally for high average grades achieved by students.
Sue Williamson, chief executive of SSAT, said Hollins Technology College should be congratulated for their exceptional achievement.
She said: “They have proved themselves to be leading the field in improving GCSE outcomes for their students.
“There is so much good practice that this school could share.
“These results are testament to the commitment and hard work of the students, teachers and leadership team, and show what can be achieved when skilled teachers have high expectations and ambition for every young person.
“I am proud that this is a member of the SSAT network.”