Academy@Worden has yet again achieved headline-grabbing results from their students. Well above the national average for last year saw a pass rate in English of 87%. Maths realised an increase of 5%, bringing their passes up to 68% in what is acknowledged as a difficult exam under the new specification. The single sciences of biology, physics and chemistry saw youngsters achieve a pass rate of 92%. Equally commendable was statistics achieving a 100% pass rate, French achieving 93%, Psychology and PE both received a pass rate of 95% with history and food nutrition recording 79% and 71% respectively.
Delighted staff, students and parents are celebrating the news that the proportion of pupils achieving a pass in both English and maths, the ‘Basics’ measure, is up 7% on 2017. At an impressive 68% it is well above last year’s national average.
Chris Catherall, Headteacher, spoke of his pride in his youngsters and staff as he stated:
"With continued uncertainty around the new style GCSEs it’s lovely to see our year 11 leavers rightly delighted with their grades and reaping the rewards of all their hard work. I am extremely proud of them all and the commitment they have demonstrated during preparations for this year’s exams.
"All the hard work and extra effort put in by staff and pupils alike has really paid off. We have improved pupil outcomes yet again and this trend is set to continue. I would like to thank my fantastic staff, governors and parents for all their support during this period of change as the examinations continue to become more rigorous and challenging.”
Many pupils gained outstanding results: Head Girl, Sarah Murray, achieved an impressive 2 A*s, five grade 8s, and two grade 7s. Sarah was “Buzzing” and plans to study ‘A’ Levels in French, psychology, biology and philosophy at Runshaw College.
Tom Monk was extremely pleased with his 2 As, two grade 8s, two grade 6s and three grade 5s. He plans on studying European History, sociology, and law at Runshaw.
Chris Gray, Head Boy, gained 2 As, 1 B, one grade 8, a grade 7 and four grade 5s. Chris’ mum said, “I couldn’t be more proud of him. It’s a fantastic achievement and I’d like to thank the staff at Worden for all the support they have given to Chris”. Chris is also going to study ‘A’ Levels in European History, sociology and psychology at Runshaw.
Erin Morris, Deputy Head Girl, received 2 As, one grade 7, six grade 6s and Caitlin Franks bagged 2 As, one grade 9, a grade 8, two grade 7s and two grades 5s.
Charlotte Park gained 1 B, one grade 8, five grade 7s and a grade 5 with Ellie Brooks also achieving one grade 8, six grade 7s, a grade 6 and one grade 5.
Alex Lilly gained 1 A, 1 B, four grade 7s, two 6s and grade 5 and Deputy Head Boy, Rhys Hathaway, received 1 A*, 1 A, one grade 8, one grade 7 and four grade 5.
In addition, Andrew Carr gained 1 A, 1 B, three 7s, three 6s and a grade 5 with Morgan Calloway achieving 2 Bs, one grade 8, four 7s and two grade 5s.
As the pupils collected their results they were very aware of the finishing touches to the £700,000 major improvements being made throughout the academy. New surfaces in the sports hall and gym, resurfacing of the outdoor courts, new fire doors and lighting, as well as a new fire alarm and other safety systems, means Worden will be looking fantastic as it prepares to admit another full cohort new year 7s.
Academy@Worden was named Lancashire Secondary School of the Year for a fourth time in 2018, which clearly reflects the success of the school over recent years. Also at the LEP Education Awards, Mrs Gardner, Head of English, won the ‘Inspirational Teacher’ award. Success outside of the classroom is also rewarded at Worden. The dance teams came 3rd again in the National Cheerleading Championships and we celebrated more pupils than ever completing both the Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.
The Chair of Governors, Mrs Woodall, in school to join in the celebrations said, “I am delighted with another set of excellent results. I would like to congratulate all the pupils on their successes and thank the staff for all their hard work and dedication. I would also like to encourage the public to attend our Open Evening on September 20th to see what a fantastic school this is and to hear more about how we continue to raise standards.”