FE Federation Success

The first two academies in Britain run by an FE college are soaring to the top of the national tables for improved GCSE results, tripling achievement rates in two academic years.

The academies have enjoyed dazzling success in GCSE exams since they were set up by Barnfield College Luton in September 2007.

On 5 A*-C including Maths and English (the major government benchmark), Barnfield West Academy more than tripled its rate to 55% from 16% two years ago. Barnfield South Academy more than doubled its 5 A*-C (including Maths and English) to 40% from 17%. Barnfield West, named as the most improved school in Britain in 2008, achieved 100% in its 5 A*-C rate from 48% two years ago and Barnfield South almost tripled its rate to 56% from 19%.

It is believed Barnfield West’s 100% rate has never been achieved in Luton before.Barnfield West’s 3 A*-A rate jumped from 2% to 60% in the two years and its 5 A*-A rate from 0% to 22%.Across the Federation 78% of students have achieved 5 A* – C grades.

This year, both academies have been judged by Ofsted as making “outstanding” progress from being in special measures two years ago.

Pete Birkett, Chief Executive of Barnfield College and Chairman of Barnfield Academies, said: “I am delighted at what has been achieved in less than two years. “It is a tribute to the dedication and hard work of the students, senior management teams, teaching staff and directors.“We are the first College in the UK to sponsor academies and our results show what can be achieved in a short time. The College is graded outstanding and we are now very proud to have two successful schools as part of our Federation.”

The official verified ranking tables will be announced towards the end of the year