IN what will be seen by supporters as vindication of a 'get tough policy' by the education trust that took over the former Gable Hall school at the beginning of the year, after an interim period managing the school, it has been announced that GCSE results announced yesterday (Thursday, 21 August) are the best in years.

The performance of Year 11 students at the newly-named Mossbourne Fobbing Academy are dramatically improved from last August and represent the best the school has achieved since the introduction of a new GCSE grading system in 2017.

Significant improvements have been celebrated across the school with results, on average, jumping close to half a grade in every subject. In English and Mathematics, where results in most categories are now above national averages, a host of school records have been broken with the numbers achieving national benchmarks soaring and outstripping previous years:

English and Mathematics combined:

· 44% achieved 5+ in both English and Mathematics. This is 8% higher than last year and a record high result for the school.

· 72% achieved 4+ in both English and Mathematics. This is a brilliant 13% improvement and a record best for the school.

English:

· 61% achieved 5+ in English, up from 57% last year and, outside of Covid inflation years, a record best for the school.

· 83% achieved 4+ in English. This is 6% higher than 2024 and, again, a record best for the school.

Mathematics:

· 50% achieved 5+ in Mathematics, up 7% on last year and, outside of covid inflation years, a record best for the school.

· 74% achieved 4+ in Mathematics. This impressive 10% rise from last year makes it another record best result for the school.

A statement from the school said: "Following in the footsteps of our high-achieving A Level students last week, we also have many more Year 11s celebrating top grades this year.

"Those awarded a Grade 7 or higher in English jumped to 22%, up from 12% last year. Likewise, in science and mathematics, those achieving at least a Grade 7 rose to 23% and 16% respectively compared to 14% and 11% in 2024.

"In history, an outstanding 49% of students achieved at least a Grade 7 with a remarkable 20% securing Grade 9. In total, the percentage of students who recorded at least one Grade 9 climbed to 10%, a significant increase from 2% last year.

"Particular congratulations go to Holly Sheldon who achieved Grade 8s and 9s in all of her subjects, as well as Lilia Riste, Sam Thorpe and William Hayward who achieved at least a Grade 7 in all of their subjects. Lilia was awarded the maximum Grade 9 in an amazing six of her subjects, while Holly, Karina Burbuleviciute and Greene Bell secured the highest grade in five of their subjects.

Academy principal Sam Cooper added: "These record-breaking results represent a fabulous achievement for students and are the culmination of so much hard work from both students and staff. But more than that, such improved results open many more doors and provide our students with so much more choice and opportunity in deciding what is next for them.

"As with our Year 13s and the brilliant results they secured last week, this group of Year 11s have demonstrated just what can be achieved by shedding excuses, striving for excellence and demanding the very best of yourself.

"We are so proud of what they have been able to achieve and we are delighted that their hard work has paid off. And to the many we will soon welcome back into Year 12, we look forward to working together to achieve even greater success over the next two years."