MORE THAN three-quarters of the borough’s pupils sitting this year’s new-look GCSEs have secured a grade 4 or above in English and Maths, something Wokingham Borough Council says places them above the national average.emmbr
Last Thursday, students picked up their results from their schools and faced a new, tougher, grading system that saw grades A*-G replaced with numbers 9 to 1, where 9 is the better score.
The percentage of Wokingham students achieving a grade 4 or above in English is 85.9% this year, against a national figure of 71.8% (71.2% last year), and 82% in Maths against a 71% nationally (70.7% in 2017).
Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons, executive member for children’s services at Wokingham Borough Council, was thrilled with how pupils had risen to the challenge of the new GCSEs.
In a statement, she said: “I’m totally delighted to see that Wokingham borough’s schools have come out above the national averages yet again.
“The bar has been set deliberately higher to achieve the new top grade 9 and those students who have attained this have done exceptionally well, but let’s not lose sight of the achievements of the many others who have gained very good grades: they all deserve full credit for the results achieved today and should feel very proud of themselves.”
She added: “Every result is the culmination of sheer hard work and determination by everyone, students, parents and staff. Teachers will have done their utmost to prepare these young people for these exams with the new grading system.
“Any change is always stressful, and I would like personally to thank all their teachers for their efforts to see their student’s through.”
The Abbey School
Almost all the girls sitting GCSEs at The Abbey School received A*-B and 9-6 grades – 98% of the 107 students received at least these grades.
And 88% – almost nine in 10 – were marked as A*-A and 907.
The school’s headteacher, Rachel Dent, was pleased with the results.
In a statement, she said: “I am absolutely delighted with our GCSE results this year. This is the culmination of years of hard work by students and teachers, who have once again excelled.
“While we celebrate the achievements of those with outstanding grades, I am just as proud of those who have seen huge personal development and who have exceeded their predicted grades.
“Our aim as a school is to help every girl realise, and then exceed, her potential.
“Many of these girls have been with us for many years, and I have proudly watched them develop both intellectually and as young women. Inspired by dedicated teachers, I have seen their love of learning grow.
“This year group has also been very active outside the classroom. Whether competing in sports events, going on trips or enjoying great success in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, their endeavours are proof there is much more to life at The Abbey than just exam results.
“Many of these students are continuing their educational journey in our Sixth Form and I look forward to seeing them build on their success.”
Bulmershe School
Almost two-thirds of pupils achieved grades of 9-4, a result that has ‘thrilled’ the school’s headteacher Amanda Woodfin.
Additionally, 73% of learners achieved the new grade 4 in English and 57% achieved grade 5 or better. 73% of learners achieved the new grade 4 in Maths and 47% achieved grade 5 or better
The Woodley school said that Science grades were again excellent with 69% of students gaining two science GCSEs grade 4 or above.
More than 40% of students gained triple science passes of 4 or above.
Ms Woodfin said: “We are very proud of each and every individual. In terms of subjects, we are especially pleased with our results in Computer Science, English Literature, Photography, Maths, Chemistry, Physics and Biology.
“The progress our students have made is a reflection of the hard work of students, staff and supportive parents.
“We look forward to welcoming Year 12 into our sixth form and thank them for their many contributions to school life here at Bulmershe.”
Edgbarrow School
THE SCHOOL said it is delighted with its results, with students performing well with the new style GCSEs.
In total, 82% of students achieved the new grade 9 – 4 in both English and Maths, with 31% of all exam entries being graded A/A* or 7 or better.
Eight students achieved all A/A* or equivalent grades, an outstanding performance.
A spokesperson for the school said: “We would like to congratulate all our students for their hard work and we are very grateful to families for all their magnificent support. A special thanks goes to all our staff for their total commitment to the students throughout the year, as they have guided and supported students to secure strong results in a changing landscape.
“We are very pleased that a large number of students have places in our Sixth Form and we look forward to working with them next year.
“Other students have also secured places at local colleges and on highly competitive apprenticeships.
“We wish them every success for their future.”
Emmbrook School
A TEENAGER scooped the prestigious A^ – the highest grade possible – in his further maths GCSE.
Charlie Watson also achieved an impression 11 grade 9s in his other subjects, making him one of the top students at The Emmbrook School.
The school said that its English and Maths Departments enjoyed significant successes, with the proportion of students achieving 4+ passes (equivalent to grade C) was 74% for these subjects.
Overall, one in five of all results were grades 7-9 (equivalent to A-A*). The school said that its focus on academic excellence for all has resulted in outstanding individual performances, including very strong performance at the top end; on average each of its high ability students made a quarter of a grade more progress per subject than high ability students nationally.
In all, 10 students had nine or more 7-9 passes.
In addition to Charlie, they included:
- Amelia Abbott achieved 10 grade 9s, an A* and a grade 8.
- Mark Crawley earned three grade 9s, seven grade 8s and a grade 7.
- Molly Drayton has three grade 9s, two grade 8s, three 7s an A and a B.
- Ellie Harrop accomplished four grade 9s, four 8s, an A* and an A.
- Wiktor Kepa secured six 9s, three 8s, a seven and a B.
- Nicholas Spring has earned three grade 9s, four grade 8s, an A* two 7s.
- Alec Stock achieved one 9, seven grade 8s, an A* and two grade 7s.
Emmbrook School headteacher Paul O’Neill said that the school was extremely proud of all of its students and their “well-deserved achievements”.
He added: “Alongside these high performing students, we had success across the ability range. We’re delighted to be celebrating alongside our students, who have worked hard for their results.
“Given the strength of these results, the vast majority of our students are well prepared to progress successfully onto the next stage of their education. We’re delighted that so many have chosen to continue their studies with us in our excellent Sixth Form.
“We wish all of our students continued success in the future.”
The Forest School
MORE than three quarters of Forest School pupils achieved five GCSE passes including English and maths – and 17% of the boys receiving an A or A* equivalent pass in English and maths.
And just over a fifth – 22% – of all grades awarded were A* or A equivalent. The Winnersh boys’ school said that this represents a significant 27% point improvement on last year’s results and is a reflection of the changes led by the new headteacher, Shirley Austin.
She said: “These fantastic results are an outcome of the hard work and dedication from the students, their teachers and support of their parents, especially with the new more robust GSCE examinations.
“I would like to offer all the boys my best wishes as they begin the next steps in their education, most of whom will be staying with us at Forest sixth Form.”
Core subjects performed exceptionally well with English, maths and science all achieving well above their targets. In particular boys studying sciences achieved 100% Grade 4+ an average score grade of 7 (equivalent to an A). As an average a ‘good’ pass was achieved in sixteen subjects.
“The Forest School said that it continues to make exceptional progress in all the new government measures including absolute GCSE passes.
“Staff were particularly proud of 22 students that achieved a grade 7 or higher in all subjects (equivalent to an A or higher).
“I feel a special mention is required for the following students for their exceptional performance across all of their subjects: Ali Akhbari, Richard Addae, Daniel Chapman, George Young and Milo Coombs.
“When we compare our results to mixed schools across the country the boys are out performing similar schools and many mixed schools which shows a continued rapid increase in student outcomes achieved through resilience.”
The Forest School in brief:
- 89% Grade 4+ English
- 84% Grade 4+ Maths
- 32 % of students gained a 7+ in English
- 22 % of students gained a 7+ in Maths
- 22% of total grades are grade 7 and above
SCIENCE RESULTS
- 100% Grade 4+ in Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- 20% achieved Grade 9 in Biology (this is above A*), 16% Grade 9 in Chemistry and 22% in Physics
Holme Grange
Holme Grange School said that it has seen a record crop of GCSE results this year with more than half of all grades (58%) being 9-7 – the old A*-A – and overall, a 90% pass rate.
And the science department saw a clean sweep: 100% of all grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics were 9-8, which means that last year everybody would have been awarded A*. 100% of Geography, Computer Science, German and PE students were grade 9-7 (A-A*).
Raoul Parekh achieved five grade 9s, achieved while being the school’s Head of Sport and taking part in a host of other extracurricular activities.
Headteacher Claire Robinson said in a statement: “I am so pleased that this year group has been so successful, they worked extremely hard and have been an outstanding year group to teach.
“On days like this, I am humbled when I see a group of young people moving onto their next step confidently, independently and with a ‘can-do’ attitude. We have not only provided the platform for the pupils to achieve academically but they are well rounded people able to deal with whatever life will challenge them with.”
She added: “Everyone, students and staff, deserves congratulations for their commitment and energy as they worked together towards the GCSEs. It was fantastic seeing students, staff and parents at school this morning sharing this success. I wish everyone the best of luck as they move onto some exciting opportunities in a range of sixth form settings.
“It has been an honour to play a part in these young people’s education and we share great pride in their achievements. I would like to thank all those who were involved in supporting these students to achieve their potential and in many cases, beyond.”
The Holt School
A total of 84.4% of Holt School pupils received grades of 5 upwards (the equivalent of A*-C) in this year’s GCSEs – and a total pass rate of 99.9%.
Just over a third – 37% – of the 193 girls achieved 7-9 grades (A*-A), much to the delight of Anne Kennedy and Katie Pearce, the school’s headteachers.
In a statement, they said: “ Congratulations to all our students for their GCSE exam success.
“We are delighted that their hard work and perseverance has paid off with 84.4% attaining five or more GCSEs at a standard pass (grade 4) or higher, including English and maths and 37% of all exams resulting in A*/A or 7-9 grades.
“We would like to thank our dedicated staff and our wonderfully supportive parents for their part in these achievements.
“We wish all our students every success in their future studies.”
Leighton Park
Students were up “bright and early” to collect their GCSE results at Leighton Park – and the school is celebrating its best results for a decade.
Many from the 80-strong Year 11 will go on to the school’s sixth form next month.
Karen Gracie-Langrick, Deputy Head (Academic), said: “These are the best results we’ve had in a decade.
“The pass rate for 5+ GCSEs with grades 4-9 equivalent is up by 7% year on year, with over 50% of our students gaining grades at the highest level, 7-9 or equivalent.
“The uncertainty of the new grading system and the new specifications have been a challenge but the cohort have achieved some outstanding grades and I’m proud that the students own efforts, supported by the capability and commitment of our academic staff, have resulted in such an excellent set of results.”
The school’s pupils were, understandably delighted with their results.
Nikki Wilson (five grade 9, four grade 8 equivalent), said: “I’m really happy! Just so, so happy! I didn’t expect such good results.”
However, her Mum did, sayings she had worked hard and deserved the success. Nikki will be studying Biology, Chemistry and Psychology in the Sixth Form with Music A Level.
And she’ll be one of the first to undertake the qualification in the school’s new state of the art music and media centre, supported by the Yamaha Flagship Education partner, the only secondary school in Europe to benefit from this exclusive relationship.
Fellow A Level musician, Sam Caley (four grade 9, three grade 8, two grade 7 and one grade 6 equivalent), was also celebrating.
He said; “I’m extremely happy with my results and am grateful to my teachers for their support. I’m going on to study Maths, Physics, Computer Science and Music at A Level.”
Leighton Park said that Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects have been especially successful with Physics 92% grades 7-9, Chemistry 72% grades 7-9, Biology 69% grades 7-9 and Design Technology 75% grades 7-9.
Science-oriented Adriana Ioannou was pleased with her three grade 9, five grade 8, one grade 7 and one grade 6 equivalent.
She said: “I did better than I was expecting and that is such a relief. I’m doing A Levels next year in Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Maths.”
Adam Norris was smiling after he had opened his results to discover he had passed every subject.
“I’m really relieved that I’ve done well,” said Alex Allison (two grade 9, six grade 8, two grade 7 equivalent). “I was surprised but so thankful to my teachers.”
“I only slept on and off as I was kind of nervous and excited at the same time,” said Jasmine Walker.
“Some people went online at midnight but I didn’t look.I wanted to come in to collect the envelope. It’s more tangible, it makes it seem real.”
Jasmine’s two grade 9, four grade 8, one grade 7 and one grade 6 equivalent results secure her place on the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Leighton Park, one of only a handful of schools in Berkshire to offer the internationally acclaimed qualification.
“I’m pretty well balanced across all my subjects and I think I’ll be well suited to it,” enthused Jasmine. “I like the different style of teaching and I think it is more fun and engaging, more me! And I might want to study abroad, I’m considering universities in Europe: it’s good to be able keep my options open.”
Students currently in Year 9 and their families are welcome to find out more about the GCSE or Pre-Sixth Form courses at Leighton Park at the school’s annual open morning on Saturday 29th September 2018, 10am–noon. Places can be booked online at www.leightonpark.com/visitus.
Luckley House
More than half of the pupils at Luckley House had three or more 9-7 (A*-A) grades, while a third had 9-8 (A*) results.
The school highlighted some of its “rising stars”: Mai had 11 9-8s, Faye had 10, Maddie and Sophia had 9, Samantha had 8 and Lucy had 6.
LVS Ascot
Students at LVS Ascot are celebrating an excellent set of GCSE results, with the number of A* or equivalent grades rising to almost 10%.
The English language and maths pass rates both also rose, to 99% and 94% respectively, with 99% of students who achieved at least 5 A* – C (or equivalent) GCSEs passing both maths and English.
The school shared stories of some of its pupils.
Elliott Denning was ecstatic at receiving four 9s, four 8s and two A*s, and will now go on to study English language, history, chemistry and French at LVS Ascot Sixth Form. It will be a busy year for the Denning family as in addition to Elliot entering Year 12, younger brother Miles will begin Year 7 having been Head Boy at LVS Ascot Infant and Junior School, and sister Tabitha will start in Year 1.
His mother Leila said: “When Elliot began here he was shy with no confidence. It has been an amazing transformation as he has developed self-esteem, confidence and become a good student. I don’t think he could have had the breadth of education and experiences anywhere else.
“The school has great values and morals but is also very modern too.
“Tabitha loved her infant school but I want her to have the full experience at LVS Ascot so we are looking forward to September.”
Owen Lambert, who moved to LVS Ascot having studied previously in Texas, achieved a 9, four 8s, an A* and an A amongst his results and will be studying physics, economics and maths A-levels at LVS Ascot sixth form. His ambition is to go on to become a data analyst for stockbrokers in New York or London.
He was delighted to have left his school in America for LVS Ascot, saying: “I came here in Year 8 and the thing that has really helped is the level of interaction with the teachers and the personal attention I have received. It has really helped to get the best out of me”.
Kristen Walker celebrated a 9, two A*s and two As amongst her results, and is looking forward to studying drama, media and English literature A-levels at LVS Ascot. She hopes that they will lead on to a place at drama school, and continues to boost her ambitions by taking part in the school’s drama productions in its 250-seat professional theatre whilst also achieving excellent results.
She said: “Earlier this year I played Maria in West Side Story, and I have also been in Fame, Bugsy and Grease while I have been here”.
Principal Christine Cunniffe said: “We are delighted with the GCSE results this year, being the first year of the new grading system and linear exams. With the number of A* or equivalent grades rising and pass rates for English (99%) and maths (94%) also up, it is a strong set of results.
We look forward to those students continuing their success with us at A-level in our new sixth form centre which only opened last September.”
Maiden Erlegh School
Despite all the changes to the examinations this year, Maiden Erlegh School’s Year 11 Class of 2018 has produced an exceptional set of results.
85% achieved at least a Grade 4 in both English and Maths and 65% achieved at least a Grade 5. 37% of all grades on the new exams were Grade 7 or higher. Not all the courses changed this year, and some subjects were still awarded A*-G. Out of all the grades, new and old courses combined, 20% were either Grade 8 or 9, or an A*, with the students securing a total of 184 Grade 9 or A* results (8%).
Mary Davies, Executive Headteacher, said: “These results come from the students’ hard work, determination and talent, and of course the expertise and dedication of their teachers and support staff.
“I am delighted that all these endeavours have paid off and I am immensely proud of everyone.”
Oakbank School
The school said it was delighted with a “wonderful set” of GCSE results that reflected on the hard work of its students and staff, ading that they were an improvement on last year’s results, with strong performances in Maths, English, History, Citizenship, French,across all the Science, Drama and Art.
In English and English Literature, 78% of students achieved grades 4-9 (the old A*-C grades), with 61% achieving grade 5 or higher.
And in Maths, 65% of students had passes at grade 4-9, 46% has grade 5 or higher.
The Shinfield school praised Sabyasachi and Sourin Mitra who between them netted 8 of the highest grades possible at GCSE, Eleanor Codling who achieved grades 7 and 8 across the board and the same for Ella Munro.
Principal Maggie Segrove said: “I am delighted with our results this year, they are testament to the strength and expertise of our staff and the hard work of our students.
“Our students have worked incredibly hard against a backdrop of national change and uncertainty and should feel very proud of their achievements.
“As always, it is our students that make me so proud to be the Principal of Oakbank.”
Piggott School
The Twyford school is celebrating after achieving a 100% pass rate in each of Biology, Chemistry, Chinese, Computer Science, DIDA, History, Media Studies, Performing Arts – Dance, Photography and Physics.
It also saw strong results in English – 93% of pupils passed at level 4 or above (the old C grade) – while 88% passed in Maths.
Headteacher DJ Gray said in a statement: “I am very pleased to announce another outstanding set of GCSE results for The Piggott School. Our students and staff work incredibly hard and this is once again shown in this year’s results.
“The vast majority of our students will be returning to study at our sixth form, together with a significant number of external candidates in September.
“I thank all the teaching and support staff for their continued hard work, dedication and professionalism. Congratulations to all our students on their richly deserved success, and thank you to all their parents for their unstinting support.”
Reading Blue Coat School
Reading Blue Coat School saw a clean sweep of entrants receive 9-6 grades (the old A*-B) in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Geology.
And all of its German GCSE students attained A*-A/9-7 – while its French and Spanish GCSE students all attained A*-C/4 and above.
Individual results were also strong: James Clarke achieved an impressive 11 A*s/8-9, as well as an A* for his Level 2 qualification in Further Mathematics. James will be going on to study Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Further Maths at A Level.
Twelve other pupils – Ethan Bains-Gillespie, Matthew Calhoum, Cassian Cockings, Joshua Harris, Cameron Ireland, Ethan Page-Mason, Chris Montague, James Penrose, Thomas Price, Jude Simmons, Rowan Sinclair and Eric Sun – achieved all A*-A/9-7.
Six of those students – Ethan B-G, Cassian, Joshua, Cameron, Rowan and Eric – also attained A*-A/9-7 for their Further Mathematics Level 2 qualification.
Reading Blue Coat School’s headteacher said: “I am delighted with these superb GCSE results, which represent the hard work of pupils, our staff and supportive families.
“Given the new grading system of numbers in many subjects, it is difficult to compare exactly with previous years, but by all measurements this is an extremely strong set of results.
“It is certainly notable that almost 70% of all results were A*/A (or 9-7 in the new scale) and 90% of all results were A*-B (or 9-6 in the new scale).
“We are very proud of these strong statistics, yet more important than the overall numbers are the many individual success stories, and I am proud of what every young man has accomplished.
“With only a handful of exceptions, the vast majority of this year group is returning to start the Sixth Form at Blue Coat and I look forward to welcoming them back to school in September.”
And Academic Deputy Rob Tidbury added: “It’s fantastic to see our students and staff rise to the challenge of the new, more robust grading system – and achieve so many top results.”
Reddam House
The school praised its pupils for achieving its best-ever set of results.
This is the third year that the school has been operating – it took over from Bearwood College – and has seen grades improve each of the years.
In 2016, it saw 32% of pupils achieve A*-A, last year it was 37%, but this year, 54% of pupils obtained grades levels 7-9 (equivalent to A*-A).
Headteacher Tammy Howard said: “It is remarkable to reflect that we have achieved a higher percentage of A*/8/9 this year (36%) than As and A*s combined only two summers ago.
“With so many success stories it is difficult to pick out individual highlights concisely, but the staff took great delight in seeing the remarkable personal achievements for so many of the students.”
She added: “Now, we look forward to welcoming our students back in September as they begin their A-level courses and, the waiting over, we wish you all a peaceful and restful final two weeks of the summer.”
Queen Anne’s Caversham
Queen Anne’s School said it has had an excellent year of GCSE results with 47% of grades achieved at 9/8 (A*) and 69% of grades at 9-7 (A*-A).
Headmistress, Julia Harrington said: “The enthusiasm and hard work we have seen from this year group has been phenomenal; they have been thoroughly committed to their academic achievements and continue to show their determination to succeed in sixth form.”
Queen Anne’s School offers both GCSE and IGCSE to students; for this reason grades are displayed numerically and alphabetically.
Exceptional top grades of 9/8/A* have been seen across all STEM subjects: 75% of biology grades, 85% of chemistry, 70% of physics and 50% of maths grades achieved were achieved at 9/8/A* and in computer science 100% of students achieved an A.
Many of the students will be continuing their STEM studies at A level; both Emmeline and Millie are jumping for joy with their results.
Talented musician and lacrosse athlete (England U19 trials) Millie will go on to study biology, chemistry, maths and economics having achieved six 9’s, one 8, two A*’s and an A.
Emmeline, who won the Speech Day award for ‘Consistent effort in the year group’ achieved three 9’s, two 8’s, one 7, one 6 and four A*s.
St Crispin’s
STUDENTS at Crispin’s studied a range of languages, including Dutch, Hebrew, Polish, Spanish, Russian and Turkish, as they took part in their GCSEs.
The London Road school saw 82% of pupils achieve 9-4 (the old A*-C grades) in Maths and the same result in English, while 78% had a combined 9-4 in English and Maths.
In Computer Science, 95% of pupils had a 9-4 grade, while all pupils sitting engineering had a D*-P grade; 95% of pupils sitting ICT obtained the same.
11 students gained the top grades across the board – (10 top grades at A* to A/9 to 7 or more)
Headteacher Ginny Rhodes said: “I am absolutely delighted for our students and their families these are an exceptional set of results in a time of increased demand and challenge.”
St Joseph’s College
The Reading-based school praised its pupils for what it says is an outstanding set of GCSE results, seeing grades rise for the fourth year in a row.
The school had a 100% pass mark, with almost half – 47% – of pupils had grades at 9-7 (A*-A) and 96% at 9-4 (A*-C), four pupils achieved all ten of their GCSEs at grades 9-7/A*-A.
And 94% of pupils achieved eight passes at grade 4/C and above, including English and Maths.
As well as impressive grades in academic subjects, pupils have been getting involved in many extra-curricular activities. Louis, whose grades were 9 at 9-7/A*-A and one at grade 6 has had an exciting summer: “I’ve been on the choir tour to Italy, and when we returned I went straight into the studio to record three singles with my band. I’ve also played the lead role in the school production of Little Shop of Horrors earlier this academic year.”
Headmaster Andrew Colpus celebrated with the pupils this morning: “I’m proud of the achievements of each and every one of our pupils.
“The new GCSEs are tougher than in previous years and it was difficult to know how the pupils would perform.
“We are delighted with how hard they have worked, and the excellent grades they have been awarded as a result.
“We are very much looking forward to continuing to work with them in the Sixth Form, both in their A Level studies, and to develop life skills such as communication, commitment, collaboration and confidence.”
Waingels College
Waingels Colleges said that it has received another excellent set of GCSE results this year, adding that it shows the embodiment of its Better Never Stops mindset.
In a statement, the Woodley school said: “Each and every one of our students should be extremely proud of what they have achieved and deserve great praise for their resilience and determination throughout their education.
“Specific mention should go to our incredible students who achieved standout GCSE results;
- Anmol Sall – Eight 9’s and Three 8’s
- Miacarla Chapman – Six 9’s, one A*, two 8’s and two 7’s
- Adam Beck – Six 9’s, three 8’s, one 7 and one B.
“We do not focus on just results but the progress made by all of our students.
“Our students continue to make levels of progress in all subjects well above the national average and better progress than similar schools nationally.
“We wish all of our students the best in their next steps of education, knowing that they have skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen field, and welcome back a very talented group to our very successful Sixth Form.”