LEIGHTON PARK students braved Thursday morning’s downpour to receive their GCSE results.
The school’s Year 11 managed to secure an outstanding 55 percent of grades between 7-9, significantly above the national average of 26.3 percent.
This was also a 5 percent increase from Leighton Park’s results from last year, when teachers assigned grades.
Esther Bodkin achieved eight 9s, an 8 and an A*. She said: “I’m very happy. I had a little happy cry this morning and am so pleased. I’m interested in going to Oxbridge and this is a good first step.”
Her mum, Justina, commented: “She’s worked really hard and we feel really proud of her. The school was really organised through the pandemic and teachers went out of their way with extra support in the lead up to the exams.
“I’m really pleased they were able to do live exams as these are such important skills.”
The Shinfield school showcased its excellence in science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM) subjects.
Grades 7-9 were achieved by 89 percent in computer science, 88 percent in physics, 74 percent in chemistry, 65 percent in biology and 60 percent in maths.
A splendid 95% of music candidates managed to achieve these same grades, which are the equivalent of As and A*s in the former grading scheme.
The school’s first cohort of budding filmmakers took the BTEC Creative Media Production and enjoyed strong results.
Jack Mancey, who achieved a distinction, enthused: “I enjoyed the freedom and creativity of the course. It felt like I was gaining real life skills. I’m planning to take the Level 3 Digital Film and Video Production course in the Sixth Form.”
Mr Matthew Judd, head of Leighton Park, said: “These students should be very pleased with their achievements. The absence of live external assessments over the last two years, disrupted learning due to national lockdowns and all the uncertainty that the pandemic brought has tested their metal.
“I pay tribute to their tremendous grit, character and resolve. They can now look forward to entering the Sixth Form with confidence.
“I would like to thank the whole team at Leighton Park for their remarkable dedication. They are true professionals, going above and beyond to support each individual.
A Leighton Park education is about much more than exam results but it is heartening to see their work validated in this way.”
