25 August 2023

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Class of 2023 overcome adversity to end with success!

 

The Class of 2023 were delighted this morning to receive their GCSE grades which showed that hard work, resilience, endeavour and determination really do pay off. There were many smiles, celebrations and tears of joy throughout the morning as students received their rewards for 5 years of hard work and dedication. Wellfield, which has been supported by Endeavour Learning Trust since September 2017, has seen significant transformation and the Class of 2023 now leave the Wellfield family prepared for the next steps in their education.

These results follow many years of challenges throughout secondary school life for this cohort of students. Covid lockdowns, online learning and periods of isolation, for example, all in addition to the ‘normal’ challenges every student faces over their five year journey. However, in truth, the challenges and longer-term impact, as seen across the country, have extended far beyond this. As reported nationally, there has been a significant increase in students struggling with high levels of anxiety and mental health issues which have, in turn, impacted upon attendance levels. Despite all of this, there were so many stories of personal success at Wellfield students this morning.

Wellfield, an ambitious and thriving school, is one where all students are known by the staff and it is clear that this personalised, caring and supportive approach, along with excellent teaching and learning, have proven to be effective with this year’s cohort. This relentless approach to ensuring that all students receive the best they possibly can from their time at Wellfield, particularly when considering the emerging and longer-term impact of the pandemic, has been crucial in securing success.

 

One of the success stories from the day was Abby B, one of the Head Students who will now move on to study A levels in Biology, Geography, Psychology and Computer Science after securing a fantastic set of results, including grade 8 in English and Geography and 9s in science.

Another set of fantastic results were secured by Ashley J who was celebrating seven grade 7s and above, including two grade 9s. Ashley will now move onto Runshaw College to study Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Biology. Joining Ashley in his celebrations is Thomas O, who could not stop smiling after attaining a full suite of grade 7 and above in all of his subjects, including 9s in both Combined Science and Geography.

There were numerous students who made excellent progress throughout their time at Wellfield, including Zack B and Ethan G.

 

As the Class of 2023 now look ahead to the exciting next steps in their future, so too does Wellfield. As well as trebling the number of students choosing Wellfield as their first-choice school over the past three years and therefore significantly increasing the numbers of students attending the school, work is continuing to work towards a new school build after it was announced that Wellfield will be a part of the Department for Education School Rebuilding Project in the previous academic year.

 

Mr Lewis, Headteacher, said: “Our cohort of students have faced significant challenges throughout their time at Wellfield and we therefore need to ensure these results are reflected upon in the correct context with which they have been awarded. The pandemic has had a detrimental effect upon the mental health of many students and seriously impacted upon levels of anxiety, attendance at school and preparations for these exams. That said, we have so many stories of personal success within the Class of 2023 which are the reward for how hard the staff and students have worked, particularly over the past few years. GCSEs are difficult enough in themselves. However, we have seen students rise to the challenges, overcome adversity and grow into fantastic individuals. We thank the staff for all of their hard work and wish all students continued success as they move onto the next steps in their education.”

 

Mr David Clayton, the CEO of Endeavour Learning Trust, told us: “Understandably, much of the commentary today will, quite rightly, focus on the debate about the national picture and the move back to 2019 grade boundaries. Whilst this has undoubtedly created challenges for students across the country and within our Endeavour family, the successes that our students are celebrating today are testament to their hard work and resilience, as well as the commitment and dedication of our staff. We know that these young people will continue to thrive as they take their next steps and we wish them all the very best for the future.”

 

Helen Dicker, MBE & Chair of Governors and Chair of Trustees for Endeavour Learning Trust, concluded: "The Governors of Wellfield Academy are incredibly proud of the students and staff of the school.  We wish all of the Class of 23 good luck in whatever they go on to do, and we look forward to the 2023/24 year with exciting developments ahead."

Mrs J Lewis 

Headteacher