Private School News

St Francis’ College girls surpass themselves in pursuit of top grades

Year 11 girls at St. Francis’ College, Letchworth gained a remarkable set of GCSE grades again, however this year, the percentages of A*s and A’s were beyond expectation. A remarkable 73% of examinations taken achieved grades A* and A, an extraordinary result for a school which accepts girls of average ability and above. The coveted top A* grade was awarded to a phenomenal 40%, 43% with 10 or more A/A* and 98% of all results falling within the A-C band.

“I could not be more delighted for the girls and their families, and of course their teachers” said Headmistress Mrs Dorothy MacGinty. “The girls have worked hard in their preparation for the examinations, but they have done so with a healthy balance of music, drama, sport and other activities. I wholeheartedly believe in girls getting the right balance of individual pursuits and academic rigour.”

This year group are hot on the heels of the Sixth Form girls who achieved outstanding A level results the previous week.

Bedford Modern School celebrates for a second week running

After last week’s record A Level results, Bedford Modern School is again celebrating after achieving its second best ever GCSE results. Students achieved a pass rate of 98% A*- C of which 62% were A*- A grades which is up nearly 7% on last year and 88% were A* – B grades. In Mathematics & English students achieved outstanding results with 100% at grades A* – C.

Ian Orton was the highest achieving boy with 10 A* grades plus an A grade in Additional Mathematics and Alex Lonergan and Elke Stocks were the highest achieving girls with 9 A* and 1 A grade.

James Coleman also gained 9 A* grades and 1 A grade and Matthew Bowman, Ben Gardner, Afo Olowolafe and Stephanie Scott all achieved 8 A* grades and 2 A grades and Matt Stanley gained 8 A* grades.

The Headmaster, Stephen Smith commented “The School continues its reputation for academic excellence. Boys and girls are doing equally well in our co-educational set-up. Congratulations to all students on their hard work over the last two years”.

Photo: James Coleman, Stephanie Scott and Ben Gardner

NOTTINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL PUPILS EXCEL IN EXAMS

Nottingham High School has an excellent reputation for delivering outstanding results at GCSE and A Level and this year has been no exception.

At A Level, for the first time a 100% pass rate was achieved, with over 82% of the grades being A or B. 43 boys got three A grades or better. Of those, 11 got four As, five got five As and one boy – Ted Pynegar – got six As! Ted is now set to continue his academic studies at Cambridge University, where he is going to study Natural Sciences.

Likewise at GCSE a 100% pass rate was also achieved with 30% of the boys gaining at least 10 A* and A grades. Pupil Kyle Lam, 16 gained 12 A* grades while fellow pupils Jethro Waldron, 16, Marcus Burton, 16, and Michael White, 16, all gained 11A* and A grades.

In addition to its outstanding academic performance, the High School has also produced many sporting success stories. Alex Monk, 16, who gained 8A* and 2As in his GCSEs and is now staying on to study his A Levels at the school, is a member of Derby County’s youth squad, and he will be combining his lessons with training sessions at the club.

Headmaster, Kevin Fear said “I am thrilled with our superb A Level and GCSE results. They are richly deserved and are very much a result of the partnership between the boys, their parents and our dedicated staff. I would like to congratulate them all.”

Budding boxing star Luke lands knockout GCSE grades

Junior boxing champion Luke Rhodes is celebrating a knockout set of GCSE results.

The 16-year-old, a pupil at Mount St Mary’s College, in Spinkhill, achieved nine A* grades and one A in this year’s exams.

Welterweight Luke, from Maltby, in Rotherham, is the current Yorkshire and Humberside, and Midlands Champion, following successful bouts in May this year.

Luke, who was head boy at Rotherham’s Rudston School before joining Mount St Mary’s in Year 7, said: “I am so pleased to get these grades and cap off what has been a great year both at the Mount and in the ring.

“I am hoping to complete A-levels in Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Spanish at Mount St Mary’s before going on to study engineering at university and use my language skills to travel the world!”

Emma Taylor, who was head girl in the same year as Luke at Rudston before joining Mount St Mary’s in Year 7, achieved eight A* and two A grades.

Emma, aged 16, from Whiston, Rotherham, is one of the school’s top musicians thrilling audiences with her portrayal of Nancy in “Oliver!” last year.

She said: “I am planning on studying languages at A-level and would love to go on to fulfil my ultimate ambition of training to become an actress.”

Some of the school’s other top achievers include Hareep Hothi, from Rotherham, with five A* and five A grades, and Kate Woodcock-Fowles, from Thorpe Salvin, who earned two A*s and seven As.

Mount St Mary’s achieved an overall 99 per cent pass rate for A* to E GSCE grades and the results follow the school’s record-breaking 100 per cent A-level pass rate announced last week.

The school’s top set for Maths in Year 10 sat this year’s GCSE exam a year early achieving excellent results, which means pupils will now be able to focus on AS Maths in Year 11.

Laurence McKell, head teacher at Mount St Mary’s, said: “We are extremely proud of the achievements of all our pupils who sat GSCE exams. Supported by staff and parents, they have put in a tremendous amount of hard work over the last two years and these results are reward for their efforts.

“At Mount St Mary’s, we promote an environment of all round education, achieved not only through exams and studying, but with a variety of extra-curricular activities. This unique ethos means we create a balanced school life for our pupils and ensures we support students academically, spiritually and emotionally.”

Photo: Mount St Mary’s junior boxing champion Luke Rhodes celebrates his outstanding GCSE results.

A QUARTER OF GIRLS SECURE ALL A* OR A GRADES AT GCSE

Newcastle Church High School has cause for celebration as a quarter of students have gained A* and A grades in all 10 or more GCSE subjects taken, up five per cent from last year’s results.

Over 60 per cent of the Newcastle Church High GCSE results were at A* and A grade and 85 per cent of grades were A*–B grades, a five per cent increase on the 2008 results.

Best friends Rachel Gourley, of Killingworth, and Amy Woodruff, of Ponteland, each received A* grades in 12 subjects, they have been through the journey together taking the same subjects and studying together.

Rachel said: “It is so nice to be able to celebrate today with my best friend. We’ve both worked extremely hard and helped each other out throughout.”

Amy enthused: “I don’t think either of us was expecting to get all A* grades. I feel absolutely ecstatic that all of the hard work that we’ve put into our coursework and exams has made a difference.

“The feeling I have today is amazing and it just tops off the fantastic time I have had at Church High with all my friends.”

Amongst the successful candidates were twins, Olivia and Lucy Topham, both 16, of Gosforth, who achieved 19 A* and 1 A grades between them. They are looking forward to staying on at the School’s Sixth Form.

Olivia said: “I am so happy today and it’s wonderful to be celebrating with my sister. We have worked together which I think has really helped as we have been able to ask each other questions and push each other to keep going.”

Lucy said: “I was so nervous this morning but now I can’t stop smiling. I really want to join the RAF and become a pilot so I know I’ve got to keep up the hard work during my A Levels and at university in order to secure a place.

“Collecting my results today has made me realise that with hard work I can achieve anything, it’s incredibly satisfying.”

Debbie Topham, mother of Olivia and Lucy who between them achieved 19A* and one A grade, said: “I am truly overwhelmed. This is just the most fantastic news and I am so, so proud of the girls.

“They have both worked very hard and I am delighted that all their studying has paid off. The staff at Church High have also been a great source of support to both of them and I feel they have really benefitted from the advice they received from their teachers.

“They are both looking forward to staying on at the school to do their A levels but we will make time for a bit of celebrating before they start the new term!”

The Oswald family of Gosforth are continuing their exam celebrations from last week as 16-year-old Rachael has picked up 7A*, 2A and 1B.

Sisters Anna and Sarah picked up their A Level results last week; 18-year-old, Anna, who gained three A’s, is going on to study Geography at Durham University and 19 year old Sarah, who returned to Church High this year to take a further A level in PE, was thrilled to achieve an ‘A’ grade after only one year of study. Sarah, a talented sportswoman, will be going on to study sports science at Northumbria University.

Rachael Oswald, 16, of Gosforth said: “I am shocked but absolutely thrilled with my results. I really wasn’t expecting this and when I opened the envelope I just got such a lovely surprise!

“I am now looking forward to starting sixth form at Church High. I am fairly sure that I am going to take A levels in maths, P.E., geography and chemistry.

“I am most surprised with my A* in history – I don’t know how I got it as I thought the exam was quite difficult and hadn’t gone very well. I really couldn’t be happier and it’s lovely to see my mum so proud.”

Mrs Oswald, mum of four, said: “It’s strange to be back at the school just a week later collecting more exam results! The last couple of weeks have been incredibly stressful and I am so relieved that all of my girls have done so well, I am exceptionally proud of them.

“Church High has been incredibly caring and supportive to all of my daughters and I cannot thank them enough for helping my girls to excel not only academically but in sports and music.

“It will be a very sad day for me and family when my youngest daughter leaves the school.”

Year 9 pupil Sofia Moghal, 14, of Gosforth, is celebrating today as she picked up an A* in German two academic years early.

Sofia commented: “I have always loved languages so this news has just made my day. I really enjoy studying at Church High and the staff in the language department have really helped me progress this year.

“I hope to carry on my studies at the school and in two years time I will be here with all the other girls collecting the rest of my results. I am looking forward to starting back at school next week.”

Sofia’s mother, Gertrude Moghal, spoke of her delight at her daughters result: “Sofia has always had a real flair for languages. Our family is bi-lingual but Sofia has always been the most fluent. She has worked very hard for this and is naturally very conscientious so it is fantastic to know that her efforts have been recognised.

“I am extremely proud of her and grateful to the staff at the school who encouraged Sofia to sit the exam so early. It has been a great morning and I wouldn’t have missed it for anything!.”

Francesca Thornton of Ponteland was amongst this year’s high achievers as she scooped 11 A* grades.

Francesca said: “I am on top of the world right now! I am so glad that all the hard work over the last two years has paid off and my mum and dad are so proud.

“All through school I have been aiming for A* grades and working extra hard to do my best to achieve them – today’s news is a massive relief.”

Imogen Atkinson of Whitley Bay is celebrating today as she has secured four A* and 7 A grades.

Imogen said: “I’m so pleased right now. I worked really hard and I’m delighted with what I’ve got. I was hoping for A’s and B’s but I never expected this.

“This morning I was so nervous – I went and sat in a little room on my own just to calm my nerves but I was so happy when I opened the envelope and saw my results!

“My favourite subject is Drama and I’m excited to study that in the sixth form, along with English, History and Religious Studies.”

Holly Cuthbert, 16, of Corbridge, was thrilled with her 6A* and 4 A grades. Holly said: “I was terribly nervous when I arrived at school this morning but I am over the moon with my results.

“The grades I achieved mean that I can stay on at Church High to do A levels in biology, chemistry, psychology and maths. I am very keen on studying science related subjects and think psychology will be really interesting.

“It is lovely to meet with all my friends and find out what they got – we have all done so well that my nerves have well and truly gone!”

Joy Gatenby, head at Newcastle Church High School, said: “We could not have been happier with our A Level results and now we have further cause to celebrate with these superb GCSE results. The girls have done outstandingly well, with a quarter of our students achieving all A* and A grades in 10 or more subjects.”

“Over 60 per cent of all the grades achieved are A* and A grades and that is a most impressive achievement.”

“The girls did particularly well at religious studies, which is a compulsory subject, with 88 per cent of grades being an A* or A.

“Our students now have a very strong basis for further academic study and I know they will build on today’s success and go on to achieve even greater success in the future. I wish them all well.”

Excellent GCSE Results at Polam Hall School

Polam Hall School are once again celebrating outstanding results for GCSE Exam results with six students achieving a full set of 10 A* and A grades.

Almost half of all papers taken at the school were graded A* or A with a third of the students gaining 7 or more A* and A grades.

Modern Languages, Spanish, German and Chinese were the standout subjects this year, all gaining 100% A* and A pass rate.

Juliet Edwards-Heathcote, Esme Montgomery, Katie Riley, Sarah Scott, Anna Stephens, Lara Tysseling all achieved the full set of 10 A* and A grades.

Headmistress Marie Green said, ‘It is always a pleasure to see hard work rewarded. This particular team have collaborated superbly with their teachers and have most certainly realised their goals. All of our 2009 candidates can approach their next steps with well-earned confidence.’

Record GCSE results at Kingham Hill School!

Kingham Hill School enjoyed record GCSE results this summer, with 92% of pupils gaining at least five grades at A*-C. The school is non-selective academically, but prides itself on the tremendous value-added it achieves with pupils across the ability range. Nowhere was this more evident than with the Wormington brothers, Thomas and Edward. Not only are they identical twins, they achieved identical, and spectacular results. MidYIS (a national measure) predicted them an average of an E grade in every GCSE on arrival at the school. They actually achieved an A*, 2 As, 2 Bs, and 4 Cs each in their 9 subjects. Headmaster Nick Seward said, “I am tremendously proud of them. Not only do they deserve these results for their hard work, they have been outstanding adverts for Kingham Hill across the board, and reflect our emphasis on the whole person. The media focus can often be on pupils with strings of A* grades, but these results show what is possible when pupils of less stellar ability are given the right environment to succeed –well done, boys!”

Record GCSE results at Kingham Hill School!

Kingham Hill School enjoyed record GCSE results this summer, with 92% of pupils gaining at least five grades at A*-C. The school is non-selective academically, but prides itself on the tremendous value-added it achieves with pupils across the ability range. Nowhere was this more evident than with the Wormington brothers, Thomas and Edward. Not only are they identical twins, they achieved identical, and spectacular results. MidYIS (a national measure) predicted them an average of an E grade in every GCSE on arrival at the school. They actually achieved an A*, 2 As, 2 Bs, and 4 Cs each in their 9 subjects. Headmaster Nick Seward said, “I am tremendously proud of them. Not only do they deserve these results for their hard work, they have been outstanding adverts for Kingham Hill across the board, and reflect our emphasis on the whole person. The media focus can often be on pupils with strings of A* grades, but these results show what is possible when pupils of less stellar ability are given the right environment to succeed –well done, boys!”

BEST EVER GCSE RESULTS AT QUEENSWOOD!

Queenswood girls are celebrating the best GCSE results ever with a huge 8% increase on our previous best! With 80% of GCSE grades at A*/A, 95% A*-B and 100% A*-C, the school is delighted with the record breaking achievement.

A total of 443 out of 552 subjects taken were passed at A* and A; 16 of the 59 candidates achieved A*/As in all their subjects.

It goes without saying that the girls achieved marvellously across all subjects. It is of particular note that the core subjects: English, Modern Languages, Maths and Science achieved A*/A results of 92%, 91%, 81% and 78% respectively and the GSCE options were similarly strong.

Principal, Mrs Pauline Edgar, said:
“We are thrilled with this set of results. Everyone has worked extremely hard to ensure that the girls achieve the best results possible. The girls should feel confident as they embark on their A level courses.”

GCSE Celebrations at Malvern St James

Further to last weeks excellent ‘A’ Level and AS success, Malvern St James Girls’ School is delighted to announce its GCSE results.
Girls achieved 100% pass rate, 95.5% of all grades were A*-C with over 50% being A* or A.
Headmistress, Mrs Rosalind Hayes said, “We are extremely pleased with another set of superb external examination results. The girls and staff have worked hard and it is fantastic that they have been justly rewarded for all of their efforts. Success is unique to each individual and we are proud of the achievements of all our girls. Congratulations to all girls and staff on their success.”

GCSE results continue to rise at Royal Alexandra and Albert School

Year 11 pupils at the Royal Alexandra and Albert School rounded off the academic year with another crop of excellent GCSE results. 80% of pupils achieved 5 or more A*-Cs which is a 2% increase on the School’s 2008 figure of 78%.

Headmaster Paul Spencer Ellis said “I am pleased our results have continued to rise. Many pupils have achieved grades beyond their expectations and this is due to their own hard work and the support they received from teachers and other staff at the School.”

This year, for the first time, some pupils completed BTEC Countryside and Environment or BTEC Horse care. Mr Spencer Ellis comments “The two new BTECs have been a huge success. Everybody passed on both courses with the majority of pupils who took BTEC Horse care getting an A*. On the BTEC Couuntryside and Environment course, the majority got A or A*. These more practical courses suit pupils who don’t necessarily want to pursue the traditional GCSE subjects.”

There are many individual success stories and here are just a few;

Tim Mackworth-Praed who achieved 10 GCSEs (including 5 A*s and 3 As) will be going on to take up a sixth form scholarship at Reed’s School in Cobham. Tim said “I am very pleased with these results which mean I can take up my scholarship at Reed’s”. Tim recently achieved a Diploma in Musical Theatre which is equivalent to passing the first year’s exams at university.

Lauren Lee achieved an outstanding 10As and a B grade and Jaymez Clark achieved 11 GCSEs including 5As.

Charlotte McDermott was relieved that she passed all 11 of her GCSEs and achieved several A and A* grades. This is because she was selected for the Junior Squad to represent England at the European Taekwon-Do championships in Slovenia and some of her exams clashed with the championship. However, after discussions between the exam boards and the School, arrangements were made to ensure she did not lose out. Charlotte went on to win a bronze medal for England in the Taekwon-Do “Team Sparring” event. Charlotte says “Despite the disruption to my studies due to the European championship I am pleased with my results, especially the A for PE. I am going to study A levels at Reigate College and am planning a career as a personal trainer.”

BTEC Horse care pupils Tarryn Poole, Bethany Gage and Jessica Addenbrooke enjoyed the practical nature of the Horse care BTEC course.

Tarryn Poole, who is staying at the Royal Alexandra and Albert School to study A levels including A level Horse care says “Everything on the course is hands-on and you learn how to think for yourself. Most of the time is spent with horses but there is still course work to be completed.” Tarryn, who would like a career working with horses, possibly as a Stable Manager, plans to go on to study a degree in Horse care.

Jessica Addenbrooke adds “BTEC Horse care covered many areas including how to shoe a horse and how to check its general health. I am now much better informed and have decided that horses will be a hobby for me, rather than a career.” Jessica will be studying A levels at Reigate College and hopes to join the RAF.

Bethany Gage has always loved horses and plans a career working with race horses. “The Horse care BTEC has prepared me for my move to the British Racing School in Newmarket where I will be training to work in the racing industry.”

GCSE Star Performers at Peterborough High School

Year 11 students at Peterborough High School gained the highest number of A* and A grades on record, increasing this year to over 56 %. The number of A*-B grades was also exceptionally high at 81%, equalling the school’s previous best.

Star performers were Katie Avison, who this year gained 9.5 A*s and two As and Natasha Harris who bagged a total of 12.5 GCSEs including 5.5 at A*, six As and one B.

Top all-round student, Georgie Ivens, will also be delighted with her 4.5A*s, four As and one B, which she managed to fit in around her heavy schedule of sporting commitments. Georgie will hear her results whilst on the School Netball and Hockey tour in Barbados and as soon as she gets back she will be hot-footing it straight to the English Schools Championships in Cardiff where she will represent England East in athletics between 3rd-6th September.

Following last week’s excellent A Level results, Headmaster Adrian Meadows is again very pleased with his students’ work: “This is another excellent set of results and just rewards for the girls’ hard work. Younger girls have also done brilliantly, gaining very good grades in subjects such as Latin and Dance which they take on fast-track or twilight courses. We have a lot to celebrate here”.

CORE SUBJECTS ON THE RISE AT ROSSALL

Core subjects of English and Maths scored particularly well for Rossall School, Fleetwood, in this year’s GCSE results and science A-grades were also encouraging, as more students opted for the traditional subject areas for GCSE. In English, the school recorded a 51% pass rate A*-A grades, 40% A*-A in Maths and 43% A*-A across all three science subjects.

The school scored very well overall with a 99% pass rate A*-G grades. Although A*-C grades were down from the 2008 high of 92% to 85%, the reduction is due to changes in the BTEC in Public Services, grades for which were last year included in the GCSE figures. The Diploma is now a post-sixteen study option, only available to year twelve students.

Individual performances were also impressive with 42% of students achieving A*-A grades across all subjects. Within the ‘A’ team are local students Bethany Clarkson and James Harkness of Poulton, Swie Joo Liem of Thornton Cleveleys- all with ten passes, which is the maximum to sit at Rossall, and Aaron Lee of Larkholme, Fleetwood, who gained nine A* grade in nine subjects. Local songstress, Steph Fraser, also hit the right note with 9 GCSEs, five of which were A* and A passes. Understandably for a youngster already with an album on the market, she sailed through her music GCSE with an A* grade and looks destined for a career in popular music once she completes her studies.

Rossall choir member, accomplished pianist and CCF band drummer, Swie Joo Liem who has been at Rossall for 13 years is “delighted” to have got ten out of ten in GCSEs and will now sit A-levels in Rossall’s Sixth Form, where she will follow her goal to study Philosophy in preparation for a university degree in the subject. Older brother Sing, graduated from Rossall Sixth Form last term with A-levels and looks set for a career in medical science. Said Swie Joo: “I don’t know what my career path will be, but I know that philosophy will play a key part, which is why I’ve opted for A-levels next year rather than International Baccalaureate. At the moment though I’m just happy to celebrate the GCSE results with my family, before getting back to study next week.”

Commenting on the results, Rossall School Senior Mistress, Jean Briggs, said: “It’s unfortunate that the change in the age for BTEC Diploma caused an anomaly in our A*-C grade percentage this year, but our overall performance is as strong as ever and I’m particularly proud of the number of A* and A grades achieved in core subjects of English, Maths and the sciences.

“Many of our pupils chose to take three separate science subjects and our pass rates in these areas reflect the hard work put in by the pupils, and the quality of teaching here at Rossall. We are a non-selective school and pupils are not dissuaded from taking GCSEs in their weaker subject areas, so our results reflect well on our policy, which gives every pupil, whatever their ability, a real opportunity to achieve their goals.”

Marist Students Excel in GCSE Performance

Students, teachers and parents delighted with results

84% of Marist GCSE students have achieved A*, A and B grades this year, with 100% of students achieving five A* – C passes in their examinations overall. The average points score for Marist students rose to 607 points with the average number of GCSEs per student 12.3.

Although envelopes were opened with anticipation this morning, students were delighted when they saw their results. Josie Teale received A* grades in eleven subjects plus one A grade in addition to achieving an AS Level grade A. Alexandra Goulds and Suchita Patel received A* grades in ten GCSE subjects each. Alexandra also achieved an AS Level grade A and a B grade in a further AS module. In addition to her GCSE success, Suchita achieved B grades for one AS Level and an AS module. Libby Rose-Innes and Jacqueline Harte also did exceptionally well. Libby achieved eight A* and three A grades at GCSE plus an AS level grade A and an AS module grade B, and Jacqueline achieved five A* grades, two A grades and six B grades at GCSE in addition to B grades in one AS Level and a further AS module.

Thirty seven Year 10 students were fast tracked in taking some early GCSEs and, as a group, achieved 19 A* – A grades overall. Rachel Pyle, a Year 8 student who was also fast tracked to sit her Spanish GCSE, received an A*.

Karl McCloskey, Headteacher, said: ‘The girls have achieved exceptional results in their GCSEs this year and I am proud to award many of them with prestigious academic scholarships and exhibitions to the Marist Sixth Form.’ He added, ‘Teachers and parents alike are delighted to see that our girls have been justly rewarded for their exceptional dedication in studying for their GCSEs. We will continue to support them throughout their Sixth Form years so they flourish and no doubt excel as high achievers during their A Levels in due course.’

MARIST GCSE RESULTS 2009
Pupils with 5 A* – C grades = 100%

Average points per candidate = 607

A* 25%

A* & A 60%

A*, A & B 84%

Photo (left to right): Jacqueline Harte, Josie Teale, Alexandra Goulds, Karl McCloskey, Suchita Patel and Libby Rose-Innes.

GCSE Exam Success at St Edmund’s College!

Students and staff at St Edmund’s College, near Ware, are celebrating another excellent set of GCSE results today. This year’s results are some of the best that the College has ever seen, with 41% of students achieving an A* or A grade, and eleven students achieving 10 or more straight A* and A grades.

St Edmund’s College
Number of candidates
90

Overall Pass Rate A – G
100%

Five or more passes at A*- C
92%

Five or more passes at A*- C, excluding English and Maths
91%

% A*- A
41%

% A*- B
70%

Best Performing Students
A total of eleven candidates achieved 10 or more straight A* and A grades. These included the following:

Students who achieved 11 A*s/A’s

Paul Gordon, from Ware (11 A*s)
Stella Spanos, from Hatfield (11 A*s)

James Hartley, from Bengeo
Jasmine Smith, from Ware
Andrew Archibald, from Woodford Green

Students who achieved 10 A*s/A’s

Abigail Robinson, from Buntingford
Alexandra Owen, from Baldock
Harrison Hutchison, from New Barnet
Francesca Shippey, from Berkshire
Alfie Linsell, from Dubai
Simona Mihaleva, from Bulgaria

Chris Long, Headmaster said: “I am absolutely delighted with the results. This has been one of our best ever years for GCSE’s at

St Edmund’s, with 41% of our students achieving A* and A grades. Our focus as a Catholic school has always been on academic excellence for each individual student, whatever their talents. These results prove that this philosophy is successful.”

Bearwood College’s strong GCSE results

Bearwood College’s GCSE pupils have achieved an impressive set of results this year, with 87% of entries gaining a Grade C or above. 30% of entries are at Grade A* or A – consistent with last year.

Mr George Penlington, Academic Deputy, comments: “87% of candidates gained 5 GCSE’s, including Maths and English, at Grade C or above – a six point increase on last year. The overall success rate of pupils achieving entry into the Sixth Form with 5 A*-C Grades, including English and Maths, has risen over the last two years (2008 – 81%; 2007 – 77%). This is testament to the commitment and diligence from all our pupils, staff and parents.”

Stephen Aiano, Headmaster, said: “This is a tremendous achievement. All our Year 11 students and all the staff have put in some serious work throughout the GCSE course, and are suitably rewarded. I am really pleased for them. These results are part of a long-term trend of continuing academic improvement at Bearwood. We are especially pleased with our strong ‘value addition’ which has resulted, on average, in every GCSE subject entry scoring marks strongly above expectation.”

Jonathan Crane, one of the top scoring students said: “I am so thrilled with my results and pleased to have the grades to study Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Geography at A Level at Bearwood College’s Sixth Form.”

Another high achieving student, Lucy Darrall comments: “It’s such a relief that this day is finally here. I got an A* in Photography so will definitely continue this at A Level along with Psychology, Business Studies and Graphics.”

Pupils have an exciting range of A Level subjects to choose from, with Environmental Studies and Photography being examples of the varied subjects Bearwood College’s Sixth Form has to offer. Small class sizes guarantee individual attention and the Sierra Club, is a purpose-built Sixth Form centre facility designed to promote independent study as well as offer a social space for relaxation. These elements contribute to the strength of Bearwood’s unique support system which can make all the difference to pupils managing the pressures of A Level study. Whilst ensuring academic issues are thoroughly addressed, Bearwood also helps prepare well-rounded individuals, ready for university and life beyond.

Photograph:From left – Lewis Gallagher, Joe Powell, Rian Howlett, Jamie Gilmour, Lucy Darrall, Harriett Plaskitt, Danielle MacRae

Bromsgrove School has just registered its best ever GCSE results.

Over 60% of the 1200 GCSE and AS examinations sat by Fifth Formers were achieved at A* and A, while numerous individuals achieved nine or ten GCSEs at A* and A. Among this latter group is Will Packwood, an American boarder currently on Birmingham City’s books. 97% of all GCSEs fell within the A to C bracket. Headmaster Chris Edwards said: 

“Many Fifth Formers took AS levels and the challenging IGCSEs alongside the traditional GCSEs, so registering our best ever performance this year is especially gratifying. As ever, we do not offer soft subjects: English, Maths, the Sciences and at least one foreign language form the core of almost every pupil’s curriculum. Pupils and staff should be very proud.”

98.3% of Haileybury pupils achieve five A* – C grades

GCSE pupils at Haileybury have again achieved outstanding results, with 

98.3% achieving five or more A* – C grades and 60.5% achieving A or A* grades. 96.1% of all entries at GCSE were graded A* – C.

Natalie Peacock is the school’s top achiever, with 10 A*s. Four pupils achieved nine A*s, with another four gaining eight A*s.

A further five pupils gained seven A*s, six achieved six A*s, three achieved five A*s and two achieved four A*s. 

“Taking the iGCSE results into account, the percentage of pupils gaining five A* – C grades is excellent, while the number achieving A or A* grades has improved by 3% on last year. This is a wonderful achievement by anyone’s standards and is proof of the hard work and dedication put in by both pupils and staff,” says incoming Master of Haileybury, Joe Davies.

“This set of GCSE results confirms the significant leap forward in Haileybury’s academic ability over the past three years and bodes well for the future.”

Record GCSE results for Lancing College

Record results for Lancing College – another year of academic success at GCSE:

625 of the 982 (63.6%) GCSEs taken by 92 pupils were graded A* or A. 
29.4% of GCSEs taken were awarded A* grade. 
87.7% of GCSEs taken were awarded A*, A or B grades.

“I heartily congratulate our GCSE candidates on their excellent results. This has been an outstanding year, and these splendid achievements reinforce Lancing’s reputation for academic excellence at the centre of high-quality, all-round education. Our pupils are very well prepared academically to embark on their chosen A Levels, and will continue to profit from many opportunities to develop important life skills, which will be crucial to their future success.”

Jonathan Gillespie, Head Master, Lancing College

RGSAO students gain good marks

RGSAO Worcester has again achieved excellent results in the GCSE examinations with 52.1% of passes being at A*/A grade. The overall pass rate (A*-C grades) was 97.2%, and 99.9% of candidates achieved 5 A*-C grades. Forty-two RGS candidates gained at least eight A* or A grades.

As in the recent A Level examinations, this top independent school achieved remarkable results in traditionally tough subjects such as Physics, Maths, Geography, Drama, Design Technology, Latin and Religious Studies.

“These excellent scores continue the pattern set by our A Level students,” said Headmaster Andy Rattue. “They buck the national trend away from academically challenging subjects and show what can be achieved by motivated pupils, first-rate teachers and supportive parents. The results are all the more remarkable when you consider how much these students have also achieved beyond the classroom in sport, drama, music and adventurous outdoor pursuits.”