Academic Outcomes

Updated September 2026

Strong and sustained improvement in outcomes – 

Fermain Academic Outcomes 2023-2026

We continue to make strong progress in academic outcomes with out students, with attainment improving significantly over the past three years. Our Attainment 8 score has increased by 35% between 2024 and 2026. This compares positively with the national Alternative Provision trend, which has declined over the same period. Fermain’s 2026 Attainment 8 score is over three times the national AP figure.

There has also been improvement in the individual English and Mathematics measures. The English Attainment 8 score has increased from 4.0 to 4.5, while the mathematics score has risen from 3.4 to 3.8. Again, this compares positively with the National Alternative Provision picture – 1.3 and 1.8 respectively and also bucking the national trend which is down in both areas.

The breadth of qualifications achieved by our pupils has also increased significantly. In 2026, every Fermain pupil achieved at least four GCSE or equivalent qualifications, with 96% achieving five or more, 85% achieving six or more, 58% achieving seven or more and almost a third achieving eight or more qualifications. This represents substantial improvement over time, with the proportion achieving eight or more qualifications rising from 0% in 2024 to 31% in 2026. The proportion achieving seven or more has increased from 35% to 58%, while those achieving six or more has risen from 63% to 85%.

We are very proud of the positive outcomes that our students are achieving. It is particularly impressive when given the starting points and previous educational experiences of many of our pupils. The data demonstrates a sustained upward trajectory in attainment and reflects the impact of Fermain’s focus on re-engagement, high expectations, personalised support and providing pupils with the opportunity to achieve meaningful qualifications.