By Guest
Sandy Davies is the headteacher of Community Links’ school for young people excluded from mainstream school, called Education Links.
For the twenty-third year in a row the national GCSE pass rate rose this year, accompanied by ‘record breaking’ headlines and the usual debate about standards. Keen not to miss out, we’ve got our own record to shout about, and it’s one we’re particularly proud of.
Students at our school Education Links have achieved our best ever results, with a 93% pass rate at A* – G, including a 100% pass rate in English. All our students have been excluded from mainstream education, and many are dealing with very difficult circumstances. Although our numbers might be small – 14 students took a total of 43 GCSEs this year – every single pass is a real testament to the hard work and dedication of young people who haven’t benefited much from mainstream education but, just like everyone we work with, have powerful aspirations and the ability to go on and do great things.
It is also, of course, a tribute to the dedication and professionalism of our staff, many of whom were in a similar situation themselves not too long ago, and who are motivated by a desire to work with young people on whom much of society has turned its back.
Earlier this year, Education Links was formally registered as an independent school with Ofsted, after Community Links’ 15 years experience providing education for excluded students. Last year all our leavers went on to training, further education, or a job, and we have exciting plans to develop the school over the next few years. These record results are only the beginning.