GCSE results: Local schools round-up
How have our secondary pupils got on in their exams?
Hundreds of teenagers in South Wiltshire and West Hampshire have been receiving their GCSE results today (Thursday 23th August).
Nationally, the proportion of entries awarded top grades has fallen from last year.
It's still higher than the equivalent figure for 2019 - with increased efforts made in England to return grading to pre-pandemic levels.
More than a fifth (22.0%) of UK GCSE entries were scored at least a 7 - or an A grade - this year, down by 4.3 percentage points on last year when 26.3% of entries achieved the top grades.
This does remains higher than the equivalent figure for 2019 though - before the pandemic - when it stood at 20.8%.
So how have our local schools done? Here's the round-up:
Bishop Wordsworth
The boys at the grammar school have posted strong results once again - we've been given a statement from Headteacher, Dr Stuart Smallwood:
"In the run up to this set of Key Stage 4 results the message from the exam boards was clear – schools should expect a reduction from the previous high levels towards the outcomes in summer 2019. That is what has happened this year and, while the reduction from 2022 is fairly stark the outcomes are still very good for this set of students. The 155 boys in Bishop’s Year 11 gained nearly 64% of all of their papers at Grades 7-9, with 33 of the year group passing all of their papers at one of the top three grades.
"This set of results comes at the end of several years’ determined effort for boys who had experienced education that was punctuated by the pandemic of course. They have been helped through those difficult times by the determination and creativity of their teachers, and the unwavering support of parents. They’ve done well, and, most importantly, will have gained the qualifications that they need for the next stage. For most that will mean A levels with us, but I wish all of our Year 11 good fortune wherever their next steps may lead."
Stonehenge School
The Amesbury secondary's been sharing their results, which come ahead of a new teaching block opening on site very soon.
They've said they're 'extremely proud' of their students and 'hard-working teaching staff' for their 'resilience' over the last few years.
In a statement, Headteacher Carole Dean said:
"They approached the exams by displaying an incredibly supportive and cohesive attitude towards each other, and such an air of positivity throughout. On a personal level, I couldn’t have asked for a lovelier and more deserving set of pupils to gain my first official set of GCSE results with as their new Headteacher.
"Whilst we are proud of all of our students, there are some performances that deserve special recognition. Top students worth a special mention as achieving the highest grades across their subjects are Thomas Allen whose grades included 6 grade 9s, Brady Wright with three 9s, and three 8s, and Alex Salter with nine grades that were above 7.
"Our key ethos is ensuring that we help our pupils to ‘Strive for Excellence, and exceed expectations’ so we also delight in celebrating the achievements of pupils who have made progress that goes above and beyond their targets. Top students in terms of the amount of progress that they have made were Angelina Burton, Bethany Duggan, Aerose Rai and again Brady Wright deserves a special mention for making the most progress in the entire year group."
South Wilts Grammar School
It's been a good year for the girls at Stratford Road as well.
Headteacher Michele Chilcott said:
"We are delighted to celebrate the superb achievements of our wonderful Year 11 students. The number of students achieving the very highest grades is again outstanding. Almost 70% of all the examinations taken were awarded 7-9 grades, with 46% of those grades awarded at 8-9. 42 students achieved 8 or more 8-9 grades, with 4 students achieving at least 10 grade 9s.
"It is easy to forget that a significant proportion of Year 11’s school experience was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their excellent results are a real credit to them and are borne of hard work, perseverance and commitment over their school career.
"They are a fantastic year group with very bright prospects ahead of them. We look forward to seeing the vast majority of them in Year 12 in September and wish all of them the best for the future."
Wyvern St Edmunds
There's been some pleasing results at Wyvern St Edmunds in Laverstock.
Headteacher Louise Henderson said:
"(We're) so proud of our students from the class of 2023. Both boys and girls have achieved high grades in equal measure across our curriculum areas of Sciences, Languages, Maths, creative subjects, the humanities and English.
"Our students returning from lockdown in Year 9 have worked hard to close the gaps of lost learning. Our staff have shown love and dedication in supporting our students to believe that they can achieve more. As a result there are a large number of students who have achieved or exceeded the target grades they were aiming for. I’m delighted that students have been rewarded for all their hard work and efforts.
"I would like to personally thank all the staff at WSE for the continued guidance and support that is given."
Trafalgar School at Downton
They've said they're 'celebrating terrific GCSE results with many outstanding individual achievements'.
Acting Headteacher Jonny Cole said:
“We are exceptionally proud of all our students and very pleased that we have achieved our best ever results. As a group of young people, they have been a delight to work with and embodied the school’s vision and values in Being Trafalgar. They have taken advantage of the excellent teaching and pastoral support at our school to achieve their potential. Our staff have worked tirelessly to make sure that these students had all the support and expertise they needed through the multitude of challenges education has faced over the past few years.
"I must also extend my heartfelt thanks and huge congratulations to the parents and carers, who supported all of the students throughout their five years with us, and wish all of our students well, as they move on to the next phase of their education.”
Godolphin School
The Salisbury school say their girls have shown 'determination, resilience, and exemplary aptitude' through their GCSE studies.
Jenny Price, Head of Godolphin said:
“Following on from last week’s announcement of our Upper Sixth’s A-level success, our GCSE students have equally showcased their hard work and exceptional talents with these superb exam results.
“We are immensely proud of their achievements. These students are now ideally placed to continue their studies into Godolphin Sixth and we look forward to developing and extending their individual skills, preparing them not only for academic success, but also for a future of limitless opportunities.”
Council reactions
Wiltshire Council's congratulated students on their results.
Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said:
“Today is an exciting day and I send my congratulations to everyone who is due to find out their GCSE or VTQ results and wish you good luck with your next steps.
“I also want to thank those who have provided support to students and helped them to achieve these results, whether that’s teachers, school staff or parents and carers.
“If you are a student who maybe didn’t get the grades you were expecting or you are unhappy with your results, you should speak to your school or teachers and use the available support around you to decide the best options available.”
It's a similar message from Hampshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Steve Forster:
“All the Year 11 students should be really proud of themselves today, whatever their results, after working hard towards their qualifications.
“I’d also like to thank the parents and carers, and our teachers and tutors for all the support they have given to pupils throughout their courses and in preparation for their exams.
“For many of our young people, today is a day of celebration as they have achieved the grades needed to move into their chosen next stage of education or training. For some pupils however, we know it can be a difficult time, particularly if there is uncertainty about next steps, or they have received results that are lower than expected or hoped for. Our Hampshire Futures’ team can offer full careers support, advice and guidance for anyone who needs it after today’s results.”