‘Astonishing year’ for school

SADDLEWORTH School has smashed all previous records for GCSE success.

A total of 86 per cent gained five or more A*-C passes, 67 per cent included English and maths, 98 per cent gained at least five GCSEs, and 99.3 per cent gained at least one GCSE.

The figures were reported by school head, Patricia Cornish, as part of an “astonishing” year of achievements.

Speaking at the school’s 19th annual presentation evening, where 350 pupils received awards, she commended the “fantastic pupils” and “outstanding teachers” who between them gave Saddleworth School its reputation.

The school specialises in modern languages, and 87 per cent left with a modern language qualification, putting it “streets ahead” of the national average, and aiding one of its key aims — to prepare pupils for working life.

Students raised thousands of pounds for charity throughout the year.

Sporting performance went from strength to strength, with many pupils representing Oldham at a wide range of sporting events, from golf and basketball, to football and athletics, rugby and swimming.

Individual successes included Isabell Hayes, Young Ambassador for Sport for Oldham, Harry Bunn, a member of Manchester City Academy and now a full-time professional footballer, Erika Tootell and Laura Kelly, who were selected to play for Lancashire at netball, Joe Cooper, who plays football at Oldham Athletic Academy, and Jacob Connor and Michael Thackray, who took part in the Tall Ships challenge race.

On the national stage, Liam Charnock played ice hockey for England, Josh Penrice was selected for the National cycling Academy, as was Olympic hopeful Jake Ragan.

Another Olympic hopeful is swimmer Jess Lloyd, English schools national champion in 50m freestyle, and Siobhan Moore who this month shot to the top as world champion in her class at karate

Maths students achieved a 15 per cent rise in GCSE results, and the school earned the International Schools Award for outstanding internationalism — with two pupils gaining A* grades at GCSE in the difficult subject of Chinese.