IN times of great austerity and with the restructuring of the comprehensive schools in Islwyn West under the 21st Century School Programme, it is extremely pleasing to note that, in these circumstances, Blackwood Comprehensive School has achieved so much success this past year whilst also giving so much back to the community.


Last year, at GCSE 21.6 per cent of all Blackwood Comprehensive School pupils entered for the exams were graded as A*/A. This was well above the Welsh average of 19.2 per cent. In addition, 66.8 per cent of all entries at GCSE were graded at A*- C. This was also above the Welsh average of 65.5 per cent.
In addition, every pupil achieved a recognised qualification. Blackwood Comprehensive School became the first Welsh secondary school to be re-accredited with Investors in Families and awarded the Basic Skills Quality Standard in recognition of the outstanding work that they do to support pupils in basic skills target groups.
They were recently awarded Sports Leader UK Leadership Academy status, only the second school in Wales to achieve this award and were also awarded a second Green Flag.
The pupils and staff also raised over £2,500 for local charities and organisations throughout a truly successful and memorable year. Congratulations!
Andrew Farina-Childs, Parent Governor, Blackwood Comprehensive School