Abbey College, Abbey Road, Hollow Lane, Ramsey Cambridgeshire PE26 1DG

Abbey College receives LGBTQ+ Rainbow Flag Award

Staff and students at Abbey College, Ramsey have received an award for their commitment to improving inclusion and diversity.

This recognition underscores the school’s commitment to raising visibility of LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, plus other related identities) rights and combatting instances of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.

Siobhan Dowd, Assistant Headteacher and Moral and Spiritual Lead, said: “We are thrilled to  have achieved the LGBT+ Rainbow Flag Award, which is a testament to our three Spirit virtues: humility, institution and passion. I’m proud of our staff and students who work towards these principles every day, leading us to receive this incredible recognition.”

The Rainbow Flag Award is granted to schools that excel in six areas: skilled teacher, supportive governors and parents, effective policies, inclusive curriculum, pastoral support and student voice.

Staff at Abbey College proactively educate students about equality and diversity by implementing an inclusive curriculum and comprehensive PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic) programmes.

The school amplifies its students’ voices, promoting an environment where they are empowered to express their perspectives and concerns. A significant aspect of this effort is its dedicated Pride Group, consisting of students who actively take part in curriculum planning to ensure it remains responsive to evolving needs. The group plays a crucial role in identifying and addressing any comments or behaviours that do not uphold inclusivity standards.

Additionally, Abbey College has revised its school policies, and signposts to support spaces where students can seek advice.

Students were overjoyed when they learnt the news, and a founding member of the school’s Pride club said: “The progress our school has taken towards the Award has made it a better environment and a more inclusive place for everyone.”

Siobhan continued: “We believe in providing a safe environment where our staff and students celebrate one another’s differences and consider the impact of our actions on those around us.

“This award reaffirms our dedication to improving the lives of all young people and aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire inclusive and acceptance in our students.”

The project has been funded by the Government Equalities Office, via the Department for Education (DfE).

 

 

Abbey College proud of remarkable GCSE achievements

Students and staff at Abbey College are glowing with pride after receiving their GCSE results today.

Andy Christoforou, Headteacher at Abbey College, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication and perseverance leading up to their outstanding results today.

“While the exams were sat under more usual conditions, we must not forget the significant disruption these students have faced during their secondary education. After completing Year 7, the pandemic forced most students to complete their learning away from schools as the country battled the challenges of COVID-19.

“These are truly remarkable results, especially given this context, and are a testament to the hard work they have put in over the past few years. We look forward to seeing many of them returning to our brand new Sixth Form, Ramsey Gatehouse Sixth Form, in September.

“The tireless efforts of our excellent teaching and support staff should also be recognised. They have all worked above and beyond to help students secure these excellent results.”

Strong results were secured across the whole curriculum, including GCSEs in Maths, English Literature, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, French, Art, and Physical Education. Vocational courses in Music and Business Studies also secured high grades, with an average grade of a Distinction.

Individual successes at Abbey College include:

  • Year 11 student, Isabelle, achieved 11 Grade 9s and one Grade 8.
  • Annabelle McCabe achieved 9 Grade 9s and 3 Grade 8s.
  • Taylor Foss achieved five Grade 9s and 4 Grade 8s, as well as a Level 2 Distinction.
  • Travis Lindsay achieved 6 Grade 9s and 3 Grade 8s, as well as a Level 2 Distinction* and a Level 2 Distinction.
  • Tom Waterworth achieved four Grade 7s, alongside a Level 2 Distinction and 5 Grade 6s, whilst competing in the British Schools Championship where he won two Gold medals at middle distance, one at 800m and one in the 4x400m relay. Tom is the English Schools Champion and has also been selected to represent England in the Schools International Athletics Board (SIAB).

Sixth Form students at Abbey College, Ramsey are celebrating fantastic post-16 results today.

Strong results were achieved across different subject areas, including A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, English Literature, Chemistry, and Biology; and vocational qualifications in IT and Engineering.

Early indications show that the vast majority of students have secured places on their first choice university courses.

Samantha Moore, Head of Sixth Form at Abbey College, said: “We are delighted for all the students’ who have worked so hard to achieve these exceptional results, with every grade reflecting the dedication and persistence seen throughout their last few years of study.

“While there has been much discussion about A level results, we should not forget that for many of these students this will be the first formal exams they sat after their GCSE exams were disrupted by the pandemic.

“Alongside their academic achievements, we’re most proud to have seen our students grow into successful young adults, ready to face the further challenges of studying at university, apprenticeships, or the world of work.

“We are pleased that most of our students have achieved entry to their first-choice universities or apprenticeships. We wish them every success in their continuation of academic studies or at the beginning of their new careers.”

This excitement is set to continue as the college is set to open a newly renovated Sixth Form, named Ramsey Gatehouse Sixth Form in September.

Samantha Moore added: “These results lay the foundation for success that will build upon as we open our new Ramsey Gatehouse Sixth Form in the next few weeks – reflecting a new, exciting, and mature Sixth Form for students in our community. We look forward to welcoming a new cohort and continuing these fantastic achievements.”

Abbey College Sixth Form’s top performers included:

  • Elliott Allan who achieved A* in Maths, Further Maths and Physics and has an offer to study Engineering at the University of Cambridge (Gonville and Caius College)
  • Caitlyn Herbert who achieved an A* in Fine Art and A in Biology and Psychology and looks to continue her study of Psychology at the University of York
  • Eleanor Smith who achieved Distinctions in Applied Science, Business Studies and Engineering and will be completing an apprenticeship in Pharmaceutical Dispensary
  • Isla Radford achieved a Distinction in Applied Science and an A in Fine Art and B in Criminology and will study Forensic Science at Anglia Ruskin University
  • Teodora Rosu achieved excellent results in Chemistry, Maths and Biology and will be studying Chemistry at University College London

The Hunts post article can be found here and the Peterborough Matters article can be found here.