YESTERDAY was a day of celebration for pupils at Kirk Balk Academy after they picked up their GCSE results.
The school said they were pleased to report some ‘outstanding achievements’ by pupils in their GCSEs and other qualifications this summer.
Following the recent Ofsted inspection in which Kirk Balk had maintained the judgement of ‘good’ they noted that ‘Kirk Balk Academy is successful in its vision to be ‘outcomes focused, child centred’.
It added ‘there is a deep commitment to improving students’ life chances’ and that the school’s ‘high expectations, relentless drive to help students succeed and committed staff, ensures that students achieve well’.
Kirk Balk’s pupils achieved results that were well above the national average in all core subjects and there were substantial improvements across the board.
One of those high performing pupils was Lucy Armer who celebrated her 16th birthday on Wednesday.
She told the Chronicle: “It was a really good birthday present.
“It was like two build-ups at was - there was extra nerves.
“I got all eights and nines apart from my seven in Spanish.
“I’m so happy because I didn’t think I was going to pass Spanish.
“I’m going to sixth form to do maths, further maths, biology and chemistry.
“I want to do something to do with maths when I’m older.”
Harley Botwright, 16, from Penistone, was one of the highest-achieving boys at the school.
He said: “I got a merit two in engineering, a nine in science, a five in Spanish, eight in geography, seven in English lit, a nine in maths and in statistics, a six in English language and a merit in extended maths.
“I’m really pleased.
“I think I’m going to go to Barnsley Sixth Form to study maths, physics and economics.
“I’m not sure what I want to do when I’m older yet - I think accountancy but I’m not set on it.”
Principal Hayley Craddock said: “It has once again been a phenomenal year for our pupils here at Northern Education Trust Kirk Balk Academy.
“We are immensely proud of our amazing pupils and their incredible achievements.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank them, their families and all the teachers and staff of Kirk Balk Academy who have worked so hard to support the pupils.
“We wish the class of 25 all the very best for their future and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve.”
Associate senior executive principal Dean Buckley added: “We’re over the moon with these results, which are testimony to the vision of the trust to enhance the life chances of the young people in our care.
“Earlier this year, Ofsted recognised that ‘the school provides a positive environment for pupils to learn and develop’ echoed by another superb set of results.
“My thanks and congratulations go to all pupils and staff for their incredible efforts.
“I remain incredibly proud of everyone who is associated with our great academy.
“My thanks also go to the parents, carers, governors and the trust board for their continued support - our pupils and staff couldn’t succeed without your help.”
A spokesperson added: “On behalf of all staff at Northern Education Trust Kirk Balk Academy, we would like to say that we are immensely proud of every student for the work and effort that they have dedicated to their studies over the past five years.
“Whilst it is always difficult to see any cohort of students leave, we know that our students now have the tools to be successful in whatever their career paths may be.
“We would like to wish all of our students the best in the future - we will forever be proud of each and every one of the Class of 2025.
