We’re delighted - previously struggling Sunderland school one of 20 most improved in country for English and maths
“We’re delighted that the hard work of students and staff has paid off”
The words of Venerable Bede CE Academy head of school Tracey Burgess after the school has been named in the top 20 most improved schools in the country for GCSE English and maths results.
In the table of most improved schools in 2025 for GCSE attainment in English, Venerable Bede is listed in 18th place; in the table for most improved performance for grades of four and above (old grade C) in English and maths, the school is placed 20th.
It marks a landmark moment for the school after Ofsted inspectors deemed the quality of education to be inadequate when they visited the school in January (2025).
One of the underlying reasons was the school’s then GCSE performance in the core subjects of English and maths.
After being informed of Venerable Bede’s place in the top 20 most improved schools, Mrs Burgess, who taught her own maths class, said: “We’re delighted that the hard work of students and staff has paid off. We knew we had to do better in English and maths and our renewed focus has produced some great results.
“The flexibility and dedication of teachers and leaders have combined to help us take big steps forward in our English and maths provision.
“Obviously, these are two vitally important subjects to our students and can be fundamental to future careers and jobs.
“We knew improvements were needed, but these results show we’re definitely heading in the right direction, and our new leadership team will help drive further improvements.”
Following the inspection, the school streamlined the GCSE options for students to enable greater focus on the core subjects of English and maths.
Director of English James MacIntyre has helped lead the improvements and taught English lessons himself.
Mr MacIntyre said: “We’re delighted with the results, but we’re not complacent and will continue to drive improvements.
“These improvements are the results of a whole team effort and the hard work of teachers, students, and even the community and the wider Northern Lights Learning Trust we are part of.
“We have a very settled English team, and I think this consistency has helped power improvements.”
Following the school’s inspection in January, Ofsted also identified Venerable Bede as requiring improvement in pupils’ behaviour and attitudes, provision of personal development, and leadership and management.
Inspectors returned to the school in the autumn for a monitoring visit to assess the progress made, publishing their findings last month (November).
The monitoring inspection highlighted significant improvements made to key areas, including the school’s curriculum and pupils’ behaviour and attitudes to learning.
Ofsted inspectors also highlighted several changes to the school’s leadership team including two deputy headteachers, school improvement leaders, and the Trust appointing an executive director of secondary education.
Earlier this year (2025) it was announced three new senior leaders had joined the school to accelerate improvements. Gemma Hawley joined Venerable Bede as a Deputy Head in April, while Emma McAnaney joined at the same time as an Assistant Head. Rachael Meek joined the team as a third Deputy Head in June.
The school is part of the Northern Lights Learning Trust.
Following their Ofsted monitoring inspection, a spokesperson for the Trust said: “Trust leaders are delighted that Ofsted recognise the significant progress that has been made at Venerable Bede.
“The increased leadership capacity, along with senior trust-wide roles, are having a demonstrable impact on the academy.
“This could not happen without the hard work of staff, students and, of course, support from parents and the wider community.
“This report follows record breaking GCSE results in the summer.”