Dear Editor,

AS a retired headteacher with over three decades of experience in school leadership and a current governor in three primary schools in Harlow, I have an invested interest in the success of our local schools and children. I have been following the progress of local schools and their results closely and am delighted that Ofsted’s new inspection framework places a stronger emphasis on outcomes.

While schools are about much more than producing results—they foster character, creativity, and personal development—ensuring students leave with the qualifications they need for their future is their ultimate responsibility.

The latest GCSE results highlight the dedication, resilience, and leadership that underpin the outcomes for students in our area. While each school has faced its own challenges, one thing is clear: strong leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping success. A headteacher’s vision, strategy, and ability to inspire their team can determine a school’s outcomes, regardless of circumstances.

The importance of achieving a Grade 4 or 5 in English and Maths cannot be overstated. A Grade 4 serves as the minimum requirement for many post-16 opportunities and apprenticeships, while a Grade 5 is considered a strong pass, opening doors to competitive educational and career pathways. Schools that prioritise these outcomes are not just ensuring academic success; they are building futures.

How Local Schools Performed:

These results reflect the power of leadership. Strong headteachers create a vision for their schools, establish high expectations, and inspire staff and students alike. Their ability to adapt to challenges, support their teams, and maintain focus on student outcomes is what drives success.

Sir Frederick Gibberd College’s performance, achieved in the face of significant logistical challenges, demonstrates this power of leadership in action. With 70.7% of students achieving a Grade 4 or above in English and Maths and 47.4% reaching Grade 5 or above, they lead the local rankings. These results are remarkable, particularly given the significant challenges the school has faced. Having operated in marquees last year and now working from portacabins while awaiting their permanent building, the school has demonstrated resilience and determination under exceptional circumstances. Let’s hope Ofsted recognises these impressive results and the challenges the school has faced. We know the inspection system is broken, and its pressures have contributed to declining mental health among headteachers, tragically culminating in one headteacher taking her own life.

Burnt Mill Academy follows closely, with 62.1% of students achieving Grade 4 or above and 47.3% securing Grade 5 or above. The school continues to deliver strong outcomes through a clear focus on academic excellence and an inclusive approach that supports every student to achieve their best.

St Mark’s West Essex Catholic School also performed well, with 62.2% of students achieving Grade 4 or above. The school’s focus on values-driven education and strong pastoral care ensures its students receive the support they need to succeed both academically and personally.

Passmores Academy saw 54.1% of students achieving Grade 4 or above, a reflection of the school’s commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment where students feel encouraged to reach their full potential.

Stewards Academy and Mark Hall Academy have shown a dedication to raising outcomes for their students through targeted interventions and creating supportive school environments. Both schools are committed to ensuring that every child has the tools they need to succeed, regardless of their starting point.

BMAT STEM Academy continues to deliver a specialised curriculum focused on science, technology, engineering, and maths. While working with a smaller cohort, the academy ensures students develop critical skills for modern careers through hands-on learning and innovative teaching.

As these schools continue to build on their achievements, their collective efforts are a testament to the importance of teamwork, resilience, and a commitment to student success. Congratulations to all the schools for their hard work and dedication to giving their students the best possible start in life.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/school-performance-tables