MP For Thirsk and Malton Visits Outwood Academy Easingwold

Local MP, Kevin Hollinrake, has visited a local secondary academy to hear about the exciting sporting facilities currently under construction and meet with students to discuss the academy’s excellent progress.

The MP for Thirsk and Malton made a trip to Outwood Academy Easingwold to speak with staff and students about the progress at the academy since it joined the Outwood Family, and discuss his experiences as a politician to give students an insight.

The academy had the top performing sixth-form in North Yorkshire last year, above both private and selective schools. An incredible 83% of students who took maths at A-Level at the academy achieved an A* or A grade, with 25% of all A-Level students exams being graded at A* or A.

The outstanding achievement of the students resulted in 46% of students going on to study at Russell Group universities, the top group of universities.

While at the academy, the MP was also given a tour of, and update on, the construction work currently taking place at the academy on new sports facilities that will benefit both the academy’s students and wider community.

Kevin Hollinrake MP said: “It was great to visit Outwood Academy Easingwold and speak with the staff and students about the fantastic results the students have achieved, making the academy the highest performing sixth-form in North Yorkshire, and the exciting sporting facilities that are currently being built.

“Once completed, the community will benefit from having first-class sports facilities, including the community’s first 3G sports pitch. It is always nice to visit the schools across the constituency and see the wonderful community spirit on show.”

Thanks to the developments at the York-Road based secondary academy, in addition to a new 3G sports pitch, the community will also benefit for a new sports hall which is due to be completed in the coming months.

The new sports hall will provide a four court facility and each changing room will have accessible individual shower cubicles and internal entrances for wet/dry changing.

Laura Eddery, Principal at Outwood Academy Easingwold, said:

“We are always delighted to welcome our local MP into the academy. It is a real treat for the students and you can see how incredibly engaged they are when they are discussing academy life with Mr Hollinrake MP.

“At Outwood we believe in playing a key role in the regeneration of  the communities we are privileged to serve and the construction of the 3G pitch and sports hall are examples of this. We want the facilities to not only benefit the students who attend our academy, but also the wider community.”

Last year’s GCSE results were also discussed, with Outwood Academy Easingwold students achieving 116 grade 9's in the exams, with 68% of students achieving Grade 5 or higher and the 86% of students achieving Grade 4 or higher in English and Maths in their exams.

French, Spanish, Latin, music, drama and hospitality and catering all achieved a progress score greater than one, meaning that students on average achieved a grade higher than expected in these areas.

The academy’s principal added:

“We are so proud of the progress we are making at Outwood Academy Easingwold. Last year’s exam results, both A-Level and GCSE are a great highlight of this progress.”

During the visit, the MP also sat down for a brief Q&A with some students, which saw him discuss his role as an MP and life in general as a politician. Some lucky Year 7 students were also presented their Star Student certificates and were congratulated by Mr Hollinrake.