Belmont School celebrates Year 11 achievements 

We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our Year 11 pupils. This year, 21 of our 23 pupils achieved at least one recognised qualification or qualification-level outcome, across GCSE, Functional Skills, Entry Level and vocational pathways. 

For a specialist SEMH school, these outcomes represent much more than examination grades. Many of our pupils have faced significant barriers to education and, in some cases, have previously been almost completely disengaged from learning. Their achievements reflect the determination and resilience required to re-engage with education, develop emotional regulation, build trusting relationships and sustain participation in learning. 

Eight pupils achieved GCSEs, with seven securing at least one graded GCSE pass and five achieving two or more GCSEs. English Language and Biology were particular areas of strength, with several pupils achieving multiple GCSEs. 

However, GCSEs are only one part of the story. Our pupils have also achieved recognised qualifications through Functional Skills, Entry Level and City & Guilds vocational programmes, including horticulture and construction. Several pupils have combined academic, functional and vocational qualifications, demonstrating the breadth of pathways available at Belmont. 

A pathway for every pupil 

Lee Thompson, Head of Secondary, said: 

“We are extremely proud of what our Year 11 pupils have achieved. For some of our young people, the journey to this point has been incredibly challenging. To re-engage with learning, develop relationships with staff, manage their emotions and then achieve recognised qualifications is a significant accomplishment. 

“Our approach is about understanding each young person as an individual and finding the pathway that enables them to succeed. For some that will be GCSEs; for others, Functional Skills, Entry Level or vocational qualifications. What matters is that every pupil is given an ambitious but realistic opportunity to demonstrate what they can do.” 

Our specialist approach brings together teachers, support workers and clinicians to address the barriers that can prevent pupils with SEMH needs from engaging successfully with education. 

Headteacher Devin Cassidy said: 

“These results demonstrate what can be achieved when young people are given the right combination of high expectations, specialist teaching, therapeutic support and strong relationships. 

“We should be particularly proud of those pupils who have overcome a history of significant disengagement from education. Their qualifications are important, but so too is the personal development that sits behind them.” 

He added: 

“Our ambition is to ensure that pupils leave Belmont genuinely prepared for the next stage of their lives. That means having qualifications and practical skills, but it also means being able to get on with others, work as part of a team, manage relationships and form meaningful professional and personal relationships. Those skills are fundamental to succeeding in the workplace and living fulfilling adult lives.” 

Looking ahead 

We have also strengthened our admissions approach, with greater consideration of whether Belmont can genuinely meet an individual pupil’s needs and provide an appropriate pathway towards successful outcomes. 

Looking ahead, we will continue to develop our academic, functional and vocational pathways so that pupils can secure the strongest possible qualification portfolio while also developing the confidence, resilience, communication and relationship skills they need beyond school. 

Most importantly, we should celebrate the individual journeys behind these outcomes. Every qualification represents effort, perseverance and progress, and in many cases reflects a young person overcoming significant personal and educational barriers. 

A huge congratulations to all of our Year 11 pupils. We should be immensely proud of what they have achieved and wish them every success as they move on to further education, training, employment and the next stage of their lives.