Students and teachers are signing up for what amounts to one extra day of school a week in Maryport

Between 70 and 80 Netherhall GCSE students are attending an extra lesson at the end of each school day.

Headteacher David Tromans said he has been impressed by the uptake and is proud and grateful for the fact that no fewer than 26 teachers have volunteered their time – without pay – to help students achieve good grades this year.

Each day there are different subjects on offer covering the entire curriculum including maths, physics, English, chemistry and RE.

Mr Tromans came to the school as acting head last year. Even before his permanent position was confirmed he said he wanted to start these extra lessons to ensure that students here have the best opportunity for the best grades they can achieve.

He said at the time that students at Netherhall were entitled to have the same opportunities as any other school and he was determined to see that happen.

Last year students achieved more A* and A grades than previously and he said he intended for this trend to continue.

Deputy head and history teacher Mark Bailey said the number of students who have responded is amazing and they appeared grateful for the opportunity to advance their grades.

Students have welcomed the extra classes, Mr Bailey added: “Students at all levels have come forward. It means an extra hour of school each day including Fridays but they seem keen.”

Those attending classes have generally welcomed them. They said there was a different atmosphere to normal school classes because everyone was there because they wanted to be.

Nathan Holm, 15, said: “The fact it was voluntary means there is less pressure and a different learning environment."

Robbie Faulder and Kieran Bennion, both 15, summed it up. They were there, they said, to help their exam grades and were pleased to have the opportunity.

Most of the students are attending the extra classes every day and all are hoping the results will pay off at exam time.

Mr Tromans said: “The kids were on board. I met the parents and and they were delighted.

“This is an inclusive programme – all GCSE students can take part. They are not just for students of any particular ability.

“We have started these classes at just the right time. There qare five months to go until exams – far enough away to make this extra learning time count but still not so far away that the students cannot see their value."