Former pupils have heaped praise on their old school and its teaching staff as it was named in the top 50 most improved in England.
Students and staff at Whitcliffe Mount School in Cleckheaton, which is a SHARE academy, are celebrating being named as one of the most improved in the country in rankings published by The Excellence Hub.
Whitcliffe Mount is the only school within Kirklees to have been named in the Top 50 list in the academic year of 2023/24.
The schools have been judged via a number of measures including their ‘Progress 8’ scores which show how they support children of all abilities to achieve their best, and what progress pupils made between their final year at primary school and the end of Key Stage 4 when they take GCSEs.
Rebecca Hesmondhalgh, headteacher at Whitcliffe Mount, said: “We are very proud of the progress made by all our students and of the journey that the school has been on in the last two years.
“Students who sat their examinations in the summer of 2024 worked incredibly hard and deserved all that they achieved; they gained places in a range of aspirational sixth forms and colleges and have bright futures.
“The school is delighted to have been ranked in the Top 50 most improved schools and it has been lovely to share this news with our students, parents, carers and staff.”
Whitcliffe Mount has pointed to a focus ‘belonging, aspiration and high expectations’ for the notable progress and improvements.
A school spokesperson said: “The school has a new vision of ‘Together, we are proud to be our best’ which is embedded in everything that the school does so that its students are not only successful academically but feel happy, supported and valued in all aspects of school life.”
Students who recently left Whitcliffe Mount have shared their own experiences of the school in light of the recent inclusion in the ‘most improved’ list.
Rohan Hunter-Pickles, who is now studying A-levels at Greenhead College in Huddersfield, said: “I have loved my time at Whitcliffe Mount and I’m grateful for the support and passion of all my teachers. With their help I was able to achieve results that I was incredibly proud of. I also got to experience some great opportunities like playing a lead in the school play and travelling to Krakow.
Former Whitcliffe Mount pupil Rohan Hunter-Pickles who is now studying A-levels at Greenhead College in Huddersfield
(Image: Whitcliffe Mount)
“I made so many memories, which along with my achievements I carry on to the next stage of my education. I am now studying A-level Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Core Maths at Greenhead College Huddersfield. The difficulty has definitely stepped up, but I am enjoying the challenge and can’t wait to start visiting universities in the Summer.”
Oliver Rouse, who is also studying A-levels at Greenhead College, said: “‘I am very proud to be a former student of Whitcliffe Mount Academy. The GCSE grades I achieved were the result of 5 years hard work, excellent teacher support and much valued after school revision sessions. It was always clear to me that the teachers wanted you to succeed. I have great memories of my time at Whitcliffe Mount, from taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme to geography field trips and the year 11 Prom.
Oliver Rouse
“Most of all though, I will remember the friends I made and the great teachers I met along the way. I am now studying A-Levels at Greenhead College and continue to value the principles of Whitcliffe Mount – to be our best, to belong, to achieve and to aspire.”
Zoe Worsnup said: “I am buzzing about my results, however, that is just a bonus because I have learnt so much more than the GCSE curriculum at Whitcliffe. So, I’d like to give a big thank you to all my teachers who’ve supported me over the last five years. I wouldn’t have done nearly as well without your support, and you’ve all meant so much to me.
“The dedication that my teachers have shown putting on hours of revision classes throughout Year 11 has allowed me to achieve the grades necessary to go on to study Chemistry, Biology, History and Core Maths at Greenhead College.”
Eva James said: “‘I’ve enjoyed my time at Whitcliffe Mount Academy and am really pleased with my GCSE results, which have helped me progress to study A levels in my favourite subjects. I’m thankful for my teachers who have helped me to achieve my best.”
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