Key Points
- Record Performance: Kearsley Academy is celebrating some of its best-ever GCSE results, with 64 per cent of students attaining a Grade 5 or higher in both English and mathematics.
- Outperforming Averages: The school’s Grade 5 or above benchmark rose significantly from 59.4 per cent in 2025, placing the academy more than 20 percentage points above the national average of 45.4 per cent.
- Standard Pass Success: A total of 75.5 per cent of all students enrolled achieved a standard pass—classified as Grade 4 or above—in both core subjects of English and maths.
- Sustained Excellence: Educational leaders emphasize that the school is no longer merely "improving," but has successfully established itself as a consistently high-performing institution.
- Multi-Academy Trust Support: Kearsley Academy continues to thrive as one of 17 secondary academies sponsored and operated by the Northern Education Trust.
Bolton (Bolton Today) August 20, 2026 – Pupils, educational staff, and parents at Kearsley Academy are celebrating an exceptionally successful results day, marking some of the finest academic achievements in the history of the institution. According to official academic data, 64 per cent of students secured a Grade 5 or higher—classified as a strong pass—in both English and mathematics. This milestone underscores a dramatic upward trajectory for the academy, comfortably outpacing nationwide secondary school benchmarks and consolidating years of institutional reform.
The latest figure represents a noticeable rise from the 59.4 per cent achieved by the previous cohort in 2025. Furthermore, Kearsley Academy’s performance places its student body more than 20 percentage points above the national average of 45.4 per cent for Grade 5 passes in English and maths. Across the entire Year 11 cohort, 75.5 per cent of candidates attained a standard pass, achieving Grade 4 or above in both critical core disciplines.
What Do the Latest Results Mean for Kearsley Academy Students?
The substantial increase in pupils achieving top marks reflects both individual perseverance and systematic academic support. As reported by reporter James McNeill of The Bolton News, Ryan Baxter, principal of Kearsley Academy, stated that
"This is an excellent set of results for our students and for Kearsley Academy that we can all be extremely proud of."
Principal Baxter emphasized that the grades represent a holistic achievement that extends beyond numbers on a page. As reported by James McNeill of The Bolton News, Ryan Baxter stated that
"The outcomes represent much more than just grades, they stand as a testament to the dedication of our students, the expertise of our staff, and the support of our families and community."
Addressing the rigorous schedule and additional hours invested by the Year 11 group throughout their secondary education, Principal Baxter praised the pupil body for their unwavering commitment to academic progress. As reported by James McNeill of The Bolton News, Ryan Baxter stated that
"The students have worked extremely hard to achieve at these levels and they are testament to the efforts and attitude shown in school and additional time invested around the school day throughout their time here at Kearsley."
Highlighting the school's historical performance metrics, the principal reiterated the importance of maintaining long-term progress. As reported by James McNeill of The Bolton News, Ryan Baxter stated that
"We are delighted with the continued upward trajectory of our outcomes, in particular with the exceptional results attained over recent years as a strong comparison."
Principal Baxter concluded his remarks by extending formal thanks to the teaching and operational staff for their "continued passion, effort, energy and dedication."
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How Does the Northern Education Trust View Kearsley's Progress?
Kearsley Academy operates under the umbrella of the Northern Education Trust, which currently sponsors 17 secondary academies across the region. Trust leaders have pointed to Kearsley as a flagship example of educational transformation and sustained achievement.
Providing an overarching view of the performance data, Andrew Newton, executive principal at the Northern Education Trust, highlighted the structural shift within the school. As reported by reporter James McNeill of The Bolton News, Andrew Newton stated that
"Kearsley is no longer a school that is improving. It is a school performing at a genuinely high level and holding it there."
Executive Principal Newton went on to detail how Kearsley Academy's performance metrics stand out when evaluated against broader national figures. As reported by James McNeill of The Bolton News, Andrew Newton stated that
"Two thirds of our students have left with a strong pass in both English and maths, more than twenty percentage points above the national figure, and Attainment 8 remains comfortably clear of national for a second successive year."
Underpinning these outcomes is the educational philosophy of the sponsoring trust, which aims to raise standards across all regional campuses. As reported by James McNeill of The Bolton News, Andrew Newton stated that
"Northern Education Trust believes that every child, in every one of our academies, deserves the very best, and Kearsley shows what that looks like once it is fully embedded."
What Impact Have these Results Had on the Wider Community?
The achievement has resonated well beyond the school gates, signalling a period of long-term stability and academic prestige for the surrounding district. School leadership noted that such outcomes require a unified effort involving students, educators, and local families alike.
Extending accolades to all parties involved, Dean Buckley, associate senior executive principal at the Northern Education Trust, praised the resilience demonstrated across the academic year. As reported by reporter James McNeill of The Bolton News, Dean Buckley stated that
"These outstanding results are a testament to the unwavering dedication, hard work, and resilience of both our staff and students."
Senior leadership views these grades as an essential benchmark in the school's history and an encouragement for future academic years. As reported by James McNeill of The Bolton News, Dean Buckley stated that
"This achievement marks a significant milestone for the Kearsley community, and every member of our school should take immense pride in what we've accomplished together."
What Comes Next for the Academy and Its Graduates?
With 75.5 per cent of students securing standard passes and 64 per cent earning strong passes in English and maths, the majority of Kearsley Academy's graduating Year 11 pupils have successfully unlocked pathways into higher-level post-16 education, vocational apprenticeships, and specialized training programmes.
The secondary academy's continued success in keeping its Attainment 8 scores clear of national benchmarks for consecutive years consolidates its operational model within the Northern Education Trust network. As regional education authorities evaluate standard metrics across the county, Kearsley Academy remains a prominent example of sustained academic growth driven by collaborative school leadership, rigorous instruction, and community support.