THERE have been smiles and celebrations aplenty today (Thursday, 22 August) at the Harris Academy Ockendon

Following the outstanding achievements at A-level last week, students and staff at Harris Academy Ockendon are once again celebrating today after its students have been awarded a record-breaking set of GCSE and Vocational qualification results.

Following February's 'Outstanding' Ofsted judgement, the academy has achieved the best set of GCSE results in the school's history, topping off a fantastic year for all staff and students and is a measure of the progress the school has made.

The value-added score for the school was +0.36, which demonstrates that students in Y11 on average gained well over a third of a grade higher than their projected target.

Outcomes in two core subjects are some of the best in the Harris Federation.

In English 85% of students passed with a grade 4 or higher and over 35% achieved the top grades of 7-9. In maths, 80% of students were awarded a grade 4 or better and 31% achieved grades of 7 or above. All of these results are well above the national average, a remarkable achievement.

Other subjects performed well across the board with almost all areas outperforming the national averages for pass rates set (4+). In drama and hospitality & catering, the pass rate well-exceeded 80%, hitting 95% in physical education.

Particularly pleasing was the awarding of top grades of 7 and above, which was at least one third of all grades awarded to students in the following subjects: art and design, biology, chemistry, computer science, further maths, geography, music, physics and religious studies.

The Academy's notable GCSE successes include:

• Kamila Borkowska achieved eight grade 9s, two grade 8s and one grade 7
• Todun Jaiye-Dauda achieved eight grade 9s and two grade 8s
• Mohammed Khan achieved five grade 9s, two grade 8s, one grade 7, one grade 6 and one grade 5
• Maddison Dowling achieved five grade 9s, one grade 8, three grade 7s and one grade 5
• Kamila Maskeliunaite achieved three grade 9s, four grade 8s, one grade 7 and one grade 6
• Mantas Jomantas achieved three grade 9s, three grade 8s, one grade 7 and one grade 6
• Danielle Bird achieved three grade 9s, one grade 8, four grade 7s, one grade 6 and one grade 5
• Amritpal Singh achieved two grade 9s, five grade 8s and three grade 7s
• Jessica Britchford achieved two grade 9s, four grade 8s and three grade 7s
• Martin Pavlov achieved two grade 9s, four grade 8s and three grade 7s
• Jack Leaman achieved two grade 9s, two grade 8s, two grade 7s and three grade 6s
• Kylon Tsang achieved two grade 9s, five grade 8s, one grade 7, and one grade 6
• Bartosz Stankiewicz achieved two grade 9s, two grade 8s, four grade 7s and one grade 5

 Jo Rainey, the Academy's Principal, said: "We are thrilled with this year's exceptional results, a true reflection of the hard work, dedication, and passion demonstrated by our students and staff. These outstanding achievements are a testament to the perseverance and commitment that fill our school community with pride.

It is especially fitting that these results come following our well-deserved 'Outstanding' judgement from Ofsted.

"This recognition reflects the unwavering efforts of everyone involved, ensuring our students continue to thrive in an environment of excellence and support.

"We couldn't be prouder of the way our students have risen to every challenge, and the staff who have supported them every step of the way. Congratulations to all on these remarkable accomplishments!"