Bethany School has entered candidates for GSCE examinations for the past 17 years. The average pass rate for each subject is given in the chart below. We will be entering candidates for Drama in 2012. Bethany is a non- selective school and we enter all pupils for GCSE examinations, most taking 9 subjects. The chart shows the percentage A*- C pass rate in each subject.

Bethany School GCSE Results

Most pupils leave Bethany School and move into a sixth form or attend courses at the Sheffield College. Some  have gained employment straight from school and some are still working towards their first further education qualifications.

Extracts from the Bethany School Inspection Report (March 2010)

Evaluation of the school

‘The provision for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding in all respects and reflects the school’s core Christian values.  Pupils are very responsive to their teachers and the opportunities provided through school life; their behaviour is invariably outstanding.’

‘The school’s provision is based firmly on biblical teachings and Christian beliefs which are embedded within and throughout the curriculum at key points.’

‘School records show the high level of success of Year 11 pupils in public examinations.’

‘Bethany School is successful in meeting its aims.  It works effectively in partnership with parents to provide a lively and attractive family learning environment.  It nurtures sensitively Christian beliefs and provides pupils of all ages and abilities, including the youngest in the Early Years Foundation Stage and those with special learning needs, with a good quality of education.  Records of the achievements of pupils in public examinations over several years reflect the progress that pupils make as they move through the school.  Both the quality of the curriculum and teaching are good and both have outstanding features.’

The ‘Family Afternoon’ when parents work with their children is a distinctive and notably successful part of the school’s curriculum.’

‘The quality of information provided for parents is a strength of the school.’
‘The quality of teaching and assessment is good throughout the school.  Teaching has a number of outstanding features and overall is of a consistently high quality.’
‘Pupils confirm that they are well cared for, that they appreciate the support provided by their teachers and that they enjoy being at the school.  Their view is supported overwhelmingly by the parents who praise the work of the school and staff.’

‘The high quality of planning and teaching in general provides effective support for pupils to make good progress relative to the ages and abilities.’
‘The high quality of pupils’ behaviour is supported by the caring ethos of the school, the positive relationships at all levels, the effective organisation of learning and the teachers’ skilful classroom management.’
‘Teaching addresses the learning needs of pupils with special learning needs and the statement of special educational need very well.’
‘The behaviour of pupils in class and around the school is outstanding.

Pupils are very keen to learn and are motivated to do so by the teaching they receive and the positive role-models they have in their teachers.  They are confident, polite, respectful, caring and supportive of one another.  Pupils are encouraged to use their initiative through contributing to a number of charities and local community events supported by the school.’
‘The provision for Early Years Foundation Stage pupils at Bethany School is good.  Some of the teaching is outstanding.’
‘Pupils respond extremely well to the calm and ordered atmosphere set by the staff so their behaviour is outstanding.’
‘Pupils develop good communication skills relative to their ages.  Supported by the positive learning atmosphere they experience in lessons throughout the curriculum, they make good progress and develop good speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills.  The progress made in speaking and listening is exemplified by the thoughtful and confident response of the oldest pupils to questions about their life at school and their future aspirations.’
‘Pupils feel safe and trust staff as shown by a Year 11 pupil’s comment, ‘I have grown in confidence, feel safe and have been prepared well to move on to the next stage of my life.’’
‘Letters kept by the school from past pupils express their appreciation of the spiritual and moral foundations laid in their lives whilst they attended Bethany School’

(Full report available on: www.bridgeschoolsinspectorate.co.uk).

Value for Money

Bethany School was established 25 years ago  and has always been funded, not by charging fees, but through voluntary contributions from parents, supplemented by gifts from supporters. Also, some local Trusts have helped from time to time. This means that we have a proven track record for prudence and value for money.  This year (2011-2012) we will run the school on less than £2500 per pupil.

The Sheffield Christian Free School will be a state school, fully-funded by the Free School initiative and we will be able to apply our considerable financial experience to providing value for money when using public funds.