BGA and FGA Recognised by the Secretary of State for Education

Bronte Girls’ Academy and Feversham Girls’ Secondary Academy have been formally recognised by the Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, for their exceptional outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.

The schools, part of the iExel Education Trust, received letters congratulating staff and students on their outstanding performance in the 2024/25 academic year, placing them among the highest-performing schools nationally for disadvantaged learners.

In her message, the Secretary of State praised the dedication of staff, the ambition of pupils and the strong culture of achievement that has driven these successes. She also encouraged the schools to share their effective practice with others and to take a leading role in supporting improvement across the education system through collaboration, professional networks and the Department for Education’s Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) programme.

Dr Tim Coulson, Director General for the Department for Education’s Regions Group, confirmed that both academies were included in a select list of schools within iExel Education Trust recognised for their impact.

Khurshid Khan -  CEO of iExel Education Trust, said:

“We are immensely proud of the students and staff at Bronte Girls’ Academy and Feversham Girls’ Academy. This national recognition is a powerful testament to years of dedication, high expectations and an unwavering belief that every young person, whatever their background,  deserves the opportunity to succeed.

These achievements reflect the strength of our communities, the ambition of our pupils and the relentless commitment of our colleagues across the Trust. “

The Trust remains committed to sustaining excellence for disadvantaged pupils while working closely with regional partners to raise standards for all through engagement with RISE networks, professional communities and sector-wide collaboration.

This recognition underlines iExel Education Trust’s mission to create brighter futures for everyone through high-quality education, strong outcomes and transformational opportunities.

Dear Colleague,

Congratulations to you and your team on the excellent outcomes the disadvantaged pupils at your school achieved at the end of the 2024/25 academic year. Your school’s performance places it among the very best nationally, and this is a significant achievement.

This success reflects the dedication of your staff and the hard work of your pupils. It shows what can be achieved when ambition and commitment come together. Thank you for everything you do to give children the best possible opportunities to succeed.

Your school’s achievements demonstrate what is possible, and I hope you will continue to share your experience and best practice with others. Even the strongest schools can go further. We encourage you to lead the way as a system leader - sharing effective practice, championing networks, supporting collaboration, and helping raise standards across the sector.

There are real opportunities available for you to support improvement for a wider group of pupils including through:

• engaging actively with your region’s RISE networks and partnering with nearby schools and trusts;
• contributing to regional roundtables and professional communities to spread the approaches that are working in your context; and
• sustaining excellence by continuing to focus on disadvantaged pupils

Please pass on my thanks and congratulations to your staff and pupils. I look forward to working with you as we strive together to raise standards for all.

Bridget Phillipson
Secretary of State for Education