Maths wizards add up to GCSE success more than two years before classmates

They have become the first pupils in Sheffield Springs Academy’s short history to pass the subjects at GCSE in year nine.

The school’s senior vice principal Carole Mason said: “We expected them to do well but we didn’t necessarily expect them to get A grades. We have a policy of early entry at the school when we think the pupils would benefit from it. It can be a great motivator for students to be able to sit their exams early.

“Tom and Alex were not taken out of class or given extra tuition they have just been able to work up to this level in their maths class. It is down to their own ability and the quality of teaching.

“They will continue with their maths and progress onto A-level but it is also important that they now concentrate on their English and working toward their other GCSEs.”

The boys, aged 13 and 14, will have the option of taking the exam again and plan to do so in November in an attempt to earn A* grades. They could then sit their AS levels either next year or in 2013 at the same time most people in their year group will be sitting their GCSEs for the first time. In addition to their GCSE success, Tom and Alex have also made their mark with the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT), with Tom receiving a silver certificate in the UKMT individual challenge as well as best score in the school, while Alex got a bronze certificate.

Jane Miles, principal of Sheffield Springs Academy, said: “It isn’t unusual for some of our year 10 students to take their maths GCSE early, but to have two year nine students pass with such excellent grades is an incredible achievement and a first for this school.

“It also demonstrates the real progress that we are making across the curriculum in driving up attainment, which last year resulted in us achieving our best ever GSCE results, with 33 per cent of students achieving five A* to C GCSEs including English and maths – a 10 per cent increase on the previous year.”

Sheffield Springs was opened in 2006 under the last Government’s academy programme which saw struggling secondaries closed to make way for new state funded schools run independently by a private sponsor, such as a business, faith group or charity. It is sponsored by the United Learning Trust, a Christian charity.