12 July 2011

The Academy has excelled in its first set of public secondary examination results. Sixth Form students studying the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD) attained above the national average point score, and top student, Martha Sanderson, achieved 43 points out of a maximum of 45, the equivalent of 5 A* passes at A level.

The Principal, Paul Hollingum, says, ‘These results vindicate our decision to take on such a hard programme of study and to be one of the very few state schools to attempt the IBD. Teachers and students at St Mary Magdalene Academy should be congratulated on these fantastic results. The teachers embraced a whole new philosophy of education and our students worked incredibly hard across a very broad curriculum.’

The Academy chose to offer the more academic International Baccalaureate Diploma, instead of the traditional A levels, because of its rigour, breadth and pathway to higher education. Students select six subjects including mathematics, English and a language. The international dimension and inclusion of community service in the compulsory core curriculum also complements the school’s specialism of humanities and global citizenship.

The average IB score per student at St Mary Magdalene Academy was 32.2, compared with a national average of 29.

Historically, the IBD has been the preserve of Independent or Grammar schools, so our results reflect an outstanding achievement by Academy students. Our average score is equivalent to 2A* and an A grade at A level and 86 per cent of our students gained the equivalent of 3 A grade A levels. Our results are a success for our students, the Academy and for Islington.

Find out more about the IB Diploma and the application process for 2012 entry.