STUDENTS across the borough are celebrating this morning after opening their GCSE results.
With a week of uncertainty behind them, students now have greater clarity over the grading system being used.
Pupils have been given their centre assessed grades (CAG), carefully calculated by their teachers, and based on their previous and expected performance.
Unlike A-level students before them, the grades will not be altered by a Government algorithm.
Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “The way the borough’s young people have handled this situation is a credit to them and the schools who have nurtured them over the last five years.
“I’d like to congratulate all of our students and schools for the results they have received.
“The changes announced earlier this week mean GCSE students can choose to take results assessed by those who know them and their abilities best – their teachers.
“Though the lack of exams this summer means they have missed a chance to prove themselves this time, I’m sure they will go onto great things whatever they decide to do next.
“I’d encourage anyone who wants to reach out for help, particularly if they did not get the results they’d hoped for, to contact our Elevate Me team to look at the best options available.”
Abbey School
THREE-QUARTERS of GCSE grades achieved by Abbey School pupils were 9-8 – equivalent to an A*.
Students from both years 10 and 11 at the Reading-based school received their results, as well as the congratulations of the school’s staff.
Headteacher Will le Fleming said that the teenagers achieved an excellent set of results that were a testament to the effort and application that they had put in.
“The warmest congratulations to our committed and hardworking Upper and Lower V (Year 11 and Year 10) cohorts for attaining an excellent set of GCSE results,” he said in a statement.
“Following the government’s change of direction these grades are the higher of those generated by teacher assessment and those suggested by the standardised model and are therefore grades in which all can have confidence.”
He continued: “Exam students in 2020 have faced unprecedented challenges.
“Throughout we have added our voice to the many calling for the greatest possible fairness to all students as individuals.
“We express sympathy to students and families for the uncertainty they have faced.
“The way they have done so and have handled this constantly evolving issue is to be highly commended.”
And Mr le Fleming is now looking ahead to the new academic year, welcoming back many of the GCSE students for sixth form.
“Students have shown themselves to be robust, agile and capable young people able to move on fully equipped for their further studies at Sixth Form on International Baccalaureate (IB) or A Level courses,” he said.
“We look forward to welcoming our students back into School from September where we will once again witness, delight in and encourage their inquisitive approach to study.
“Sincere thanks go to our inspirational teaching staff. Their creativity and passion for their subjects engage our students throughout the School.
“This, coupled with the dedication to supporting girls either in the classroom or remotely, has been instrumental in achieving another strong set of examination results.”
Bracknell & Wokingham College
ALMOST 95% of students at Bracknell and Wokingham College taking full-time GCSE programmes or standalone maths and English GCSEs achieved a pass in their exams.
Many of the college’s GCSE students are learners who resit maths, English or both, to continue in education or progress their career.
These include mature students who need these GCSEs to progress in their careers, learners who may have missed the chance to go to university first time round and want to study at degree level and also part-time students who have studied GCSEs at evening classes.
Liam Thorburn, a 16-year-old full-time GCSE student, was one of the top performers at Bracknell and Wokingham College.
He is celebrating grade 9 in biology, chemistry and physics, grade 6 in maths and grade 5 in English.
Liam, who was previously home-schooled had left his previous school after being bullied.
He applied to study at Bracknell and Wokingham College, following in his sister’s footsteps.
Mum, Joanne Thorburn, said: “Liam settled in very well at the college and we can only thank his tutors for that.
“Each subject tutor went out of their way with him to make sure he was up to date, as he had been home-schooled previously, and he just thrived.
“He has now just received his results and he got 9s in all three of his science subjects, which is what he had worked so hard for. I cannot thank every one of his tutors and the college enough for what they did for Liam.”
He will now study A-levels in biology, maths and physics at the college, with the aim of becoming a Microbiologist.
Joseph Bonney, a 19-year-old student from Wokingham decided to study his GCSEs at the college, while working part-time as a carer, after moving to the UK from Ghana.
He said he is thrilled with his grade 8 in sociology, grade 7 in biology and citizenship studies, 6 in maths and 5 in English.
He said: “I’m very happy with my results. Studying in the UK has been a new and different environment for me but I want to say a massive thank you to my teachers as if it wasn’t for them, I don’t think that I would have made it this year.
“My English wasn’t good before but over the year, my language has improved, and I have made a few friends too.
“I would definitely recommend the college to anyone who wants to study GCSEs.”
He will now go on to study A-levels in accountancy, business, maths and law at the college, with the aim of becoming an accountant or a financial solicitor.
Sally Dicketts CBE, chief executive of Activate Learning, who run Bracknell and Wokingham College, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone who is picking up the results they need today in their GCSEs.
“Many of our GCSE students are sitting their exams with us for a second time, or in the case of some of our adult learners for the first time.
“Today will decide whether they are able to progress into the next stage of their education or access an opportunity they might not otherwise have been able to.
“For everyone that’s managed to get what you need, I want to say a big well done. This hasn’t been the easiest of years in which to study, but your perseverance and commitment to your studies has got you to where you need to be.
“And for those who haven’t quite achieved what you’d hoped for, please don’t despair. We will be there to support you over the coming days and help you to get where you need.”
Bulmershe School
BULMERSHE staff said they are thrilled with the results that its GCSE pupils have received this year.
And the collaboration that the students have shown over the past five months reflects well on the school community.
Headteacher Amanda Woodfin said that while the Woodley school is proud of all of its pupils, some had some exceptional results.
These included:
- Finley – achieved nine grade 9s and an a grade 8.
- Eva – achieved eight grade 9s, a grade 8 and a grade 6.
- Ella – achieved seven grade 9s and grade 8s for all her other subjects.
- Stanley – achieved six grade 9s.
- Scarlett – achieved five grade 9s.
- Oliver – achieved five grade 9s.
- Sai Prashansaa – achieved four grade 9s.
- Amy – achieved three grade 9s.
- Iris – achieved three grade 9s
- Ellie, Liviya, Siraj, Max, Esme and Davide also achieved at least four grade 8s or above.
Ms Woodfin also highlighted Esme and Ramona who made the most progress since joining the school, making on average three grades of progress across their subjects.
And Liviya, Amy, Oliver, Jai-Vir, Hafzah, Daniyal, Scarlett, Alfie, Peter and Leonie all made two or more grades worth of progress across their subjects since joining the school.
This was, she said, a fantastic achievement.
She added: “Huge congratulations to our year 11, we are so proud of you.
“After such a challenging and unprecedented time, you should be so proud of yourselves.
“We are thrilled with your results and I would like to thank all the students, staff and parents for their hard work and support in gaining these results.
“The level of collaboration and determination shown over the past five months is a real reflection of our community. Well done all.”
With school due to reopen to all pupils in a couple of weeks time, preparations are being made for the new sixth form cohort to return to lessons.
“We look forward to welcoming Year 12 into our sixth form and thank them for their many contributions to school life here at Bulmershe,” Ms Woodfin said.
“For those that are leaving us, we wish you well with your next endeavours.”
Edgbarrow School
HARD-WORKING students at a Crowthorne school are now busy making plans for sixth form.
Edgbarrow School said that it wanted to congratulate its cohort for their efforts despite the disruption caused by the coronavirus lockdown since March.
In a statement, the school said: “Congratulations to all our Year 11 students.
“This is a fantastic set of results for a fantastic year group.
“The students have worked so hard over the last two years and have had the most difficult, unprecedented end to their time at school – they couldn’t be more deserving of their achievements.”
The Grant Road school is looking ahead to next month, when it reopens fully for the first time in six months.
“We look forward to seeing lots of them in our biggest ever Sixth Form intake,” the statement continued.
“Our thanks to the staff and families for all the support, encouragement and determination.
“We wish all our Year 11 students every success and happiness for the future.”
Emmbrook School
THE MAJORITY of year 11 students at Emmbrook will be returning in September for sixth form, meaning that the school will see its biggest Year 12 for at least five years.
And following changes from Ofqual, the students are receiving GCSE results as determined by the teachers. This, the school says, means that the Year 11 students have received fair recognition of their achievements.
Headteacher Nick McSweeney said: “We are very fond of this cohort and as a result of the hard work of students and staff, they were shaping up to produce excellent academic results before the impact of the lockdown.”
This year’s top performing student is Elena Arizabalo Peralta, who secured 10 GCSEs at grade 9, a grade 8 in Additional Maths and an A grade for her extended project qualification.
And the school said that it enjoyed success at grades 8 and 9, with outstanding GCSE performances by Lucy Clarke, Patrick Collins, Paddy Coyne, James De Villiers, Alexandra Harvard, Layla-Mae Martin, Jay Panesar, Mary Pratt and Daniel Robson.
“It has been a very difficult time for Year 11 students as they have faced huge disruption and uncertainty. We have tried to give students as much reassurance as possible and have worked hard to maintain important milestones such as last day celebrations and a socially distanced results day here at the school; it was important that we were here to celebrate with and support the students on such a significant day for them,” Mr McSweeney said.
Among those collecting their grades today was Matt Keaney, who was pleased with his results.
“Overall, it was quite good, and I can’t complain,” he said. “I’m a bit annoyed about the fact that I’ve not been able to show what I can actually do (by sitting exams). At the end of the day, there’s not very much I can do about that.”
But this is not stopping his plans for September.
“I’m staying on to study history, economics, maths and further maths at A-level,” he said.
“I find the teaching here a high quality, and thought it was probably best if I just stick with what I know.”
Bex Cairns, the Emmbrook’s head of Year 11, said: “I have had the absolute pleasure of taking this wonderful year group through from the end of Year 7 all the way to this moment in Year 11.
“Today, seeing them collect this incredibly impressive set of results, albeit a little differently to normal, has got to be one of the proudest moments of my teaching career. The young people collecting their results from us today embody everything The Emmbrook School stands for, between them, they have worked incredibly hard, remained resilient and achieved amazing things.
“I am incredibly sad that I will no longer be their Head of Year, but equally so pleased that I will see so many of them in our Sixth Form next year.
“However, no matter where they go, I am certain that they will go on to do amazing things and I cannot wait to hear all about them.
“So, one final set of congratulations to the most amazing year group, please keep in touch and continue to be as amazing as you have been for the last five years.”
Forest School
STAFF at The Forest School say they are proud of the determination shown by students collecting their GCSE results this morning.
Shirley Austin, headteacher said: “This year has been highly unusual, following on from the uncertainty of A-level results we are delighted that our students have clarity, well judged and accurate grades, derived from our centre assessed grades. We followed a robust procedure and ensured every grade was quality assured.
“Our results are reflective of the hard work and effort that our 2020 Year 11s put into their studies throughout their time at The Forest.
“The school ethos of ASPIRE (aspire, safe, prepared, independent, respectful and excellent) is embedded into our school culture. I am delighted that my staff have based the results on data from lessons, attitude to learning, mocks, homework and tests from students’ work to create the accurate CAG result.”
She added: “We are very proud of their efforts, determination and growth mindset. We continually look to improve our teaching and learning outcomes and during the last three years my team and we have made significant improvements; this is reflected in the rapid progress over the past few years.
“Through extended lessons, excellent teaching and learning opportunities and our enhanced monitoring and evaluation of students progress, Forest students have definitely flourished.
“We are of course delighted that Ofqual and the government have reversed the decision to use an algorithm to determine grades and have instead taken into account our centre assessed grades, as our tracking is robust and designed to ensure each student has the best outcomes for them.
“Congratulations to the whole year group, they are a fantastic group of students; we will be delighted to welcome so many back in September into Forest’s successful sixth form to study one of the twenty four A-level and vocational courses we offer.”
Staff are in school today to help students with any questions, after the results were sent electronically at 8am.
The school gave a special congratulations to the following students, all of which have an average of 7 or above (A*/A) in every subject; Alexander Ayton, Kai Allsopp, Mohammed Multazim Aripin, Ethan Lac, Daniel Bauge, Michael Das, Cillian Manning, Haroon Zabair, Joshua Brooker, James Knight, Theo Phillips, James Robert, Miraj Choudhury, Felix Maidens, Alex Routledge, Niall Peter, Omar Alkateb, Christopher McAllister, Freddie Anderson, Joe Savory, Ben Hooper and Samuel Blaker.
The Holt School
STUDENTS at The Holt have been praised by the school’s co-heads for their hard work and being a ‘delight to teach’.
The Year 11 pupils have been collecting their results today and, like all students this year, have not sat exams but received teacher-assessed grades based on their work over the past two years.
In a statement, co-headteachers Anne Kennedy and Katie Pearce, said: “Congratulations to all our students for their excellent GCSE results, which were thoroughly deserved.
“The Year 11 cohort were a very hard working and high performing year group and a delight to teach throughout their two years of GCSE study.
“We would like to thank our dedicated staff and our wonderfully supportive parents for their part in these achievements.”
They added: “We wish all our students every success in their future studies and look forward to welcoming many back to The Holt sixth form for the next phase of their education.”
Holme Grange School
HOLME Grange School’s headteacher, Claire Robinson said she is delighted with students’ strong academic performance this year.
She said: “Although the assessment of the final grades might be different this year, the rigour of the process at Holme Grange ensured that this year group can be just as proud of their achievements as every other year group has been.
“I’m pleased that the wait is now over and this group can proceed to the next exciting phase of their lives.
“We have been faced with a complex set of circumstances but our staff and students have shown great resilience and determination in order to secure honest and accurate outcomes for all.”
Mrs Robinson thanks her staff for their professionalism and hard work supporting students through the past few months.
She added: “This cohort are a shining example of all that it means to live ‘The Holme Grange Way’ — they are a credit to themselves, their parents and their community.
“Education is not all about a set of results, but having the skills to equip the person for life and act as a firm foundation on which a young person can springboard.
“I look forward to seeing this year group going from Holme Grange and spring-boarding into life. They deserve all the successes and I wish them well.”
More than half of all grades were 9 to 7, the (A*-A) and 100% of students achieved 9-7 for all grades in the individual sciences.
Leighton Park
STUDENTS returned to Leighton Park for the first time since March to collect GCSE results and catch-up.
Due to a last-minute decision by the Pearson exam board, they couldn’t collect grades for their Cambridge Assessment and BTECs.
Despite this setback, many students were thrilled with their grades and looking forward to returning to school for the new academic year starting next month.
Grace Andrews was one such student, admitting that some of her results were higher than she’d expected.
“I’m very happy,” she said. “There are some higher than I thought they would be; there are some that I think were justified. It’s a mixed bag but I’m very happy.”
She will now undertake the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
Proud Mum Jane said: “She’s an all-rounder so it’s a good option for her. It’s good to keep on with Maths and English and a language which she might not have chosen otherwise. Especially Maths, but you need Maths for everything in life.”
Also intending to study the International Baccalaureate is Tisa Maunder-Bushnell, who played Mama in the school’s spring production of Chicago and said she was excited to come in to collect her results.
“The biggest surprise for me was that I got two nines for my combined science,” she said.
Harry Penman is to study maths and physics at A-level, but his third subject changed from economics to geography following a bridging programme offered to Year 11 students during the second half of the summer term.
This gave students two taster lessons a week for each A level and IB subject they were planning to study at sixth, and also dip into additional lessons if they wished to ensure they had made the best choice of subjects.
The academic curriculum was supplemented by two lessons each week of life and study skills which provide a smooth transition to Sixth Form study.
“These students haven’t had the opportunity to prepare for exams, hone their study skills and revise their course content as they normally would in sitting for GCSEs,” said Leighton Park’s head of sixth form, Helen Taylor.
“The Bridging Programme aimed to replace that experience for them, to ignite their interest and curiosity and ensure they are ahead of the game in reviewing the material they will need next year.
“It also means that students, like Harry, who were uncertain about their choice of subjects can actually start off studying more and choose before the autumn term.”
And Harry was a member of Leighton Park’s inaugural Engineering GCSE course, which complements the school’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) subjects.
He said: “The course combined my passion for physics with my love of problem solving and I wish I could do it all again.”
Mark Smith, Head of DT and Engineering was pleased with his first set of engineering results.
“In spite of all the disruption at the end of the year they put in extra work to get their coursework finished by the end of March and it has really paid off for them,” he said.
“I am delighted.”
Another top scoring student, Miriam Sesay, who is going to be studying music, maths and physics at A-level collected her results with her mum, Aminata Kalokoh.
“She worked very hard. I think she would probably have got even higher if she’d been allowed to sit the exams, but these are a decent set of results,” Aminata said.
And Minahil Adnan came in with her brother, Ahmer, who secured his place to read medicine at Imperial College with his A Level results last week.
“I didn’t feel too stressed about today as I had done everything that I could do,” said Minahil.
“The teachers are friendly and really work to get to know students. The teachers have played a huge part in my success in everything thus far.”
LVS Ascot
STAFF at LVS Ascot are happy with the results that its GCSE students have achieved.
Overall, more than a quarter of the results were A*, and virtually all grades were between A* and C (9-4).
This year’s A* (grades 9-8) rate at the London Road school is 26.6% – up from 17.56% last year and 7.1% in 2015.
Its A*-C (grades 9-4) rate is 97.2% this year, up from 85.67% last year and 78.9% in 2015.
The school said that despite the circumstances in which the grades were awarded, it had been expecting an increase due to a particularly strong Year 11 cohort this year.
School principal Christine Cunniffe said: “These are unprecedented times and despite the current situation, we are happy with the results our students have achieved.
“We appreciate there will be a number of students who will need additional support and guidance as they look at next steps for the future.
“All of our efforts here at LVS Ascot will be in channelled into continuing to providing one-to-one support sessions both in person and online.”
Grade breakdown
A* (grades 9-8) or equivalent = 26.6% up from 17.56% in 2019 (2018-9.4%, 2017-8.1%, 2016-4.9%, 2015-7.1%, 2014 -6.3%)
A*-A (grades 9-7) or equivalent = 46.7% up from 33.1% in 2019 (2018-24%, 2017-30.3% 2016-25.3%, 2015- 26.1%, 2014- 23.5%)
A*-B (grades 9-6) or equivalent = 67.6% down from 71.22% in 2019, 61.5% in 2018
A*-C (grades 9-4) or equivalent = 97.2% up from 85.67% in 2019 (2018-81.5%, 2017-85.5%, 2016-82.5%, 2015-78.9%)
Maiden Erlegh School
MAIDEN ERLEGH students have been congratulated for their amazing perseverance this year.
Headteacher, Paul Gibson said he is incredibly proud of what the “wonderful group of young adults” have achieved.
He said: “They were ready for their exams but this opportunity was sadly taken away from them by the global pandemic we are all facing.
“However, they all stood up to this and took the new challenges they faced in their stride and the results that we are seeing today reflect their hard work, determination and resilience.
“We look forward to welcoming nearly 200 of these students back into our sixth form and for those that are moving onto other colleges or apprenticeships, we wish them the very best of luck and look forward to hearing about their continued success.”
Mr Gibson added: “I would like to thank the parents of this year group and the staff who taught them for their support of the school and the students, but most of all I want to say thank you and well done to our wonderful GCSE class of 2020 – You are all amazing.”
Oakbank School
STUDENTS at Oakbank School in Ryeish Green have been congratulated on their results by new headteacher Robin Bertrand.
The delighted principal said that despite the challenges caused by the coronavirus lockdown, the grades achieved by the Year 11 pupils showcases their outstanding qualities.
“After such an unprecedented and challenging year I am extremely proud to congratulate all of the Year 11 students at Oakbank School for their GCSE results,” Mr Bertrand said.
“In my first year as head teacher of Oakbank School I have been hugely impressed by the resilience and commitment of our Year 11s.
“All of their lives and expectations have been thrown into turmoil in recent months but they have shown, throughout the lockdown, just what exceptional young people they are, and their GCSE results reflect these outstanding qualities.”
And despite the confusion caused by Ofqual’s revision to the grading system earlier this week, Mr Bertrand felt that the school’s results were calculated as fairly as possible.
“We used a rigorous and demanding moderation procedure to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the teacher assessments used as a foundation for these results,” he said.
“I would like to thank all Oakbank teachers for the considerable effort they have put into ensuring this process was a success.
“Following this exercise I am entirely confident that the grades our students have received are well deserved and reflect both individual success and the success of the cohort.”
Queen Anne’s School
STUDENTS at Queen Anne’s School are celebrating with 50% of all grades at 9/8 (A) and 75% of grades at 9-7 (A- A).
Headmistress, Julia Harrington said: “These results celebrate the dedication and commitment of this year group.
“We are especially proud of these students who have done exceptionally well, under the strangest of circumstances and I am in no doubt that they will carry this determination and resilience into their sixth form studies and the next stage of their lives.”
Five students achieved all top grades (9/8/A) with a further 22 students (31%) achieving all 9-7 (A- A).
Ms Harrington added: “I am very proud of our amazing students who have worked hard throughout a particularly difficult time, to achieve a wonderful set of results.
“Special thanks must also go to our fantastic staff who have been there to support and guide our young people throughout this process and we are all looking forward to seeing what this group will go on to achieve in the future.”
Reading Blue Coat School
STAFF AND pupils alike are celebrating 52% of grades awarded being an 8 or 9 at Reading Blue Coat School.
The school saw an overall pass rate of 99.9% and a 100% pass rate in English and maths.
Headmaster, Pete Thomas said: “I am delighted for the pupils. Their grades come from two years of effort and application and it is tremendous to see how this impacts the outcome.
“I have loved watching this year group throw themselves into life away from the classroom as much as time within it and I am excited to see all that their energy and talent will bring to their Sixth Form career here.”
Director of middle school, Mr Scott Yates, said: “I’m immensely proud of this year group. We were proud before they received their grades, and we’ll be proud afterwards.
“The only disappointment I feel for this year group is that they didn’t have the chance to run that race and prove themselves.
“We had high expectations of the year group; not just because of the high quality of work they have produced over the last three years, but because of their success in RS last year.”
The school, based in Sonning saw 12 of its 107 candidates achieve all 8 and 9 grades. Among those highest achievers was Oscar Mannering-Smith, who achieved eleven 9s and one 8.
He said: “I am really pleased about my grades. I admit to feeling a little relieved, given the recent news. Blue Coat were great at adapting to the situation and setting up remote learning and I have felt very well supported by my tutors and my classmates.
“I am heading out with my family for lunch out today and later I’m meeting friends to celebrate. I am hoping to pursue an aerospace engineering degree and my A-level choices are geared towards that.”
Grade Breakdown
Grade 9-8 (A*) 52.2% (2020) 41.3% (2019)
Grade 9-7 (A*, A) 78.8% (2020) 66.6% (2019)
Grade 9-6 (A*, A and B) 93.6% (2020) 85.7% (2019)
Grade 9-4 (Grade C and above) 99.9% (2020) 98.1% (2019)
Reading College
THERE was success across the ages at Reading College in this year’s GCSE results: nearly 90% of entrants achieved a pass.
That includes students taking full-time programmes or standalone maths and English GCSEs, including learners who resit maths, English or both, to continue in education or progress their career.
Among those was teenager Conrad Cameron-Tueton, who is celebrating after receiving a grade 9-9 (double award) in GCSE combined science, 8 in maths, 7 in English and statistics. Conrad recently relocated to the UK after having moved from New Zealand.
The 17-year-old said: “I am relieved with my results as I was aiming for a 7 or above in English and 9s in all of my sciences.
“I enjoyed studying at Reading College as it was a lot more independent and you get treated like an adult. I made some good friends and the teachers are very good.
“My drive for learning has become much better after being pushed to achieve these grades. When you put in the hard work, anything is possible.”
Conrad will now go on to Farnborough Sixth Form College to study A-levels in chemistry, physics and maths and is aiming high: he would like to go to Oxford or Cambridge to study physics and business with the aim of starting his own rocket engineering and development company.
Mature students included 36-year-old Joanna Chennell, who is studying an Access to HE in Nursing and Midwifery (online) course and has also been a part-time GCSE student. She achieved a grade 8 in English.
“I have always wanted to train to become a midwife, but I have never been able to do it before,” she said.
“Studying the access course online enabled me to fit it around looking after my three children.
“I’m really pleased with my results. I worked really hard and attended all of my classes. It has shown me that I am able to do anything that I put my mind to.”
Joanna is awaiting confirmation to study midwifery at the University of West London.
And 50-year-old Julie Gorst achieved a grade 4 in maths after resitting the qualification.
She will now progress to do an Access to HE: Health Professions Level 3 Diploma at the college with the aim of then progressing to university to study to be an occupational therapist.
Julie said: “I didn’t realise that studying maths and English was free until a friend said that they had done it.
“I started studying GCSE maths and English at Reading College in 2018, I passed my English, but failed maths so had to do the course over again, I preferred maths as I like working things out.
“It was actually better second time round as I was able to understand more.”
The students’ results, compiled under the lockdown conditions, was praised by Sally Dicketts, the chief executive of Activate Learning which runs Reading College.
“I would like to congratulate everyone who is picking up the results they need today in their GCSEs,” she said.
“For everyone that’s managed to get what you need, I want to say a big well done! This hasn’t been the easiest of years in which to study, but your perseverance and commitment to your studies has got you to where you need to be.
“And for those who haven’t quite achieved what you’d hoped for, don’t despair. We will be there to support you over the coming days and help you to get where you need.”
Reading School
MORE THAN half of GCSE results at Reading School were the top grade of 9.
And almost four in five grades were 9-8 – the equivalent of A* in the old marking system.
All pupils at the school gained five grades 9-5 including English and maths.
The good results kept coming: more than 99% of the candidates who entered received the English Baccalaureate.
The school said that the results reflect the quality of hard work that the students have undertaken over the past three years.
Among those receiving results were Dylan D who said: “I’m very happy with the grades I achieved today especially those in geography, chemistry, maths and French.
“My grades mean I have been able to secure a place at Reading School Sixth Form which I am very pleased about as I feel as though it is the ideal place for me to continue my studies.
“I hope to study maths, geography and French next year as I have found a new passion for studying everything that goes on in the world.”
The results pleased Reading School’s headteacher, Ashley Robson, who said that they showed the pupils’ resilience since the coronavirus pandemic in March.
“These results clearly give our students a firm foundation on which to build further success in the Sixth Form,” he said.
“It is important to acknowledge the character and resilience they have demonstrated throughout their time at our school, especially during 2020. Thus we celebrate not only their fine examination results but also their commitment to Sport, STEM, public speaking, volunteering and developing a community ethos.
“There is substantial evidence that the cohort value academic standards, but also care for people and the community.
“Our Year 11 students have ably demonstrated their capacity to learn and serve and as a consequence have flourished.”
His views were echoed by the school’s head of sixth form, Mr Lloyd, who said he was excited about lessons resuming next month.
“I look forward to welcoming all our students who will be enrolling to our sixth form, both current students and those joining us from other schools.
“To those students who will be moving on, I sincerely hope that this is not goodbye; you will forever be a part of the Reading School family.”
St Crispin’s School
TEACHERS at St Crispin’s are paying tribute to their Year 11 students today, as they receive their GCSE results.
Headteacher Ginny Rhodes said: “They have been through some very challenging times with the Covid-19, leading to the closure of the school and the cancellation of the exams.
“As always, we are proud of the performance of our students.”
A special mention was given to a number of students, including Ted Gilthero who achieved ten 9s. He will be studying Maths, History and Economics at A-level.
Ms Rhodes said: “Ted’s results were richly deserved and a reflection of a highly academic and talented student.”
Emma Pill and Holly Doel also achieved 7 grade 9s and 3 8s. Ms Rhodes said both girls were exceptionally hard working and wonderful assets to the school.
Ms Rhodes said Charlotte Brittain and Rachel Smith both worked fantastically hard throughout Key stage 4 to achieve 6 9s in their GCSEs.
A special mention also went to Emily Legg, Esme Jenkins, Caitlin Done and Lucy-Anne Meaning for their 9s, 8s and 7s.
Ms Rhodes added: “We are so very proud of all our students in Year 11 who have endured the turmoil of not only Covid-19 but the extraordinary period of change in the awarding of examinations.”
St Joseph’s College
STUDENTS and staff at St Joseph’s College are celebrating a 100% pass rate in their GCSE results.
Headmaster, Andrew Colpus said the efforts and hard work of Year 11 students have resulted in excellent GCSE outcomes again this year, with 64% achieving grades 9-7.
All students gained grades 9-4 and 24% of students achieved all ten of their GCSEs at grades 9 to 7.
There were three students who were graded 8 or above in all of their subjects.
Top performing departments include food technology with 86%gaining grade 7 and above; music with 83% gaining grade 7 and above and drama, art and design (fine art) and Latin achieving 80% at grade 7 or above.
Mr Colpus said: “I would like to congratulate our students who have worked so hard during a difficult year to achieve such excellent grades across a wide range of subjects.
“I am delighted that so many of them have chosen to stay at St Joseph’s to continue their studies in the Sixth Form. I look forward to seeing them flourish further, not just in their academic work, but also across their chosen co-curricular activities.”
He added: “Today’s results follow an excellent set of A-level results last week and my colleagues and I are immensely proud of the progress our students have made over this academic year, which has been like no other.”
Waingels College
STUDENTS returned to Waingels College for the first time in weeks, so they could collect their GCSE results.
The Year 11 pupils kept a distance as they congratulated each other on their grades.
And the school’s principal, Tom Bartlett, was equally pleased.
“It was absolutely fabulous to see so many students today as they came to collect their results in the sunshine,” he said.
“There were, as always, some truly outstanding achievements, but after such a long forced absence, it was great to see so many smiling faces, and it was wonderful to see so many teachers were there to celebrate and support.
“Congratulations to everyone.”
