As students from across Stevenage, North Herts and Central Bedfordshire collected their GCSE results yesterday, there were plenty of smiling faces and amazing pictures.
Stevenage
Sir John Henry Newman
Headteacher Mr Carrasco and learning coordinator Mrs Bullock praised both students and staff for their exceptional efforts, highlighting the importance of strong support systems and innovative teaching methods.
Barnwell School
Students and teachers at the Barnwell School can finally celebrate all their hard work this year with a great set of GCSE results.
Mr Fitzpatrick, headteacher, said: "We were very proud and happy as a community of school staff and governors for our students as they collected their results today, it was lovely to see so many happy faces.
"They have worked through immensely challenging times and we congratulate them and their families on their deserved successes and look forward to a bright future for them in their next steps."
Barnwell’s top performing students are:
- Methma G
- Ethan D
- Nicole N
- Sienna J
- Chloe E
- Vinula S
- Kimberly Z
- Kiana AT
- Gabriela B
- Hannah S
- Harrison L
- Harry G
The Nobel School
Headteacher, Martyn Henson said: “The Nobel School is celebrating fantastic results for the students and for the school.
"Highest performers in the year where all gained 9s or 8’s was Josh Dwamena, Casey Louise Segura, Harrison Lund, Harry Paraskevas, Mihai Turcescu, Emmie Fennelow, Aleks Nikolov, Codi Davies, Roxy George, Annie Grayling, Richard Reich and Ashley Wickens-Rumble.
"However, we are very keen not to just focus on individuals but to celebrate the achievements of everybody in the year group. It has been a great year for the school.”
Thomas Alleyne Academy
Headteacher, Mark Lewis, said: "We are delighted with our students' GCSE results and they should be very proud of their achievements.
"We wish them all the best in their next steps and look forward to welcoming many of them back to Thomas Alleyne's in September as they begin their A Levels studies in our sixth form."
One standout student Rui Zhou, gained seven grade 9s and two grade 8s. He will be staying at Thomas Alleyne's next year, to study biology, chemistry, maths and further maths, and said this morning: "I'm both shocked and delighted with my results.
"I'm so grateful for the support I've had from both my parents and my teachers to help me do so well and I'd like to thank my maths teachers in particular for helping me achieve my grade 9s in maths and further maths."
Wunbeni Sanda also did exceptionally well, achieving eight grade 9s and two grade 8s overall, she said: "I'm speechless! I'm delighted with my grades and I feel ready to start my A-levels next month now that I know I've done so well."
Tobi Oyekanmi-Williams and Aalya El Kobtan, pictured here with Wunbeni, did brilliantly too, gaining four grade 9s, eight grade 8s and a distinction between them.
Barclay Academy
For students and teachers at the Barclay Academy the anxious wait is over as they can celebrate their Year 11's fantastic GCSE results.
Executive principal, Dr Matthew Laban, said: "Our students have performed very well and we are all very proud of them. Barclay Academy has achieved a strong set of results which are even better than last year’s outcomes. Well done to all our Year 11 students.”
Marriotts School
Marriotts School's staff, students and families are celebrating the exam results of their Year 11s.
Headteacher, Beth Honnor said: "I am incredibly proud of all of our students who have worked hard throughout their time at Marriotts to achieve their well-deserved success.
"Their hard work, approach to learning and ambition have been impressive, and thanks to this they now have the exam qualifications that they need to move onto the next stage of their lives.
"I would like to thank our students, families and teachers for all of their efforts and to wish our students every success in the future as they continue to work hard, aim high and be kind."
Chair of Governors, Melany Knowles stated: "Yet again I am incredibly impressed by and proud of what Marriotts students have achieved, with the support of all the staff and their parents. These results are a testament to all the Marriotts family’s hard work.”
North Herts College
Kit Davies, principal of North Hertfordshire College, said: "I am beyond proud to see another excellent year of results for our students on their GCSE programmes.
"The incredible hard work and dedication of our learners and teachers combined are reflected in these final grades and I hope they recognise these achievements and take time to celebrate what they’ve accomplished.
"Thanks to these new qualifications, so many of our adult and 16+ learners can now progress into their chosen next steps, and I am delighted to think of the new opportunities that are now open to them.
"As a college community, we are so pleased to see the learners’ achievements this year and look forward to seeing what the future holds for them."
Particular success stories amongst those collecting their GCSE results today include Donna Ryan, one of NHC’s Catering and Hospitality lecturers, whose new qualification allows her to study QTLS in the future.
Sofia Brisson, who will be progressing on to further study now, was really pleased, she said of her results: "Oh, wow these results mean I can go and study fashion in London!"
Other happy faces on results day included Corey Mather-Howard, Grace McCarthy and Chantele Egboghu, who received the grades they need to be able to progress in their studies.
Hitchin
Hitchin Boys' School:
Hitchin Boys’ School announce what looked to be its best ever GCSE results, showcasing the talent and hard work of its young people and staff.
Ninety per cent of pupils achieved the benchmark 4+ (the old C grade) in English and Mathematics, with a pass rate of 96% in Maths. Over 65% have secured the challenging 5+ grade and over a third of all grades were at 7-9.
A testament to this year group’s brilliance can be found in the estimate of this year’s Progress 8 scores which will be the best the school has ever secured, placing them in the highest category of 'Well Above Average'.
There were many individual successes and a special mention was given to the 13 boys who were successful in gaining a full house of 7-9 grades in all their subjects
Headmaster Mr Bennett, said: "The results are a just reward for their diligence and resilience, most of them will remain with us and I look forward to seeing them continue to build upon this success into their future careers and lives.
"I am also thankful to the dedicated staff team and supportive parents who made it happen. We are a strong community and by working together as a team we will continue to turn out excellent results year after year."
Hitchin Girls' School
Headteacher, James Crowther said: "Congratulations and well done to all Year 11 students from Hitchin Girls’ School receiving their results.
"Their exceptional results reflect the hard work and dedication to their studies over the years, but in particular during Year 11. I would like to thank all who have supported our students in achieving their results.
"It was wonderful to see so many happy students this morning and I am proud of all they have achieved.
"I look forward to welcoming many back into the Sixth Form in September; for those moving onto other opportunities I wish them every success for the future. Once again, well done and congratulations to you all."
The Priory School
A spokesperson said: "The Priory Schools results are a testament to their students hard work, the excellence of their teachers and the great support they receive at home from parents and carers."
Notable successes are:
- Lucy Leaver 8 x 9s, 3 x 8s
- Emily Halford 4 x 9s, 3 x 8s, 3x 7s
- Ben Ward 5 x 9s, 3 x 8s, 2x 6s
- Edward Foinette 5 x 9s, 1 x 8, 3 x 7s, 1 x 6
- Lucas Budd 2 x 9s, 6 x 8s, 1 x 7, 1 x6
- Nancy Adderley 2 x 9s, 5 x 8s, 2 x 7s, 1 x 6
Letchworth and Baldock
St Francis' College
St Francis’ College students celebrate with over 50 per cent GCSE grades awarded 9 - 7!
St Francis’ College students are celebrating their successes in their GCSE examinations.
This year over 50 per cent of all grades achieved were 9 – 7 (equivalent to A* - A) and over one third of all entries achieved grade 8 and above (equivalent to A*).
Twins Natalie and Hayley achieved an incredible 22 grade 9s between them. Particular mention also goes to Poppy who achieved 9 grade 9s and Emma who achieved 8 grade 9s, together with Amelia and Petra who each achieved 6 grade 9s.
Mrs Wilson, Head of Year 11, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate our students’ outstanding GCSE results. These achievements are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the remarkable growth they’ve shown throughout this journey.
"They’ve not only exceeded expectations academically but have also demonstrated exceptional self-esteem and the ability to navigate the complexities that Year 11 presents.
"We could not be prouder of everything they have accomplished, and we are certain this is just the beginning of a bright and successful future."
St Christopher School
Students and staff at St Christopher School, Letchworth. celebrated an excellent set of GCSE results yesterday with 45% of grades at 9-7 and 81% of grades at 9-5.
Headteacher, Rich Jones said: "We’re absolutely delighted with today’s results – some of the best in our history – and offer congratulations to all our students for their hard work and achievements.
"As a non-selective school, we are delighted that 45 per cent of grades were at 9 – 7 (the equivalent of A**- A) and there have been some incredible individual achievements, however today we’re proud of and are celebrating all of our students.
"The end grade sometimes doesn’t show the huge journey students have made since they started at Senior School or their all-round development: their ability to express themselves, to listen, to think critically, to lead and be led, and to be a kind, authentic person and an active member of our community.
"We wish them all the best for the future and are delighted that so many of them are continuing their journey with us to Sixth Form."
The Highfield School
The Highfield School students rejoiced yesterday after a great set of GCSE and Level 2 qualifications.
Headteacher, Lucy Miles said: "We are so incredibly proud of our students and are excited to support them in their next steps and to welcome many back to our Sixth Form.
"Their success is testament to their hard work and dedication to their education and they have risen to the challenges of their secondary education.”
In terms of individual successes, the following pupils have achieved an array of the highest grades and are rightly delighted with their results:
- Grace Hart
- Adrian Sonander
- Bernice Lam
- Ethan Flynn
- Ixie Akpan
- Honor Bentley
She added: "Once again, we are immensely proud of all our pupils and would like to offer our congratulations to them and good luck with their next steps in their educational journey."
The Knights Templar School
Headteacher Ed Hutchings said: "The Knights Templar School would like to congratulate all of our Year 11 students collecting their exam results today; we are immensely proud of what they have achieved.
"Their success is credit to their hard work, courage and commitment. Students have been really supportive of each other throughout and embraced not only their studies but also the wider aspects of the curriculum such as sports, the Arts and our Duke of Edinburgh award scheme."
There were some outstanding individual achievers deserving a special mention; Barney Briant achieved nine GCSE’s at grade 9 and one at grade 7. Isabelle Wright achieved 8 GCSE grade at grade 9, one at 8 and one at 7. Kiran Kamal achieved seven grade 9’s, two at grade 8 and one at GCSE grade 7.
Bedfordshire
Samuel Whitbread Academy
Year 11 students at Samuel Whitbread Academy in Clifton are celebrated another great set of GCSE and BTEC Level 2 results yesterday.
This year’s results are up on last year, despite the national picture falling back in line with the 2019 grade boundaries.
There were a number of individual success stories at the academy, which is part of the Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST). These include Caitlin Togher, Gabriella Derilo, Isaac Barker, Harry Plumley and Nia Onagoruwa who managed to gain top marks of 8s and 9s in a whole range of different subjects such as English, Maths and Science, as well as Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy.
There was a similarly strong performance from the students studying BTEC awards this year, with 35 students achieving a Distinction or Distinction Star in Enterprise, ICT, Media, Sport and Health & Social Care.
Ryan Nicholl, Head of Year 11, said he was delighted to see what Anthony Bowes achieved in his GCSE results.
"I was particularly impressed with how Anthony changed his approach to his studies during Year 11 and, through hard work and dedication, achieved a great set of results. I look forward to seeing him in the Sixth Form," he added.
Principal Nick Martin said: "This has been a truly wonderful year group. They have been excellent role models for the younger students and have demonstrated what can be achieved through hard work, resilience and determination.
"They have also taken part in numerous school productions, such as the stunning recent performance of Oliver!, and performed at a national level in several different sports, including football, rugby and netball.
"Whether they are staying on in the sixth form, going to college or starting an apprenticeship, I wish them all good luck and look forward to hearing what they do next."
Dr Alan Lee, Chief Executive Officer of BEST, said: "I am delighted for all Samuel Whitbread students and proud of their achievements.
"I offer my congratulations to everyone who has been rewarded for their hard work and determination.”
Etonbury Academy
Principal Joanne Young said: "Congratulations to every student who collected their exam results. They have been a wonderful cohort of students throughout their time at the school and have embraced the academic challenge that GCSE presents. They have been determined to always aim high and be the best they can be.
"I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the staff who have supported the students and worked tirelessly to ensure students are able to achieve their full potential.
"Thanks, also, must go to the parents and carers for their unwavering support. Working in partnership with our families is one of the keys to the success of the school."
Twenty-one pupils achieved an average grade of 7 or above. The school’s two highest-performing students were Josie Clarke and Zahrah Zaman, who received grade 9s in almost all subjects.
Aiming high is one of the core values of the school and this was achieved across many subjects, in particular English and Maths. A quarter of pupils in English and 20 per cent in Maths achieved grades 9-7.
Many of Etonbury’s students will be staying at the school’s Sixth Form to take A-level and BTEC Level 3 courses.
Head of Sixth Form Chloe Dowden, who has been busy recruiting students on to post-16 courses ready for September, shared her congratulations.
She said: “Enjoy celebrating your results and we look forward to welcoming you back into Etonbury Sixth Form to continue with your academic studies and the next phase of your education.”
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