Celebrations as JCB academy delivers outstanding set of GCSE results

The JCB Academy was today (Aug 23) celebrating a resounding success with its first set of GCSE results - with 99 per cent of students achieving five or more passes at grades A* to C.

Of the 111 students receiving results, a staggering 99% achieved A* to C in Principal Learning in Engineering - the equivalent of four GCSEs. A total of 88% of youngsters gained a C or above in GCSE Mathematics. Aside from GCSEs, more than 90% of students also achieved Functional Skills in Maths and English, a national qualification that supports employability.

Today The JCB Academy Principal Jim Wade said: "We are absolutely delighted with our first set of results. They demonstrate that our young people are set up to go out and follow very rewarding careers in engineering. Not only have 99% of them achieved the Principal Learning in Engineering qualification but also 88% have gained grade C or above passes in Mathematics which will be vital in supporting their engineering work."

The JCB Academy Chair of Governors Paul Pritchard said: "These GCSE marks are excellent and The JCB Academy governors are extremely proud of the students and staff who have all put in such hard work to deliver such a fantastic set of results."

The inspiration behind the setting up of The JCB Academy came from JCB Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford in 2006 and the school opened its doors to its first pupils in September 2010. Today Sir Anthony congratulated The JCB Academy and its students on their first set of GCSE results.

He said: "The original idea for The JCB Academy was borne out of my passion for engineering and its importance to British manufacturing. This excellent set of results is proof that The JCB Academy has inspired its students by offering a great engineering syllabus which has fully engaged them in the wider GCSE curriculum. I congratulate each and every one of the students, most of whom I know will now go onto study for their A levels or take up apprenticeships in engineering and manufacturing."

The JCB Academy background:

The JCB Academy is an exciting new school for students from the age of 14 who are interested in business and engineering. It is the first of a brand new kind of school in the United Kingdom, focused on delivering high-quality engineering and business education. Its motto is 'developing engineers and business leaders for the future' and aims to ensure that students have every chance to achieve success, whether they continue into further education, or move to further learning in the world of work when they leave here. At The JCB Academy, the curriculum and learning techniques are unique, allowing students to combine theory with practical activities: putting learning into practice in purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities. Its hours are more like business hours than normal schools and sixth form colleges, but the curriculum encourages a structured and effective use of time.