Struggling school does well

27 August 2010

By Paul Nizinskyj, The Barnsley Chronicle, Friday 27 August 2010

A School in special measures has surpassed all expectations with its GCSE results.

Foulstone School in Darfield predicted 60 percent of pupils would achieve at least five GCSEs at A*-C, based on a 55 percent result last year.

So staff were surprised to find the true figure was almost 30 percent higher – at 83 percent.

The figure for pupils achieving at least five A*-C, including English and maths also rose, to 40 percent. 

Headteacher Philip King said: “We are delighted with the results, which have been rising for nine out of ten years now, and this year has been particularly spectacular.

“It’s testament to the hard work of our teachers and pupils, but I would also like to praise parents for sticking with the school.”

Deputy head John McGrath added: “One hundred percent of students have got a least one qualification this year and 97 per cent at least five – that is well above the national average.”

Star pupils Sam Dove, Rebekah Bullimore and Jonathan Wakeford achieved an impressive 17 A*s and eight As between them.

Sam gained six A*s, six As and scored 100 per cent in a number of his exams – he will be attending Barnsley College in September.

The school received praise from Barnsley East MP Michael Dugher, who said: “The students at Foulstone School have done brilliantly and I congratulate everyone who has received their GCSE results.

The school has really turned the corner with these excellent results and praise must also go to the hardworking teachers and governors, particularly the head teacher, Phillip King, and the Chair of Governors, Bert Beaumont.”

Published by The Barnsley Chronicle on Friday 27 August 2010