THE ECCLESBOURNE SCHOOL

Five years on from the pandemic students and staff at The Ecclesbourne School are celebrating our best ever results in GCSE public examinations.

This is the year group who began secondary school in ‘bubbles’, housed in temporary classrooms on the tennis courts in the Year 7 base. Like young people across the country, our pupils at The Ecclesbourne School faced enormous challenges. Time away from the classroom disrupted learning, but it also interrupted the natural rhythm of childhood—friendships, routines, personal growth, and the simple joys of being part of a school community. Many returned to education with gaps in their knowledge, heightened anxiety, and a loss of confidence in themselves and their abilities. For some, the isolation of lockdowns left them struggling to re-engage in a structured school environment. These were not small hurdles, but from the very start, we have been determined to help our pupils not just recover but flourish.

At GCSE this year 91% of students gained at least five good GCSEs at grades 4 to 9. 92% gained a grade 4-9 in Maths and 91% gained a grade 4-9 in English. 71% gained a grade 5 in both English and Maths. 36% of grades were at 7-9 (National: 22%) and 88% were at 4-9 (National: 67%). Whatever their starting points our students made exceptional progress, achieving on average a whole grade above their targets. This means that they have been able to realise their potential and have the qualifications they need to join our Sixth Form, go on to college courses or start their apprenticeships.

At Ecclesbourne, we believe that academic success and emotional wellbeing go hand in hand. That’s why, over the past five years, we have invested heavily in pastoral care, ensuring that every student feels supported, valued, and part of something bigger than themselves. We have fostered a culture of responsibility and togetherness, where students take an active role in their school community. House Captains, Prefects, and Peer Monitors have helped to create a sense of belonging, and in doing so, they have developed the leadership and teamwork skills that will serve them long after they leave our school.

Education is about so much more than exams, and nowhere has that been clearer than in the way sport, the arts, and creative opportunities have helped our students find their confidence again. The joy and camaraderie of playing for a school team, the freedom of self-expression in drama or music, the energy and laughter shared in rehearsals for a school production—these experiences have been just as vital in our students’ recovery as their time in the classroom. This year, our student-run House Plays involved nearly 400 pupils, an extraordinary testament to their enthusiasm, teamwork, and resilience. We have seen a renewed passion for creativity, collaboration, and personal expression, and it has been nothing short of inspiring.

Despite the national concerns about lost learning, our students have achieved exceptional results at both A-Level and GCSE. Their hard work, alongside the dedication of our staff and the unwavering support of parents, has ensured that Ecclesbourne remains a place of academic excellence. School attendance remains well above the national average, a clear sign that our pupils feel happy, safe, and engaged in their education. And while we don’t measure our success in rankings, we are proud to have been named one of the top ten schools in the

East Midlands in the Sunday Times Parent Power league—a reflection not just of our students' achievements but of the culture we have built together.