At Frewen we support young people across a very wide ability spectrum, from those capable of obtaining up to eight or more GCSEs at Grades 9 - 4, to those for whom a combination of Level 1, Functional Skills and Entry Level passes represent an excellent personal achievement.

Due to their dyslexia, and the fact that they have not received sufficient levels of specialist support in their previous schools, students' scores upon joining the school are often well behind what would normally be expected for their age, particularly in English and Maths.

Our small classes focus on encouragement, and the use of dyslexia-appropriate strategies to help us achieve our aim of ensuring that each pupil makes as much progress as possible, given their starting point, when they join us.

All pupils are tested to establish baseline scores, and progress is monitored regularly to ensure that they are making the necessary progress. Regular, targeted literacy support helps pupils to increase their reading, writing and spelling scores. Many pupils qualify for, and receive, additional time or support (readers, scribes, use of assistive technology) in external examinations. 

In Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) the school offers a wide range of subjects, and examinations include GCSE and other Level 2 courses (Creative iMedia, BTEC, Functional Skills Level 2) as well as Level 1 courses (Level 1 Functional Skills). All students study English, Maths and Science, plus options, including Humanities, Arts, Technology and Sports subjects, and may take up to 8 GCSEs, or 9 if they choose to study a Modern Foreign Language.

 

Exam Results June 2025

GCSE and Equivalent (Level 2 courses)

69% of GCSEs were at Grade 4 or above. 

64% of our Year 11 Cohort achieved at least 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above; with 47% of students achieving at least 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and Maths. 

This demonstrates outstanding progress for our students, when compared to the National Data which stated that 21.9% of young people with SPLD have 5 GCSE's including English and Maths at Grade 4 or above.*  

*Addressing the dyslexia GCSE divide: urgent call for educational reform - British Dyslexia Association

There were notable performances in the following subjects: 

• Hospitality & Catering and Performing Arts BTECs both saw 100% of students achieving a Level 2 pass or above (equivalent of a GCSE Grade 5)
• 75% + students taking Digital Skills (BTEC); GCSE DT, BTEC Music, GCSE English Literature achieved a Grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
• 73% of students achieved a Grade 4 + in GCSE Maths

On arrival at Frewen College students take the CAT4, this give teaching staff a predicted grade for GCSE courses. Over 50% of our Year 11 cohort exceeded their CAT predicted grade by up to 2 grades. 

 

Sixth Form Courses

Our Sixth Form students study both Level 2 BTEC, Level 3 A-levels and BTEC qualifications. Courses are offered across a wide range of subjects, including Art & Design, Business Studies, Catering, Engineering, History, Media, Music Performance. 

In Summer 2025, we maintained our 100% pass rate for all Sixth Form courses, with 50% of our Level 3 cohort achieving a Distinction in their chosen courses.