Best schools in Somerset revealed as Department of Education publishes GCSE results

The Department of Education (DofE) has released provisional statistics which rank the schools based on a number of measures.

The measures include 'Progress 8' - how much progress pupils at this school made between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4, number of students who achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths, and 'Attainment 8' - a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications, which include English and maths.

This year saw the replacement of the traditional letter grades with numbered grading used instead. A grade 9 is roughly equivalent to a top-end A*.

Taunton's The Castle School comes out on top when ranking the schools based on the number of grade 5 (roughly a C) or above in English and maths GCSEs.

The school achieved 56 per cent in this measure, as well as a 0.2 'Progress 8' score, and 52.9 'Attainment 8' score.

Headteacher, Sarah Watson, said: “We are so thrilled that once again our school has achieved at such a high level.

“This is a massive partnership between students, parents and carers, teachers, governors and the entire community.

"We are very proud of everyone who contributes every year.”

Heathfield Community School, also in Taunton, was second for English and maths grades, with 51.1 per cent at grade 5 or higher.

Headteacher Peter Hoare, said: ”I am extremely pleased with the progress built on from last year across the ability range and in particular of the high achievers, which across the board equates to a progress leap of + .2 on last year.

"The inclusion of the results from our Specialist Autism Unit , The Cedar Centre, is a welcome recognition of the inclusive nature of our community."

The school also boasts 99 per cent of pupils staying in education or entering employment from the latest data available, which was the 2017 leavers.

In terms of 'Progress 8' scores, the Kings of Wessex Academy, Cheddar, topped the table with 0.39.

Executive headteacher, Gavin Ball, said: “I am thrilled for the students that their hard work and positive approach to learning has enabled them to achieve these results.

"I wish them every success for their futures. I hope that they move forward with determination and enthusiasm, achieving and succeeding in everything they do.

"I would like to thank parents and carers for their excellent support and to acknowledge the great foundations laid through the work of the schools across the Cheddar Valley and in the Wessex Learning Trust.”

The DofE warns for some schools the 'Progress 8' section is not the most appropriate way of measuring achievement, as some schools across the county do not teach children through the five-year period covered, which Kings of Wessex falls under, as well as West Somerset College and Wadham School.

Brymore Academy came second with 0.38 'Progress 8' - an above average number which only 17 per cent of schools achieve.

To see how your school ranked across the variety of measures view the table below.

Or click here to view a larger version.