Strong results and a culture of aspiration across Gateway Learning Community
Pupils across the Gateway Learning Community (GLC) are celebrating a strong summer of achievement. All four primary academies reported outcomes above national averages, two achieved their best SATs results to date, and Gateway Academy recorded the highest GCSE results in its history.
These achievements reflect the hard work of pupils, staff and families. They also sit within a wider culture of high expectations, strong relationships and meaningful opportunities for young people to lead and contribute to their community.
Strong primary outcomes
GLC brings together Gateway Primary Free School, Herringham Primary Academy, Lansdowne Primary Academy and Tilbury Pioneer Academy, alongside the secondary Gateway Academy.
In its summer 2026 parent newsletter, GLC reported that results across its primary academies were above national averages. It also highlighted above-national phonics outcomes and particularly strong performance in the multiplication tables check.
Reading has been a particular focus. GLC described 80% of pupils as moving to secondary school as confident readers who read for knowledge and pleasure. This is GLC's broader description of pupils' reading confidence rather than a published statutory attainment measure. The trust also identified greater-depth attainment as a strength in several areas.
Two schools reported record outcomes: Gateway Primary Free School and Lansdowne Primary Academy both achieved their best SATs results to date.
These outcomes provide pupils with a strong foundation for secondary education and reflect the sustained work of pupils, staff and families across GLC's primary academies.
Gateway Academy's highest-ever GCSE results
At secondary level, Gateway Academy achieved the strongest GCSE results in its history.
Twenty-eight per cent of students achieved grade 7 or above in English and 26% achieved grade 7 or above in mathematics. The academy also reported an Attainment 8 score above the national average, although the precise score has not yet been published.
Students performed strongly across English, mathematics, science, humanities, languages and creative subjects. This breadth is important: it reflects an educational approach that values rigorous academic learning alongside creativity and personal development.
The results are a tribute to the determination and resilience of Gateway's Year 11 students and to the teachers, support staff, leaders and families who encouraged them throughout their education.
Achievement, voice and community
GLC's ambition extends beyond examination results. Its mission is to help young people become active and thriving citizens within a diverse, fair and equal community.
Pupils are expected to work hard academically, but they are also given opportunities to lead, perform, debate local issues, meet employers and contribute to community projects. These experiences help develop the confidence, aspiration and sense of belonging that support success in the classroom.
Through All Creating Our Futures, head pupils and student leaders gather pupil views, promote ambition and help shape opportunities across GLC's academies. Careers weeks and fairs connect pupils with employers, community partners and different routes into further study and work.
Pupil voice is intended to lead to action. At Tilbury Pioneer Academy, school council members shared the findings of a pupil survey with local MP Jen Craft and proposed improvements to their community. Young people across GLC have also participated in environmental projects and worked with community organisations to plan events and activities.
Families and local partners are closely involved in academy life. Through Thriving Families: Equity for All, GLC is developing practical ways to support parents and carers and strengthen their participation in children's learning.
Arts festivals, careers activities, wellbeing projects and cultural celebrations provide further opportunities for pupils, families and community partners to work together. The community Windrush celebration and GLC Summer Arts Festival, for example, connected young people and families through music, dance, poetry, languages and shared cultural experiences.
Academic achievement, pupil agency and community engagement are not separate ambitions. High expectations are most powerful when young people feel known, supported and trusted - and when families and communities are actively involved in their education.
"These results show what can happen when high expectations are combined with strong relationships and meaningful opportunities for young people to lead. GLC's pupils are achieving academically while developing the confidence, responsibility and aspiration to contribute to their communities."
James Murray, Chief Executive of Ormiston Trust
Ormiston Trust is proud to sponsor GLC and congratulates all the pupils and students celebrating their achievements this summer.
We thank the staff, families, governors and community partners who have supported them. We also recognise the leadership of GLC Chief Executive Viki Reid, Chair Lynda Pritchard, Gateway Academy Headteacher Grainne McLaughlin and the leaders of GLC's four primary academies.
The strongest measure of GLC's success is not only that its young people achieve strong results, but that they leave ready to become active and thriving citizens - and determined to keep improving upon their best.
