Academy stars as Sandwell schools celebrate
Secondary schools in Sandwell celebrated their best-ever GCSE results, although the borough is still lagging behind other Black Country authorities.
The number of pupils getting five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and maths, was up to 54.1 per cent, rising from 53.8 per cent last year. The borough also outdid Dudley and Birmingham in vocational qualifications at Key Stage 5, including BTECs and NVQs, according to the average scores.
Sandwell Academy in West Bromwich was a stand-out performer for the borough as it was named top for its pupils' GCSE results – as 72 per cent of its 183 pupils walked away with five or more A*-C grades including English and maths.
The Halfords Lane academy also came top of the pile for Key Stage 5, based on the average scores of its A-level pupils and students taking equivalent qualifications.
It was also named among the top 200 schools of all types in the country for Key Stage 5 vocational qualifications.
Headteacher Simon Topper said he was delighted, and believed the sixth formers' results were 'outstanding'.
Wood Green Academy in Wednesbury was the runner-up for GCSE results as 69 per cent of its 248 eligible pupils managed similar results.
The RSA Academy in Tipton was second for the results of its A-level students and those taking equivalent qualifications at Key Stage 5.
Q3 Academy in Great Barr meanwhile saw 68 per cent of its 182 GCSE-takers achieving the required grades for the government standard.
The borough also boasted two of the 200 most improved state secondary schools based on the increase in the percentage of pupils who gained five or more GCSEs at C or higher from 2010 to 2013.
At Shireland Collegiate Academy, Smethwick, the figu rejumped from 34 per cent in 2010 to 59 per cent last year, while at St Michael's CE High School, Rowley Regis, the proportion leapt from 30 per cent to 55 per cent.
