Meet the heads: David New, Nailsea School

In its 50th anniversary year, Nailsea School has several reasons to celebrate. As well as producing the best GCSE results in its 50 year history – 74 per cent at grades 5A*-C, which are within two per cent of the best in the county – Nailsea opened the doors of its innovative and inspirational building four months ahead of schedule.

Headteacher David New explained why these results are so special: “These students joined Nailsea School in 2004, at the same time as I did. We have worked hard over the past five years to make sure that Nailsea School provided the best possible standards of education.

“These results prove we are now equal to the best. As far as I am aware it is unheard of to be involved in such a major building programme and raise results so significantly at the same time. I could not be more proud of the students or my staff.”

This year’s results represent a nine per cent point increase on last year’s percentage of 5A*-C results, and a further four per cent increase on 5A*-C including English and Mathematics. In all 68 per cent of students achieved two Science GCSEs at grades A*-C, a five per cent improvement on last year’s very good result.

It was also another excellent year for Nailsea’s A-level and AS students. Six Year 13 students achieved three or more A grades at A-level, which is an exceptional achievement. One fifth of all exam results were at A grade, and 62 per cent were in the top grades [A-C].

The school achieved more than twice as many A grades as might have been expected compared to prior attainment.

Jon Reddiford, Head of Sixth Form, said: “We are delighted that the hard work and effort of both students and staff have been rewarded in this way.”

On September 8, students walked into Nailsea’s new state of the art, £30 million building for the first time. Comments from students included ‘it makes me feel like a millionaire’ and ‘it’s like being at a university’.