March - School recognised for adding value at GCSE
The Royal Alexandra and Albert School has gained national recognition for adding value to their students' achievements at GCSE.Some 469 schools have received commendation from the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust and their achievement was marked at a celebratory event on March 16 in central London.
Each school has achieved high value-added scores in their GCSE results in 2010. Value added scores show the progress students in a school have made between their test results at age 11 and 16, according to the Jesson value-added measure (JVA), developed by Professor David Jesson.
Elizabeth Reid, Chief Executive of the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, said:
"Congratulations to all the schools and academies that have added value to their students' achievements.
"Successful schools understand the value of data, such as these value-added scores, in helping to ensure all young people perform to the very best of their ability. The value-added measures show how schools make a difference and raise achievement above expectations.
"These results show the commitment and hard work of teachers and students in schools across the country. They demonstrate the power of high expectations, good teaching and the ambition for every young person to get the qualifications they need to have the best possible choices of career or education in later life."
Headmaster of Royal Alexandra and Albert School, Paul Spencer Ellis comments “It is good to receive recognition for helping every child, whatever their ability, to maximise their potential. We aim to help children achieve more than would normally be expected of them and this is done by having an exceptionally hard working team which includes staff and the pupils themselves. We also place a lot of emphasis on recognising success and providing additional support when necessary.”
Every school invited to the celebration achieved 12 points or more on the JVA scale for five or more GCSEs at grade A*-C and/or five or more GCSEs at grade A*-C including English and maths.
