In 2019, Manor High School celebrated its 50th anniversary with a superb set of GCSE examinations results.  Significantly, this marks the first ever set of full GCSE results since the school changed its age range from 10-14 to an 11-16 setting.  Whilst never complacent and always eager to improve, we are delighted with our students’ performance and have no doubt that the hard work and close attention given to each individual made the difference.  In particular, the continuity, in a familiar and trusted learning environment, ensured that students remained focused on their studies and progress.  The bespoke care and personalised revision programmes really paid off and we enjoyed a well-deserved celebration in June with a sensational prom.  

Under reformed and more challenging GCSEs, we were thrilled to have secured so many of the very highest grades as well as outstanding levels of individual progress.  Nationally, under the new regime, a grade 4 is regarded as a basic pass, 5 a strong pass and anything above this is very high.  

At Manor High, a fifth of all entries resulted in grades 8 or 9.  This is equivalent to or higher than the previous A* grade.  A third of all entries resulted in a grade 7 or higher, which is equivalent to an A or higher under the former GCSE grades.  23% of all students achieved a grade 9 in one or more subjects.  In Mathematics, 10% of entries achieved a grade 9.  18% of all History entries resulted in a grade 9.  In the Single Sciences, 19% achieved a grade 9 in Biology and also in Chemistry.  In Physics, the figure was 24% who achieved a grade 9.  Individual successes include a student who achieved eight grade 9s and many others who achieved multiple grade 9s.  

Our levels of individual progress are particularly exciting.  Many of our students have far exceeded targets which are pitched against the top 5% of students nationally.  This means that compared with their starting point on arrival at Manor High School, many of our students have far surpassed national progress at the highest level.  This is true, for example, for those achieving a strong pass in both Maths and English Language.  

Manor High students are encouraged to study the English Baccalaureate subjects as it maximises future opportunities. In 2019, 87% of Manor High students were entered for the English Baccalaureate, over double the average in Leicestershire and England.

There are examples of students who have overcome enormous difficulties in their personal lives and it is affirming to see that the pastoral care and support as well as the excellent academic rigour ensured that they were able to achieve huge levels of progress and attainment in their grades.  

Mr Powell, Headteacher, said:

“Congratulations to all of the students, their families and the staff for these outstanding GCSE results.  Manor High is unique in its focus on every individual and I am delighted that all of the hard work, over so many years, has led to such well-earned success”.