AN Academy's sustained record of achievement has earned it a coveted award recognising its success over four years.

 

The King's Academy, in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, has been recognised for its improvement in GCSE results spanning the school years 2006-2009.

 

In that time, it achieved a 38 per cent increase in GCSE results with the percentage of students gaining five good passes increasing from 35 per cent to 73 per cent.

 

The award will be presented to The King's Principal Chris Drew by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) at a ceremony in London.

 

Mr Drew said: "The improvement threshold SSAT is looking for when considering awards is 15 per cent and we have achieved more than double that level since 2006.

 

"This award is recognition of all the hard work that has gone into supporting our young people by the entire staff team over a number of years. They are committed and determined to help every one of our students achieve their personal best and they can take immense satisfaction from this award."

 

The SSAT award comes on the back of an inspection of the Academy's personal, social, health and economic (PHSE) curriculum by Ofsted last month.

 

Inspector Margaret Jones said The King's PHSE provision was ‘good' and students' personal development was ‘outstanding'.

 

Students "have positive attitudes and enjoy learning, are keen to participate and are articulate. They show respect for each other and their teachers. The disciplined environment and high expectations result in students feeling safe and secure and able to develop skills of reflection", the report added.

 

Students have a good understanding of how to live a healthy and safe life and have "excellent opportunities" for physical activity.

 

They have good opportunities to put their knowledge of economic concepts to the test through fundraising activities, businesses and Young Enterprise.

 

The inspector said the Academy, which is sponsored by Sir Peter Vardy's Emmanuel Schools Foundation, had been innovative in introducing a personal and thinking skills course in the lower school and an accredited scheme for employability and enterprise for older students.

 

Older students had a good understanding of sex and relationships education.

 

Ofsted recommended that the Academy appoint a coordinator to draw together the various strands of PHSE curriculum.

 

Alongside the award and positive Ofsted report, The King's has reported improved attendance, which now stands at 93 per cent.

Mr Drew said: "Student attendance is an area we continually work on but I am delighted that levels are now not only significantly above the local average but also above the national average of 92.2 per cent. When we opened, attendance was only 86 per cent so this is a great success story."

 

He added: "Overall, these positive steps are confirmation of the trajectory of progress the Academy is on. Parents continue to apply for more places than we have available and we are determined to ensure our reputation continues to grow through our students' success."