GCSEs: PACA sees increase in '˜strong' passes

Portslade Aldridge Community Academy (PACA) students and staff said they are delighted with another year of '˜exceptional' GCSE results.
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A total of 71.4 per cent of students achieved grade 4 ‘good’ passes in both English and maths, up from 70 per cent last year.

And 56 per cent achieved grade 5 and above ‘strong’ passes, also up six per cent on 2017.

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PACA students Mohammad Raja and Mark EacottPACA students Mohammad Raja and Mark Eacott
PACA students Mohammad Raja and Mark Eacott

Principal Katie Scott said: “In this first year of the more challenging GCSEs in all subjects, PACA students have performed extremely strongly with 15 per cent of entries being awarded top 7-9 grades. I believe these results could put us in line with the top five per cent of similar schools nationally.”

“In addition to these stunning collective results, there were many students whose progress and attainment was outstanding. Indiana Descombes achieved five grade 9s and two grade 8s.

“Erica Lin achieved four grade 9s, two grade 8s, two grade 7s and an A* in additional maths.

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“Eve Murphy achieved four grade 9s, three grade 8s and a grade 6.

Students who achieved outstanding progress include Marc Eacott, Kyal Humberstone and Gabriella Harris-Maunders, who all achieved on average, nearly two whole GCSE grades higher in each of their subjects above what their results at primary school predicted them to achieve.”

Indiana said: “I achieved five 9s?! Wow!”.

Erica said: “I almost can’t believe it, I’m so pleased!”

Marc’s reaction was: “I’m so happy with my results, it’s a relief to know that I did better than expected!”

Ms Scott is taking up a new role in South London next month and will be succeeded by Mr Mark Poston.

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She added: “I am exceptionally proud of all that has been achieved at PACA in the last three years. These extraordinary results are the product of the hard work of our students, and the dedication and expertise of the staff, who have worked tirelessly in supporting them.

“I would like to thank all of our staff, making special mention of Deputy Principal Ms Susie Cowser, who has led on progress and standards in the last two years, and also Ms Rosalind Turner, who retires at the end of August as the Chair of Governors after 7 years of service. Ensuring that young people have the life chances and choices they deserve is the reason why people enter the teaching profession or give of their time to serve as governors, and these GCSE results are the product of exceptional teamwork of students, staff and governors.”

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