by Graham Tutthill

There are celebrations at Astor College for the Arts this week following the “fantastic success” of the early entry GCSE English students.

More than 43 per cent of students passed at grade C or above.

Staff say they have noticed a significant culture change in the learning process involving examination students in Year 11.

“This will greatly increase employment chances in the future careers of students,” said head of college Carol Donovan.

“Allied to this, there has been a 44 per cent drop in fixed term exclusions, without lowering the very tough stance that the college has historically taken on discipline and behaviour.

“The employment of highly dedicated and skilled pastoral managers who work closely with students, parents and teaching staff has had a massive impact.

“I am highly delighted at these results and I would like to pay tribute to the hard work of the students, the invaluable support of parents and the dedication of the teaching staff.”

Chris Russell, chief executive of the Dover Federation for the Arts, said: “This is terrific news and I am very proud of everyone involved in this achievement.

“When matched against projected GCSE maths grades it is clear that by the end of the summer, Astor will be above the Secretary of State’s crude threshold of 30 per cent five A* to C grades including English and maths.

“This also makes a nonsense of his pressure upon schools in challenging circumstances who were below that figure in 2009 and the 'one size fits all’ view that these schools should close and/or be subject to structural change.

“Astor has always prided itself on being different, offering wonderful enriching opportunities to is students.

“These include sport, performing in professional theatres abroad including a national theatre, power lifting for England and Great Britain, being a member of the CCF, in addition to the incredibly varied extra curricular opportunities on offer.”