Virtual Compass Proves A Hit All Round!

Live lessons, assemblies and Learning Family time are proving a hit, with pupils really engaging in the rich learning experiences at Compass. We marked Holocaust Memorial Day with a sobering assembly reflecting on the Holocaust and genocides across the world through the eyes of those who have survived these. Year 10 had the privilege of meeting Holocaust survivor John Hadu who was impressed by their mature questions. Mr May and Mr Young have been working with students in Drama to produce fantastic short stories, Compass art students have been continuing to hone their skills of observation and technique and our enrichments, onsite and online continue to encourage student exploration. Find out more about what’s been happening at Compass in our Community Bulletin.

New The Charter School Bermondsey building for September 2023

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A brand new school for our community!

Work is well on the way on our new building which was approved by the Mayor of London last year. With state-of-the-art learning and sports facilities, the new The Charter School Bermondsey building will facilitate fantastic education for our young people.

The school is an integral part of the Grosvenor Britain & Ireland’s masterplan for the area and it’s being built first. That means pupils can move into a brand new bespoke campus and get learning as soon as possible!

From Science labs to a rooftop multi-use games arena and exceptional visual and performing arts facilities, the new The Charter School Bermondsey is an inspiring learning environment, with everything pupils need to thrive.

Getting back to school in September

The Charter School Bermondsey has been open from the 2nd June for the children of critical workers and pupils who are vulnerable. Then subsequently, we made on-site provision for year 10 pupils to have face to face session with their teachers before the summer holiday. The school made provision to support pupils and their families during the lock-down period to ensure the continuity of their education, their safety and well-being.

We are excited about reopening in September and have written to all families in our Start of Term Letterwith information about our return and the adjustments we have made to do so safely and in line with DfE guidance.

Find out more about school re-opening

Compass back to to school video
UK Gov Covid 19 page
Statement from chief medical officer
Returning to secondary school: what parents need to know

New home for The Charter School Bermondsey as Mayor of London approves plans

The new site, which is adjacent to the current building, will enjoy state-of-the-art facilities including dedicated spaces to promote sports, well-being and regular community access.

The Mayor of London has approved Grosvenor Britain & Ireland’s planning application for the development of the former Biscuit Factory and Bermondsey Campus, after a public hearing at City Hall on 21st February. This means the community will get its new school.

Headteacher Marcus Huntley said: “It’s a fantastic day for our community and those who have fought for our pupils’ right to have the very best facilities.”

“We are a resilient community and despite occupying temporary premises for the past 7 years, have made the most of our facilities and ensured our pupils receive a high standard of education.”

“Now we look forward to an even brighter future for the school, continuing to build on our aspirations, achievements and academic success.”

Chair of Trustees, Doug Lewis said: “This begins a new chapter for our school and we look forward to a continuing partnership with Grosvenor as we seek to establish The Charter School Bermondsey as the school of choice for our community.”

“The school will be the first phase of the development, which is very reassuring. We look forward to work starting in the near future and to the school being delivered without further delay.”

Fantastic set of GCSE results!

There was much celebration at The Charter School Bermondsey as Year 11 pupils received their GCSE resultson Thursday 22ndAugust. In just our second year of GCSEs, pupils have achieved outcomes in line with national expectations and with some stunning performances.  

It was a story of progress across the board with a significant improvement in the schools Progress 8 score. These outcomes are set to radically alter the school’s league table position in the borough and DfE performance tables. 

Overall 57% of pupils achieved the grade 9-4 benchmark in English and Mathematics and 30% achieved grade 5 and above in these. Further, 61% achieved 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, while 41% achieved 5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above. 

Special congratulations go to our top performing student, Laila Dehileswho achieved 2 grade 9s and 3 grade 8s amongst her suite of 10 GCSE all scoring grades 7-9.  

“I’m going to Kingsdaleand I would like to study English and get involved in the arts!”Laila 

Andrews Agyei closely matched Laila’s performance with 2 grade 9s and 3 grade 8s among his 10 qualifications. 

“I am so happyand I thank all the teachers for their efforts. The teachers have helped us so much since we came to the country and we are really grateful for everything they have done.”Andrews’ mum 

There were several standout performances by subjects including 63% of pupils achieving grade 5 or above in English and nearly a quarter of entries achieving top grades 7-9. Other areas of strength included Mathematics, Science, Spanish, Sport, Art and Business Studies all making significant improvements on 2018. 

These results follow on from our very first cohort to sit the new, demanding GCSEs last year. Those results set a benchmark for the school that has now been surpassed with an expected improvement in our Progress 8 score of over half a grade per pupil and the same for average attainment across 8 subjects. There were also double figure increases in the percentage of pupils achieving performance table benchmarks in English and Mathematics, as well as those achieving the EBacc suite of qualifications at grade 4 or above (25%).  

“I am amazed at my results! The teachers motivated me, helped me and pushed us to do well! I am going to Westminster Kingsway to study Health and Social Care because I am going to be a nurse!” Jade

Compass Principal, Marcus Huntley, said: “I am delighted that the hard work by both students and staff has paid off with a great set of results. The rapid improvements we have seen are set to continue as we strive with renewed enthusiasm to build an outstanding learning community at The Charter School Bermondsey.

We pride ourselves in our unique offer as a small secondary school with smaller than average class sizes, and the fantastic results we have seen are a real sign of our commitment and ongoing development.” 

Martin Deutz, Chair of Governors, said: “This is a great set of results for our Year 11 students. I am pleased for each and everyone of them, and proud of their hard work and commitment over the past year. We wish them all the best for the next exciting steps along their learning journey.  

This year’s outcomes are testament to the significant progress that Compass has made – and continues to make, and to the tireless efforts of the principal and the wider staff body who strive every day to support and inspire the students. We look forward to continued growth and success, underpinned by our school values.” 

For more exciting news from our community, please read our summer edition of Our Journey.