Slough Children First has been celebrating the incredible achievement of the children in their care who received their GCSE results on Thursday. After what has been an incredibly challenging year for all children, those who Slough Children First is responsible for have gone beyond all expectations.
On the Attainment 8 scale, the measurement of a student’s performance in their GCSEs, three-quarters of the twelve who took their GCSEs this year exceeded the previous national average for Children Looked After while the other quarter exceeded the national average for all children.
The former group includes a student who, just two years ago, had been repeatedly excluded from school, and another student who, until they were moved to a new school by Slough Children First, had largely been educated in the corridor as their school wouldn’t let them in the class.
Children in care haven’t just faced the challenges of Covid and lockdown over the last year, they have also faced the challenges of their circumstances, the trauma and rejection they have so often experienced in their lives.
“I would like to pay tribute to the children whose results are a testament to their hard work and determination. I could not be any prouder of them for what they have achieved,” said Anne Bunce, Head Teacher at the Virtual School. “I am grateful to the team at Slough Children First and the schools who have fought so hard to see their children succeed.”
“As lead member for children’s services and as a corporate parent, I congratulate all our children looked after for their grit and determination in overcoming huge personal barriers to succeed in their education, particularly during the Covid pandemic,” said Cllr Christine Hulme, lead member for children’s services, lifelong learning and skills at Slough Borough Council. “I particularly thank the staff and professionals, including our foster carers, for everything they do in supporting a very special group of children.”
The Virtual School at Slough Children First supports all children in their care, enhancing their life chances by aspiring for them and being their education advocate through promotion of achievement and equality of opportunity. The service also provides advice and training and support their teachers, school staff, school governors, education support services, social workers, residential key workers, parents and foster carers.
