Academy 360 Celebrates Excellent GCSE Results

Academy 360 students have recorded some of the Sunderland school's best-ever GCSE results, to continue its year of success.

Strong performance in English, History, Spanish, Child Development, IMedia and Catering surpassed historical results making 2022 a record-breaking year despite the challenges faced during the pandemic. 

Leading the academy's outstanding performers was Shannon Hair, who gained seven GCSEs including grade 9, 9 in Science, and grade 8 in History and Maths - as well as a Level 2 distinction star in Sport.  Shannon is looking forward to attending Sunderland College where she plans to study A-Levels in Maths, Chemistry, Biology and Physics.

Alongside Shannon is Praise Okpoji, who achieved seven GCSEs in addition to a BTEC in Childcare.  Her exceptional success has secured her a prized scholarship at Newcastle's prestigious Royal Grammar School.

GCSE success follows hot on the heels of Academy 360's best ever Ofsted review - the school being rated 'Good' by inspectors in June 2022 who praised its "aspirational students, committed to their studies", highlighting Principal Rachel Donohue and her teaching team for showing "clear vision" and "ambition" for all students.

Ms Donohue said: "I'm very proud of the results our students have achieved which are testament to the hard work and resilience they have shown during such a challenging period.

"Ofsted praised Academy 360's inclusive culture and response to the Covid-19 recovery curriculum, acknowledging how the school's inclusivity created a nurturing environment for vulnerable students to achieve and how we celebrated their success.

"Our staff were praised as being hard-working, tenacious and determined by Ofsted, and their dedication to raising student aspiration and attainment has had such a positive impact on their GCSE results.

"The students' success is yet more good news for Academy 360 and the wider Pennywell community.

"The students deserve every success in whatever path they now choose to take and we will watch their progress with great interest and pride."

CEO of the Laidlaw Schools Trust, Ian Simpson, added “It has been a phenomenal year for the students, staff, and families of Academy 360. 

These GCSE results further demonstrate the school's excellence, which Ofsted recognised earlier this year when it was judged a ‘Good School’ - a historic achievement for the staff and the community. 

Despite the pandemic disruption of the last two years, our pupils performed well in their exams and I am thankful to all the staff who have adapted their teaching and support to ensure that 2022 is a really positive year for Academy 360."