The recently released 2024 GCSE and A Level results were exceptionally strong with both year groups securing attainment and progress scores well above national averages. The outgoing Year 11 students secured an extraordinary set of results with a grade average of above a 6 (former high Grade B) against a national average of just above a Grade 4, and 78% of the cohort secured a good pass (Grade 5+) in English and Maths against a national average of just over 40%. At A Level, for the third year running, the average NSB grade for 750 entries was a Grade B against a national average around half a grade lower and the vast majority of Year 13 students secured a place at / on their first choice university course or apprenticeship option. Further details for both sets of NSB results can be found in these two press releases: 

GCSE Press Release

A Level Press Release

 

Despite it being the summer break there has been plenty of NSB current and former student success to celebrate:

Year 13 leaver and Deputy Head Boy, Haroon Kherry was interviewed by BBC radio Northampton over the summer and also featured on BBC news, for his inspirational work in founding the Northampton Youth Community group, which is helping to tackle hate crime towards young people on social media. Please find the link to the BBC report below.

BBC News Report

 

Esther Pembroke, Nathanial Doy and Florence Rodgers from Year 13 will be playing together as part of 'The Vandervalls' band on the invitation only BBC 'Introducing Stage' this Sunday in Northampton. Esther started the band over two years ago, and it has performed across Northamptonshire and venues in MK and Corby, singing/playing all of Esther's own compositions. This is an amazing achievement as the band was selected to perform from over 200 entries with final confirmation of their selection coming directly to Esther from the BBC’s Kerrie Cosh. The band will be performing on stage at 2pm this Sunday on Guildhall Road near the theatre/museum and they would love to be supported by as many people as possible from the NSB community.

 

Two former NSB students have also been hitting the headlines for their music achievements:

Billy Baker will be performing piano works by Bach, Chopin, Schubert, and his own original compositions at St Matthew’s Church, Northampton on Saturday 28th September. Billy will be supporting @thelewisfoundation, who help source, package, and hand deliver free gifts and support packs to adult cancer patients across the country each week.

Tickets are available on the door to purchase with credit/debit card and you can read more about Billy's recital here:

https://www.stmatthewsnorthampton.org.uk//music-forthcoming_musical_events.php

 

 

 

Billy Lockett appeared on ITV's talent show 'The Voice' last Saturday - building from his NSB XX Factor win when he wowed the staff judges in Year 11! There was a sensational four chair turn during his TV performance, with Billy settling on  Tom and Danny from McFly as his mentors. Billy has been a fantastic supporter of NSB, working closely with some of NSB's most gifted young musical talent - most recently singer / song writer, Evan Fallon from Year 9 and he also employed Miss Harvey and Mrs Rodger as his backing singers in a recent summer sell-out concert at Hyde Park!

 

Many congratulations also to former student Scarlett Humphrey who has performed brilliantly at the Paris Paralympic making five finals and only narrowly finishing outside the medals. Scarlett and her twin Eliza, race in the S11 visually impaired category and are required to wear completely blackened goggles in competition. Scarlett was a truly inspirational student during her time in the Sixth Form at NSB and it is wonderful to  hear of her continued  phenomenal  progress. An excellent article on her performances during the Paris Games has been released by Eurosport here:  Scarlett Humphrey seeks individual medal in the pool at maiden Paralympics - Eurosport

 

Next Friday (September 13^th), the First XV have their first ' The School Championship' round (invitation tournament for 7 of the top rugby schools in the country) at home to Ipswich School, which is being live streamed (link will be placed on the NSB Sport X account next week). Kick off is at 6.30pm on the First Team pitch and spectators are welcome.

Finally, tickets have been released for the Senior Production of Shrek - The Musical. This is the final NSB production for our Year 13 leavers, before heading off to university.  The show will be on 15th September and will start at 7pm. Tickets are available via the link below:

 

 

 

Richard Bernard

Headteacher