-0.62 to +0.43
These schools also deserve huge recognition of what they’ve done. And people should be looking at them and asking how this was achieved. A massive improvement in the opportunities of so many children.
Tom Bennett, 2024
At Ridgeway Secondary School, we are elated to announce a historic advancement in our academic performance. According to the latest Department for Education (DfE) league tables, our school has ascended 2,266 ranking places, distinguishing us as the most improved state secondary school in England.
In 2023, Ridgeway Secondary School held a Progress 8 score of -0.62, ranking 2,877th out of 3,372 secondary schools in the country—placing it in the bottom 15% of schools nationally. Today, Ridgeway boasts a Progress 8 score of +0.43, placing it 611th in the country and firmly within the top 18% of schools nationwide.
These outstanding results are the product of relentless improvement, driven by sheer hard work, resilience, and a determination to be the very best for the young people it serves. Ridgeway’s transformation comes alongside a 12% increase in student numbers in one year, with a further 20% increase projected for September 2025, reflecting growing confidence from parents and the wider community.
Shires Trust Supporting the Progress of Ridgeway Secondary School
Shires Trust has played a pivotal role in supporting the continued progress of Ridgeway Secondary School, offering a range of valuable resources and expertise. Through financial support, the Trust has helped ensure the school has the necessary funding for key projects, infrastructure improvements, and educational initiatives. Beyond finances, Shires Trust has bolstered Ridgeway’s growth by providing additional staffing, enhancing both teaching and administrative capabilities to meet the school’s evolving needs.
Additionally, the Trust has facilitated the sharing of best practices across its network, enabling Ridgeway’s staff to benefit from the knowledge and experience of colleagues within the Trust. This collaborative approach has fostered a culture of continuous improvement, driving innovation in teaching methods and enhancing student outcomes. Through these combined efforts, Shires Trust remains a steadfast partner in Ridgeway’s ongoing success and development.
GCSE Results: A Testament to Excellence
Progress 8 Score: Improved from -0.62 in 2023 to +0.43 in 2024, indicating extraordinary advancement in student progress across eight key subjects.
Leading the Way for Boys’ Progress
Ridgeway has also been recognised as the most improved school for boys’ progress. The Progress 8 score for boys rose by an extraordinary 1.31 points, from -0.81 in 2023 to +0.5 in 2024. In 2023, the school was ranked 2,678th in the country for boys’ progress. Now, we have climbed to 332nd, a phenomenal leap of 2,346 places, placing the school in the top 10% of schools nationally for boys’ progress. We are also proud to be ranked top in Worcestershire for boys’ overall progress.
Outstanding Progress in the EBacc
The transformation extends to the school’s performance in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), where we recorded a remarkable progress improvement of 1.25 points in just one year. The EBacc Progress 8 score rose from -0.58 in 2023 to an impressive +0.67 in 2024. We are ranked top in Worcestershire for progress in the EBacc.
Exceptional Progress in Core Subjects
The school’s success extends to English, Maths, and Science, where the school has achieved phenomenal progress:
- Science: With a value-added score of +0.94, Ridgeway is ranked 139th nationally, placing our Science progress in the top 4% of schools in the country. This represents a leap of 1,907 places in just one year. We are also recognised as the top school in Worcestershire for value-added in Science.
- Maths: Progress in Maths improved by an extraordinary 1.09 points, from -0.46 in 2023 to +0.63 in 2024, earning Ridgeway the title of top in Worcestershire for Mathematics progress and the third most improved in the country.
- English: English progress saw an impressive increase of 0.98 points, rising from -0.51 in 2023 to +0.47 in 2024. We are ranked second in Worcestershire for progress in English and the fifth most improved English progress in the country.
Regional and Local Performance
- First in Redditch for Progress 8
- Second in Worcestershire for Progress 8
- First in Worcestershire for Progress in Mathematics
- First in Worcestershire for Disadvantaged Students’ Progress in Mathematics and the Ebacc
- First in Worcestershire for value added in Science
- First in Worcestershire for Overall Progress for Boys
- Second in Worcestershire for progress in English
- First in Worcestershire for Progress in the Ebacc
From Inadequate to Outstanding Progress
This achievement is even more remarkable given the school’s history. In October 2021, Ridgeway Secondary School was judged as Inadequate by Ofsted. Since then, our dedicated team of staff have worked tirelessly to rebuild and transform the school. At the heart of this transformation lies a culture of excellence, high expectations, and a commitment to developing the whole person.
This transformation was driven by a commitment to the highest standards and a belief that every child can succeed. Through high quality teaching, high expectations, consistently applied routines and a supportive and aspirational school culture, Ridgeway has become a model for school improvement.
A Culture of Hard Work, Discipline, and Excellence
At the heart of our success is a school culture firmly rooted in hard work, discipline, and excellence. The school is about more than just numbers—it’s about people. Our transformation has been built on the foundation of strong relationships between students and staff, fostering an environment of trust, respect, and shared ambition. These bonds have empowered students to strive for excellence and achieve their full potential.
This remarkable transformation would not have been possible without the exceptional support and dedication of our staff and parents. Our teachers have gone above and beyond to inspire and guide our students, delivering high-quality education that motivates and empowers. Similarly, our parents have played a crucial role, offering unwavering encouragement and partnership in supporting their children’s success.
Together, we have cultivated an environment where every individual is valued, challenged, and supported to achieve their full potential.
Looking Ahead
Ridgeway Secondary School is excited to continue its upward trajectory, building on its successes to create even greater opportunities for its students.
The fantastic results that our students have achieved are proof that with hard work and belief in yourself, anything is possible. Their success is not only well-deserved but also inspirational. They have set a new benchmark for what can be achieved at Ridgeway and shown every student at this school that excellence isn’t just a dream—it’s a reality waiting to be achieved with enough dedication. This transformation is a shining example of how vision, resilience, and a commitment to high standards can bring about extraordinary change.
This historic progress is a collective triumph, reflecting the unity and commitment of the entire Ridgeway Secondary School community. We are proud of the hard work and dedication that have made these achievements possible, setting a new benchmark for educational excellence and a platform to continue a legacy of excellence by students who attend the school in future years.
As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on sustaining and building upon these accomplishments, ensuring that Ridgeway Secondary School continues to thrive and provide outstanding opportunities and educational outcomes for all our students.
