FOLLOWING on from the previous week’s A-level success, it was the turn of GCSE students across South Somerset to celebrate.
Holyrood Academy in Chard saw its “best ever” GCSE results, with 70 per cent of students achieving the key measure of at least a grade C in both maths and English, a 10 per cent increase on last year.
Many students exceeded their personal targets with one in every five grades awarded being an A or A*. Five students – Maggie Evans, Alfie Tipping, Teigan Veale, Ellis Caird and Freya Rodgers – achieved 43 A*s and 15 A grades between them.
Headteacher Matthew Collins said: “The achievements of all the students has been superb.
“New government measures take into account, the progress made by every student in the year for the new Progress 8 score and these are significantly above national thresholds – indicating high levels of success for students of all abilities.”
He went on to say that the results were “thoroughly deserved” and a testament to the students’ attitude and hard work.
“I would also like to thank the teaching staff for the incredible amount of work they have put in to supporting this group of students,” he added.
Executive principal Martin Brook commented: “In the context of our new partnership with Axe Valley it was crucial that we could demonstrate big improvements again this year. These results are outstanding and can only help to further our reputation at a local and regional level.
“Above all else, I am delighted for our students who have worked so hard to achieve these exceptional grades.”
Newly appointed director of sixth form, David MacCormick, added: “This fantastic set of results means that 80 per cent of the students in this year group have met the entry requirements for the sixth form at Holyrood and can be part of the exciting new developments.”
Wadham School in Crewkerne also saw its best GCSE results for many years with a 10 per cent increase in performance compared to last year, equating to 63 per cent of students achieving at least five GCSE passes, including maths and English.
There was also a 16 per cent increase to 71 per cent in the number of students passing both English and mathematics – a new government key performance measure.
Asked what he puts the improvement down to, acting headteacher Matthew Gardner said: “I’m delighted that our forensic approach, with real emphasis on early detection of students that need additional support, has achieved the desired outcome.
“It has not just been about giving extra help to students outside the curriculum, but also adjusting the teaching, week in week out to reflect class needs and to address areas of difficulty.”
Particularly impressive performances came from 27 students who received five or more A*s or As – Erin Bowhay, Fin Brown, Megan Butler, Daisy Charles, Tom Clarke, Jessica Derham, Corey Edwards, Olivia Elsdale, Hannah Farmer, Imogen Fisher, Abby French, Rebecca French, Bethany Lacey, Jessica Langdon, Georgia Lewis, Max Metcalfe, Madeleine Murdoch, Lea Newcombe, Abigail Parham, Caitlin Paull, Jessica Payne, Isabella Pearson, Charlie Pettinger, Lucy Pittard, Abbi Spicer, Tiggy Swanwick and Beth Womack.
Amongst these Tom Clarke, Olivia Elsdale, Imogen Fisher, Rebecca French, Leah Newcombe, Caitlin Paull, Jessica Payne, Lucy Pittard and Beth Womack. achieved an impressive 10 A*s or As.
Mr Gardner added: “I have been highly impressed with the way our students have applied themselves in the lead up to exams and hugely appreciative for the dedication from the staff team and the great support we have had the from parents who can have a tremendous impact on performance.
“The school hopes that the excellent GCSE performance this year coupled with great A-Level results announced last week will influence parents of pupils across the Ilminster and Crewkerne area to take the opportunity to visit our open evening on Monday, September 26th.”
