Parents defend ‘hidden gem’ Academy after failing progress claim
PARENTS who send their children to ‘hidden gem’ Macclesfield Academy have strongly defended the school after the government said pupils were failing to make enough progress.
The Department for Education’s (DfE) controversial Progress 8 tables said the school, on Park Lane, was named as one of 346 in the country where students do not meet the ‘floor standard’ between leaving primary education and GCSEs.
But headteacher Richard Hedge said the measure was not an accurate reflection of his school, where pupils taking sev- eral GCSEs in years nine and ten skew the Progress 8 figures.
And parents have also had their say taking to social media to praise Macclesfield Academy and the work teachers there have done with their sons and daughters.
Vic Jackson said: “Only praise from us! A school that ignores its league table status in favour of less pressure on its students is amazing in my opinion.
“My son is in year 10 and so far achieving amazing grades. He took a GCSE in year nine and got an A. He takes two more in year 10.
“I happily sent my daughter there. I knew I was sending her to a kind caring and inclusive school where everyone matters. If kids are happy they will achieve their full potential.”
Anna Khan said: “This school is Macclesfield hidden gem with fantastic teachers, small classes, excellent facilities, even down to the caretakers who ensure the school looks as clean, tidy and well maintained.
“Ignore the stats, visit the school and see for yourself.”
John Smith added: “In this day and age of pressure, the school has got it spot on.”
And Elisabeth Hobbes said: “I have two children there in KS3, both on the spectrum, both very able. I have nothing but praise for the academic and pastoral care they receive.”
The National Education Union says the Progress 8 measure is ‘inherently flawed’, does not take into account additional problems and factors and can disadvantage schools in deprived areas.
A DfE spokesman said: “We publish a wide range of performance data - including Progress 8 scores.
“Progress 8 takes prior attainment into account and rewards schools for the progress made by all their pupils, not just those at particular grade thresholds.”