Record & Exceptional Results

Equinox Learning Trust is celebrating an outstanding set of 2026 outcomes, including the best results in Whitelands Park Primary School’s history and exceptional Sixth Form results at Kennet School for the second consecutive year.

The achievements come alongside continued improvement at Francis Baily Primary School and further strengthening of GCSE outcomes at Kennet, reflecting positive progress across all three Equinox Learning Trust schools.

At Whitelands Park Primary School, pupils achieved the strongest set of outcomes in the school’s history. In Early Years, 86% of children achieved a Good Level of Development, while 89% of Year 1 pupils met the expected standard in the Phonics Screening Check, both considerably above national averages.

At the end of Key Stage 2, Reading and Writing outcomes were also above national averages. Most notably, for the first time, Whitelands Park exceeded the national average for pupils achieving the expected standard across Reading, Writing and Mathematics combined, reaching 67% compared with 63% nationally.

There was also much to celebrate at Kennet Sixth Form, where A Level and T Level students achieved exceptional outcomes for the second consecutive year. A fantastic 32% of A Level grades were awarded at A*/A, with students achieving an average grade of B, while T Level students achieved an average grade of Merit.

Students are progressing to an impressive range of destinations, including Oxford and Cambridge, Medicine, Dentistry, Computer Science and Aerospace Engineering, as well as a Nuclear Energy Degree Apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce.

At GCSE, Kennet School continued the improvement seen since the COVID pandemic. In 2026, 71% of pupils achieved Grade 4 or above in both English and Mathematics, while 77% of all grades awarded were at Grades 9–4. Almost a quarter of pupils achieved Grade 8 or above and 44% achieved Grade 7 or above.

Francis Baily Primary School also continued its positive trajectory, with outcomes reflecting sustained year-on-year progress and the school’s growing capacity to secure further improvement. Early Years and Phonics remain particular strengths, with 85.1% of children achieving a Good Level of Development and 88% meeting the expected standard in the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check. Further gains were also made at Key Stage 2.

Mr M Gayler, Executive Headteacher (Acting) at Equinox Learning Trust, said: “Across our Trust, there is a great deal to be proud of. Whitelands Park has achieved the best results in its history, Kennet Sixth Form has delivered exceptional outcomes for the second consecutive year, Kennet’s GCSE results continue to strengthen and Francis Baily continues to make sustained progress.

“These achievements reflect the hard work and ambition of our pupils and students, the expertise and commitment of our colleagues, and the support of families across our schools. They also demonstrate the strength of our schools collectively and give us a very strong foundation on which to build.”

As the Trust looks to the future, it is also inviting members of the local community to consider joining its Board of Trustees.

Trustees use their professional experience to help shape the strategic direction of Equinox Learning Trust, support and challenge senior leaders, and contribute to decisions affecting the education of pupils and students aged four to 18 across West Berkshire.

Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a Trustee is encouraged to contact the Chair of Trustees, Graham Curren, at governance@equinoxlearningtrust.co.uk.