The Derby is celebrating the exceptional achievements of our young people. Staff are proud of the extensive range of GCSE, BTEC and vocational qualifications The Derby offers. We provide a broad curriculum to ensure that every student, regardless of their background or barriers to learning, has the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and experience they need to progress successfully into further education, employment and adult life.

 

Alongside academic qualifications, we work closely with our students to understand their individual aspirations and ensure they are prepared to succeed beyond school. We are proud to work with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to deliver the Equalex programme, a strand within the MBacc qualification, enabling us to provide our young people with an extensive programme of careers education, experiences and opportunities. These help them understand the world of work and make informed decisions about their futures.

 

Among this year's outstanding students are Erin Burns, Francesca Wood and Freya Lomax, who have achieved incredible results. Their achievements, however, extend far beyond their academic results. All three students are leaving us having successfully completed our student leadership programmes and secured Platinum Derby Diploma Awards in recognition of their outstanding commitment to their community.

 

  

During Year 10, Erin, Freya and Francesca travelled to Thailand as international Changemakers, gaining valuable experience and developing their understanding of different cultures and communities. All three have also demonstrated an exceptional commitment to supporting local charities, collectively raising thousands of pounds for causes close to their hearts.

 

 

Erin established and ran her own British Sign Language Club for younger students, creating an inclusive opportunity for others to learn and develop new skills. Freya has participated in every school show and taken a leading role for the last four years. She was also nominated for a National Schools' Theatre Award in recognition of her exceptional contribution to school theatre. Francesca studied two additional GCSEs, securing an impressive 11 GCSE and BTEC qualifications.

 

Erin will now progress to Holy Cross to study A Levels in Maths, Biology and Chemistry, with the aspiration of pursuing a career in the sciences, after securing three grade 9s in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Freya aspires to become a solicitor and will enrol at Holy Cross to study A Levels in Politics, History and English Literature.

 

Meanwhile, Brooke Greyson was one of the students in our first cohort studying Health and Social Care. She is delighted to have received a Level 2 Distinction. She will enrol at Holy Cross later today to study A Levels in Sociology, Psychology and History.

Zayd Shoukat will enrol at Holy Cross to study IT, Applied Criminology and Business Studies after receiving a Level 2 Distinction in Engineering. Although he will now pursue his passion for Information Technology, his achievement of a Level 2 Distinction in Engineering means that he could later pursue his initial aspiration of becoming an engineer should he choose to do so.

 

 

Head Student Tristan Murphy secured a grade 9 in Maths and grade 8s in Science and will now embark on his Key Stage 5 journey at Holy Cross, where he will study A Levels in Computer Science, Maths and Physics as he strives to become a theoretical physicist. Meanwhile, Head Student Harmony Maddock will study A Levels in Chemistry, Physics and Maths at Holy Cross. Both students have worked tirelessly throughout their time at The Derby to leave a legacy, inspiring their peers to be the best versions of themselves every day and to make a positive difference through their work in the community.

  

Our students' achievements perfectly demonstrate what we want for every young person: to achieve their academic potential while developing the skills, experiences, confidence and character to make a positive contribution to their communities and pursue their aspirations.

 

Once again, we are delighted that so many of our young people have achieved exceptional results and secured places on their chosen college courses. We have worked closely with local colleges to support our students throughout the transition process, ensuring that they move on to courses that are appropriate to their individual needs and will enable them to continue achieving their very best. Our ultimate aim is to ensure every young person can fulfil their aspirations and go on to lead happy, successful and fulfilling lives.

We are particularly proud that we have one of the lowest national and local NEET rates, with just 1.1% of young people not continuing in education, employment or training. We believe this outstanding figure is testament to the hard work, determination and dedication of our students, alongside the commitment of parents, carers and staff who consistently go above and beyond to invest in our young people. We recognise that personal development is just as important as academic achievement and our results reflect the impact of supporting young people to develop confidence, resilience, leadership and a strong sense of purpose.

 

Although the Class of 2026 are leaving us to begin the next chapter of their education, we are delighted that many of our students will continue to be valued members of our community through our alumni programme.

 

We would like to congratulate all our students on their results and thank their parents, carers and staff for the unwavering support they have provided. Today is a celebration not only of examination results, but of the hard work, resilience, personal growth and determination that have brought our young people to this point. We could not be prouder of them.