Exam Results 2017

We are proud of the fantastic GCSE results achieved by our year 11 students who have surpassed the achievements of previously similar cohorts.

In 2017 59% of students achieved English and Maths at grade 4 or above (compared to the National average of 63.9%) despite the introduction of more challenging examinations.  This figure has continued to rise since 2015. (Grade 4 is equated to the legacy pass at C grade).  22% of our students achieved English and Maths at grade 5 or above (compared to the National average of 38.6%)

In English, 75% achieved grades 9-4 (the equivalent of legacy pass at C or above), a 13% increase on 2016 and is on par with the national average, as well as being above local average; 9% achieved Grades 9-7 (Grade 7 is equated to the legacy pass at A grade). 52% of our students attained 9-5 in at least one of their English qualifications. In English Language 42% achieved 9-5 compared to 51% national average, and in English Language 40% achieved 9-5 compared to 50% national average.  

In Maths, 61% achieved grades 9-4, an increase on 2016. 25% achieved grades 9-5 and 7% achieved grades 9-7.

In Science, 55% achieved A*-C grades, whilst 41% of students achieved two A*-C grades in Science. 

Other notable successes include:
Graphics -  77% A*-C and 15% A*-A

Catering -  69% A*-C and 13% A*-A

Textiles - 69% A*-C and 25% A*-A

Dance -  100% A*-C and 75% A*-A

History -  67% A*-C and 19% A*-A

The EBacc certification is awarded to students achieving A*-C grades in English, Maths, Science, a Language and a Humanities subject. In 2017, 9% of our students achieved this at a standard pass and above (Grades 9-4 in English and Maths), with 7% achieving a strong pass (Grades 9-5 in English and Maths).  26.8% of our Year 11 cohort (41 students) were entered for this, a rise of over 23% from 2016 compared to a national entry of 35%.

This means that of those entered for EBacc, 32% achieved a standard pass, and 24% a strong pass.

Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores measure students’ success in their 8 best subjects (English, Maths, three EBacc subjects and any other three).

Progress 8 scores are calculated for pupils for the sole purpose of calculating the school’s Progress 8 score. A pupil’s Progress 8 score is defined as their Attainment 8 score, minus their estimated Attainment 8 score. The estimated Attainment score is the average Attainment 8 score of all pupils nationally with the same prior attainment at key stage 2 within that cohort.

In 2017, a pupil’s prior attainment will be defined as the average of their key stage 2 reading and maths results, in fine graded levels.

The school’s Progress 8 score is the mean average of its pupils’ Progress 8 score. For all mainstream schools nationally, the average progress 8 score will be zero. The government floor target is -0.50. Our Progress 8 score in 2016/17 was -0.35, an improvement from the previous year, placing us in the top 40% of schools in Swindon. We are working hard to consistently improve our results, to at least national average in the first instance. .

In 2017 our students achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 38.96 (against National average of 44.6). 

The highest achieving students in 2017 were:

Destination data

According to the Department for Education, our most recent destination data shows that, of the 167 students who left The Dorcan Academy in 2015-16, 94% went on to sustained education, employment or training, in line with the national figure of 94%.  Information provided by Swindon Borough Council indicates this figure was 98%.

In 2014/15, 100% went on to sustained education, employment or training, compared to the national figure of 94%.

In 2013/14, 92% went on to sustained education, employment or training, compared to the national figure of 92%.

Summary of GCSE Examination Results 2017