THIS year’s GCSE results day marked a return to normality for students across Stratford 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.
But results at Stratford School flew in the face of the national picture, with students setting all time records in English and Maths. Some 13 per cent received grade 9 to 7 (the equivalent of A”/A), 47 per cent achieved grades 9 to 5 (A*/B ) and 69 per cent were awarded grades 9 to 4 (A*/C).
While across all subjects, 47 per cent of students secured at least one grade 7 or better.
Standout performances included Charles Happel, Liam Browne, Kirusika Sivayogan, Omar Youssef and Lauren Ingram. Charles in particular achieved an impressive 10 grade 9’s.
Deputy Headteacher Kevin Lister said “This cohort have been remarkable.. We are immensely proud of the resilience and adaptability our students have shown throughout their GCSE’s and wish them all the very best going forwards.
“We are delighted to release what we believe are a very strong set of results to the Class of 2022. They would be a strong set of results even without the Covid disruption, so to deliver these given the backdrop of turmoil that the students have endured is particularly pleasing.
“I am also extremely proud of our staff from across the school who once again have given their all to help these students to achieve their best.”
At King Edward VI School in Stratford more than 90 per cent of papers received the top 9 to 7 grades, with nearly half at grade 9.
Fifty two students achieved five or more grade 9s. Among them were Callum Maughan who obtained eleven, Zachary Hodges, Eddie Mitchell and James Smyth with ten and Robbie Gemmill, Ned Hancock and Dawood Malik who received nine.
Headmaster Bennet Carr said “These fabulous outcomes are richly deserved and testament to both the talent and dedication of students, and to the quality of education maintained by their teachers throughout the last two and a half years. The return of public exams gave our students the opportunity to demonstrate the fruits of their motivation and focus during the challenges of the pandemic, and I could not be more pleased for them.
“I look forward to following their progress alongside those who join us in the Sixth Form”.
At Kineton High School over 75 per cent achieved grade 9 to 4 in English and Maths, with 57 per cent gaining a 9 to 5 in both subjects. While across all subjects, 20 per cent were awarded grades 9 to 7.
Notable achievers were Sophie Message who gained nine 9 grades, one 8 grade, one 7 grade and an AS grade A, Jack Wood who received seven 9 grades, two 8 grades, one five grade and an AS grade A and Willow Hogben-Wingrove who scored five 9 grades, two 8 grades, one 6 grade and a Distinction.
Incredible progress was made by Lily Edwards, Kathryn Bickley, Kiya Humphries, Jessica Marcroft and Jack Keogh-Bywater.
Headteacher Helen Bridge said: “Congratulations to all Kineton High School Year 11 students on achieving excellent GCSE results. We are so proud of them having displayed great determination throughout their studies despite the challenges faced – notably this academic year, when Covid hit the year group at such a crucial time. They truly deserve their success.
“We wish them the very best of luck in their next steps and hope to see many of them in our sixth form in September.”
And Alcester Grammar’s GCSE results were the best in the school’s history.
Seventy three per cent of entries achieved a grade 7 or above, and 52 per cent were graded 8 or higher. Over two-thirds of the cohort achieved an average of at least a 7 or equivalent in ten GCSE subjects, and the school’s “Attainment 8” score was the highest ever.
Principal Rachel Thorpe said: “Once again, these excellent GCSE results are testament to the hard work of students, parents and staff at AGS. The school prides itself on curriculum breadth, with 91 per cent of pupils this year entered for the English Baccalaureate and students also achieving equally strong results in creative areas such as the Arts, DT and Food Technology.
“Alongside these outstanding academic results, this year group have also achieved so much outside the classroom, making the most of the vast array of opportunities on offer at the school. The majority of our GCSE students will now continue their time at AGS by moving into our sixth form, where we will also welcome many other high achievers from our superb local feeder schools.”
