I have personal experience of Harris Academies and they are full of hard working staff genuinely trying to turn around under-performing schools and do the best for the children Your attitude is very negative and it is sad that you don't quote some actual facts 5 A*-Cs included english and maths (pure GCSE's) Harris - 60%, national average 51% 5 A*-Cs included english and maths (including GCSE equivalents) Harris - 72%, national average 59% 5 A*-Cs included english and maths for children on free school meals Harris - 67%, national average 36% So while its true that GCSE equivalent's boost the percentages for Harris the same is true nationally. Most important is that the Harris schools achieve such high results for kids that have free school meals how are often the ones with the most disadvantage Please open your mind