Guilsborough Academy Open Events: Year 7 & Sixth Form

You can tour the academy at the open events in October | Image: Guilsborough Academy

placeholder image — You can tour the academy at the open events in October | Image: Guilsborough Academy

Guilsborough Academy is opening its doors this autumn, inviting families to see first-hand what makes the Academy such a vibrant, ambitious and supportive place to learn.

The events will give prospective Year 7 and Sixth Form students the chance to experience life at Guilsborough Academy, meet staff and students, and explore the opportunities available.

Across two open evenings, visitors will be able to tour the Academy, explore key facilities, speak with subject specialists and meet the students who help bring the school’s values to life every day. Families will also learn more about the curriculum, pastoral support, enrichment programme and the wide range of opportunities that help students grow in confidence, character and ambition.

For those considering Sixth Form, the evening will offer detailed guidance on study programmes, enrichment, university pathways, apprenticeships and future careers, with staff and current students available to answer questions and share their experiences.

Prospective families are warmly invited to attend the following open events:

· Year 7 Open Evening: Thursday 8 October, 5pm–8pm

· Sixth Form Open Evening: Thursday 5 November, 6pm–8pm

The events come at an exciting time for Guilsborough Academy, following strong examination results, national recognition for attendance, continued success in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme and a growing reputation for student wellbeing and personal development.

A school community with achievement, opportunity and care at its heart

Guilsborough Academy’s open evenings offer a clear view of student experience | Image: Guilsborough Academy

Guilsborough Academy is celebrating another successful year of results. At A-level, 96 per cent of students secured their first or insurance university choice, reflecting strong outcomes across subjects and effective guidance for next steps. The Academy is also proud that its 2025 A-level results placed it in the top 25% of schools and colleges for value-added progress across the Alps network.

A year of exceptional achievements of its Year 11 students, whose GCSE results are a powerful testament to the determination, resilience, and ambition of its students, supported by the unwavering dedication of its staff and families.

With there being an increased focus nationally on students with a disadvantage and also students with additional needs, the school is delighted to have seen improvements in its outcomes especially in English and maths where the number achieving either a grade 4 or 5 in both subjects has increased opening even more doors for them as they take their next steps.

A-level

· Bella Banks and Olivia Carter achieved A*A*A.

· Ben Hession and Harry Glissman-Hill with A*AA.

· Oliver Penberthy achieved AAA.

We are also proud of those that made incredible progress from their GCSE results, including Erin Hall, Matilda Jones, Brooke Stephens, Matias Lopez-Biggin and Ayla Morritt.

GCSE

· Sophia Smurthwaite achieved 8 grade 9s and 2 grade 8s. Sophia also scored a maximum 240 marks across the 3 papers, not dropping a single one.

· Sam Copping achieved 8 grade 9s, 1 grade 8 and 1 grade 7

· Eleanor Anokorang, 7 grade 9s and 2 grade 8s

· Wrenn Cooper 4 grade 9s and 4 grade 8s.

· Congratulations also go to Freya Faeling who not only achieved 6 grade 9s and 3 grade 8s but has also been recognised by the OCR exam board as being one of the highest performers in her Fine Art course.

“This recognition reflects the incredible dedication of our staff, students, and wider school community. Every lesson, every late night, every moment of support has helped us reach this milestone — and we couldn’t be prouder,” said Mr Simon Frazer, Principal.

More than lessons: enrichment, leadership and life-changing experiences

Students can enjoy popular clubs like football, rugby and netball | Image: Guilsborough Academy

Enrichment

Students at Guilsborough Academy benefit from a broad and inclusive enrichment programme before school, at lunchtime and after school. Popular clubs include football, rugby and netball, alongside specialist opportunities such as equestrian and golf teams.

Pathways cater for both participation and performance, with regular inter-school fixtures and opportunities to represent the academy. Specialist options include equestrian and golf teams, giving students the chance to train purposefully, develop technique and build teamwork in less common school sports.

The school also has art classes, and Warhammer, chess and book clubs, giving a varied mix for all pupils.

Leadership is woven throughout school life, from sports captains to event volunteers, helping students develop confidence, communication skills and a strong sense of service.

Outside of the classroom

The school is proud to support students both inside and outside the classroom, encouraging them to pursue their talents, ambitions and interests at every level. This support is reflected in the exceptional achievements of its students, including one who has represented Team GB in sailing, another who has progressed to become part of the British Ice-Skating Development Squad and will be competing at the British Championships, and a student who is already making their mark as a karting champion. These accomplishments demonstrate the dedication, resilience and determination of our students, as well as the importance of recognising and celebrating success beyond the classroom.

Trips

Recent trips and visits have included Naples, CERN in Geneva, Rome, Sorrento and Tanzania, giving students the chance to extend their learning well beyond the classroom.

Experiences in Tanzania nurture global awareness and character, combining challenge, cultural learning and teamwork. Staff design trips to complement curriculum aims, reinforce resilience and curiosity.

The DofE programme continues to thrive at the Academy | Image: Guilsborough Academy

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award success continues to grow

The Academy’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme continues to thrive, with growing participation across Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.

A particular highlight was the successful Gold Training Expedition in the North Eastern Fells of Cumbria in late March. Thirteen students took part, demonstrating impressive teamwork, resilience and determination throughout the expedition.

The DofE programme continues to thrive at the Academy, with regular Bronze and Silver training sessions delivered by staff during lunchtimes and after school around students’ existing timetables. These sessions have been extremely well attended, helping participants develop the skills and confidence needed for their awards.

Five of our outstanding students have completed and celebrated their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award - a truly remarkable achievement after months of commitment, resilience, and adventure.

“We are incredibly proud of everything they’ve accomplished and the example they set for others,” said Mr Simon Frazer.

Attendance and wellbeing recognised nationally

Guilsborough Academy is also celebrating Spring Term attendance that placed the school in the top 25% of FFT secondary schools nationally — an achievement that reflects the commitment of students, families and staff.

FFT analyses daily attendance data from thousands of schools across the country, making this recognition a significant accomplishment and one that we are immensely proud to celebrate. In a time when schools nationwide continue to face attendance challenges, this result highlights the outstanding attitudes, resilience and determination shown by our students each and every day.

Excellent attendance is one of the strongest indicators of student success. Being in school consistently supports academic achievement, strengthens wellbeing, builds confidence and ensures students can take full advantage of the opportunities available to them both inside and outside the classroom. This award demonstrates the value the school’s students, families and staff place on education and the positive culture they continue to build together.

A caring culture where students can thrive

Wellbeing is central to life at Guilsborough Academy. With a Gold School Mental Health Award from the Carnegie Centre of Excellence and recognition through the Thrive Approach, the Academy places emotional development, safety and support at the heart of student experience.

Trained advocates promote positive mental health, guide peers to appropriate support and help normalise help-seeking. The school places wellbeing in daily routines through tutor time activities, age-appropriate workshops and exam-preparation strategies that emphasise healthy study habits. The school has officially met the criteria to use the “We’ve Introduced Thrive” logo.

This recognition highlights its commitment to supporting the emotional wellbeing and development of its students through the Thrive Approach.

Staff receive ongoing training so pupils encounter consistent language and approaches around safeguarding, attendance and early support, ensuring barriers to learning are identified and addressed promptly.

Visit Guilsborough Academy this autumn

Save the dates for the open events: