GCSE results day 2023 is here and nerves have been running high across Stratford district.
Especially as education chiefs warned that, as with A Levels last week, GCSE results nationally could take a dip due to a return to pre-pandemic grading.
See how local schools have performed as the results come in.
Stratford School
There were some record breaking results at Straford School. Ninety eight grade 9s were awarded to Year 11 pupils, comapred to 35 in 2019, and 150 grade 8s were handed out – up from 116 in 2019.
Overall, 15 per cent of students achieved at least one grade 9 or better, 33 per cent achieved at least one grade 8 or better and 52 per cent achieved at least one grade 7 or better.
Headteacher Neil Wallace said: “These results reflect both great teaching and the impact of our ‘Aim Higher’ sessions which students attend voluntarily afterschool.
“So many students deserve great credit for all they have achieved, as do the members of staff and families who have supported them throughout the pandemic and beyond.
“We wish every one of our students the very best for the future and look forward to welcoming many of them back into the sixth form, alongside students from other local schools who have also been enrolling online today.”
Henley School
Henley School celebrated its highest set of results in years. Eighty-seven per cent of students achieved their pass in English, and 75 per cent of students in Maths. One in four of the year group’s grades was a grade 7 or above.
Headteacher Joseph Roper said: “Above all the students’ results are a reflection of their hard work, and the fantastic support of our staff and parents.”
King Edward VI School, Stratford
KES has achieved record-breaking GCSE results despite a return to pre-pandemic grade boundaries.
A record 84.2 per cent of papers received the top 9 to 7 grades, with 30 students achieving five grade 9s or better. Among them were Swanand Kashyap, Advait Paigude, Rohan Rajathurai and Jonathan Smith who obtained ten grade 9s and Aarav Desai, Matt Gowland, Charlie Hutton and Daniel Newington who received nine.
Headmaster Bennet Carr said: “It is particularly pleasing to see our students achieve record-breaking GCSE results despite the more challenging circumstances this year. While Ofqual’s decision to return grades to pre-pandemic levels is understandably controversial, I support the underlying principle, as it is vital that public confidence in the grades achieved in national qualifications is preserved.
“Given this context, our students deserve huge credit for the resilience they have each shown in achieving these superb outcomes. They are, of course, tribute not only to the students’ hard work but also the wonderful support they have received from their teachers and families.”
Stratford Girls’ Grammar School
SGGS reported that in spite of the warnings about a return to near 2019 standards, its Year 11 students had produced an excellent set of results.
Together, they achieved 37 per cent at grade 9, 67 per cent at grade 9/8 and 86 per cent at grade 9/7. Further congratulations go to the 19 students who received 8 or more grade 9s.
Headteacher Jacqui Cornell said: “Huge congratulations to each and every one of our students, and also to their parents who have supported them with us along the way. Our students’ capacity to succeed never ceases to amaze us. These outstanding results reflect our commitment to offer a broad and balanced education that meets the needs of our students, as well as their flexibility in thought and deed in pursuit of their aspirations.
“It has been a tumultuous educational journey for them all since March 2020, during which they have been tested by many factors beyond their control. Knowing this, we are especially delighted for all of our students as they receive their GCSE results today. The results show not only how well they have risen to all the challenges of the last three years, but prove that they have not been held back.”
Alcester Grammar School
Alcester Grammar is celebrating another set of strong GCSE results. Sixty-two per cent of entries achieved a grade 7 or above and 20 per cent of the cohort scored an average grade of 8 or above. Ninety-nine per cent of entries were awarded a grade 4 or higher.
Principal Rachel Thorpe said: “Alcester Grammar School would like to congratulate the 154 students in the Year 11 class of 2023 on their many achievements over their time with us. As a year group, they have faced a number of challenges, both collectively and individually and therefore we are delighted to be celebrating a strong set of results with them today.
“Once again, these results are testament to the hard work of students, parents and staff at AGS. The school prides itself on curriculum breadth, with 84 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.”
Shipston High School
Students at Shipston High achieved strong grades in core subjects, well ahead of national averages. Around 80 per cent of students secured grades between 4 and 9 in English and in Maths.
Overall, pupils secured an array of top grades 8 and 9 across the subject range, including students with multiple grades at 7, 8 and 9. A quarter of all students achieved a 7, 8 or 9 in English.
Standout performances included one student with eight grade 9s, one with eight grade 8s and a grade 9, and another with two grade 9s and six grade 8s.
Headteacher Gavin Saunders said: “Shipston High School students have achieved fantastic GCSE results this year, and I congratulate them all. Students in year 11 worked extremely hard studying for their exams, including through periods of pandemic lockdown and remote learning, and their commitment has been rewarded with impressive individual performances and extremely strong results across the school. All students should be very proud.
“These results show the results of sustained hard work and the excellent progress students make at the school. I am delighted that these results empower students to go on to fulfil their post 16 ambitions.”
