After months of preparation and anticipation, students across the borough collected their GCSE results yesterday (Thursday 21 August).
Early figures suggest another successful year for secondary schools in the borough, with results in English and maths continuing to exceed both London and national averages.
GCSEs are graded from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest. Achieving grade 4 is broadly equivalent to getting the old grade C, and a grade 7 is roughly equivalent to an A.
Initial data shared by schools shows that 83.9% of pupils achieved a grade 4 or above in English, and 78.2% achieved the same in maths. These figures are significantly higher than the national averages (60% for English, 58% for maths) and also the reported London averages (64% English, 61% maths).
The proportion of pupils achieving a grade 4 or above in both English and maths is currently 74.4%, which is in line with last year’s final figure of 74.0%. This figure is expected to change slightly as more results are confirmed.
Celebrating individual success
At Featherstone High School, headteacher Nathan Walter praised the efforts of students and staff. He said: “Whoops of joy and jumps of delight were in evidence at Featherstone as, once again, students collected very strong results. There was disbelief on the faces of many when seeing the results of their labour and hard work. The top 20 students all had an average grade of above an 8. Furthermore, 80% of students scored a 4+ in English and 73% scored a 4+ in maths.
“Other departments played their part, too, with wonderful results in science, art and computer science.”
Amrita Jezewska-Singh, 16, was among those students celebrating. She said: “I did really well – better than expected. I got five grade 9s and five grade 8s. I started crying. I thought I would cry with sadness, but I was crying with happiness. I was going through something before the exams, so I am proud I managed to persevere.”
Kriya Patel, also 16, achieved straight 9s. She said: “I worked hard the entire year and I am really happy it paid off. I am thinking of studying medicine, so I will be taking A levels in biology, chemistry and maths. I want to go to a Russell Group university.”
Other students shared stories of overcoming challenges, surprising themselves, and making their families proud. Many are now preparing to begin A-levels or vocational courses at sixth forms and colleges across the borough.
‘A real testament to our schools’
Councillor Josh Blacker, the council’s cabinet member for a fairer start, said: “This is such an important time of year for many of our young people, their families and their teachers, who have all worked so hard to help them get the grades they need to take the next step.
“Our learning partnership schools take great pride in their mantra ‘no learner left behind’ and today is a real testament to that.”
