PUPILS and staff at a secondary school are celebrating after latest GCSE attainment data showed student progress was some of the best in the country.

Ormiston Rivers Academy in Burnham recorded some of the best results in both Essex and nationwide for student progress.

The academy, which is sponsored by Ormiston Academies Trust, was placed in the top ten per cent of schools in the country in the Progress 8 measure. 

The score measures progress by each student from age 11 to GCSE across eight subjects, including key academic subjects.

Provisional data for Progress 8 was released by the Department for Education last Thursday.

Students at the school achieved an average Progress 8 score of 0.65 meaning on average each pupils achieved an extra 0.65 of a grade per subject than predicted at the end of Key Stage 3.

This was an increase on last year’s score of 0.4.

The grade is classed as “well above average” by the Department for Education.

Joan Costello, Principal at Ormiston Rivers Academy, said: “We are delighted that our students have performed so strongly, demonstrating the outstanding value Ormiston Rivers Academy adds to our students from when they join us at 11 until they leave at 16 after their GCSEs.

“The significant and well-deserved success which has been achieved is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and teachers, and we are really pleased to be continuing to work with these outstanding students as they progress through to our sixth form.”

Nick Hudson, interim Chief Executive Officer of Ormiston Academies Trust, added: “Ormiston Rivers Academy is committed to raising aspirations and broadening horizons for all students, no matter what their background – and the figures demonstrate the positive difference the academy is making for the young people it serves, and the value it adds.

"We are proud to be supporting them to achieve their full potential.”

Maldon’s Plume Academy achieved a Progress 8 score of -0.28, compared with last year’s score of 0.08. This is ranked as below average.

Thurstable School in Tiptree recorded a -0.1 Progress 8 score and William de Ferrers School achieved -0.05.

Both grades are classed as average by the Department for Education.

Plume Academy has been contacted for comment.