THIS year’s GCSE results day marked a return to normality for students across Warwick district.
It was the first time since the start of the pandemic that GCSE results were based on exams rather than grades assigned by teachers.
And following much national criticism that such teacher-based assessment had led to grade “inflation” it was only inevitable this year’s cohort performed lower than the classes of 2021 and 2020.
Yet despite their education being much-interrupted by Covid, grades nationally were higher then 2019 when the last GCSE exams were sat.
At Arnold Lodge School in Leamington there were many success stories. Of all grades awarded, 31 per cent were 7 to 9 (the equivalent of A*/A) and there was a 97 per cent pass rate in English and Maths.
Among the individual successes were Elysia, Head Prefect, who achieved exceptionally high marks in English Literature and Amelia who achieved an outstanding result in Music.
Headteacher, David Preston, said: “We are incredibly proud of the hard work of all our pupils this year, but particularly our GCSE cohort. The fantastic set of results today are testament to the sustained commitment shown by our Year 11 to their studies over a difficult two years.
“I am looking forward to seeing many of our pupils continuing their studies on A Level or BTEC courses next year as members of the ALS Sixth Form.
“The whole ALS school community, including our parents, teachers and pupils will, I’m sure, join me in congratulating our GCSE pupils on their results.”
At North Leamington School 62 per cent of students achieved a grade 5 or above in English and Maths and 79 per cent of students achieved grade 4 or above.
Seventy seven per cent of students left with five or more grade 4 results, while 30 students achieved all grade 7 to 9 results.
Headteacher Mike Lowdell said: “Students here at North Leamington School have again received fantastic GCSE examination results, despite the turbulence of the last two years. Overcoming many challenges, students have performed exceptionally well and enabled themselves to move onto the next stage of their education and training with the currency and confidence to have further success.
“On behalf of all the staff at North Leamington School, I would like to congratulate each and every one of them, for their hard work and positive attitude through a difficult period, where they have shown huge resilience.”
Over in Warwick at Myton School in English and Maths 80 per cent of students were awarded grade 4 or better, 57 per cent gained a grade 5 or better and 22 per cent achieved a grade 7 or above.
Especially noteworthy were Noah and Rachel who both achieved grade 9s in all their subjects.
Headteacher Andy Perry said: “I would like to congratulate our students on their achievements this year and to thank the parents and carers for their ongoing support and also the staff at Myton for their dedicated teaching and wider support. “My best wishes to all our students in their next steps and we look forward to welcoming many of them into our sixth form.”
At King’s High School in Warwick 76 per cent of pupils achieved grade 9 to 7, while 53 per cent of pupils achieved grade 9 to 8.
Headmaster Dr Stephen Burley said: “We are thrilled with our pupils’ outstanding GCSE results and I am immensely proud of the way that they have risen to the challenges they have faced in recent times. Their successes reflect the hard work they have invested and the fantastic support they have had from staff and parents.”
Of all grades at The Kingsley School, 29 per cent were awarded at level 9 to 8, 50 per cent at level 9 to 7 and 97 per cent at level 9 to 4.
Among the many outstanding personal achievements were Matilda Wilkinson, who achieved nine grade 9s and one grade 8, Darcey Rogers, who achieved seven grade 9s and two grade 8s, and Sophia Greaves, who achieved six grade 9s and three grade 8s.
Headteacher James Mercer-Kelly, said: “I am absolutely thrilled for our Year 11 pupils, and it was a great joy celebrating with them today.They have shown the utmost diligence that has now been justly rewarded.”
And at Warwick School 76 per cent of pupils received grades at level 9 to 7, with 54 per cent achieving level 9 to 8.
Headmaster James Barker said: “This is another exceptionally strong set of GSCE results and I offer my congratulations to all those pupils who have worked so hard for this success. Our pupils have excelled in the full breadth of GCSE subjects, from maths and sciences to arts and humanities. “
