News | GCSE results


downsmail.co.uk U-turn relief for students


THE COVID-19 pandemic will be a remarkable chapter in the history books, particularly for those who picked up GCSE results for exams they did not sit, writes Jade Schopman. “In many cases, the number of


Young people were spared the


added worry of grades being downgraded by the Government's controversial “marking” scheme —which was overturned just days before results were disclosed. Kent education expert Peter


Read says the key problem with moderated grades is that the size of school sixth forms is capped and, unlike universities, is unlikely to be


able to increase because of staffing and accommodation issues. Mr Read said: “A basic rule is


that the sixth-form entry criteria for internal and external appli- cants have to be the same. “However, these will always in-


clude a set maximum number and give priority to internal students who reach the set academic stan- dard.


Pupils ‘should be proud of results’


INVICTA Grammar School wel- comed the government’s U-turn decision, along with another fan- tastic set of GCSE results. Heateacher Julie Derrick said she


was “thrilled” that final grades would be reverting back to the teacher-estimated results. She said: “This year group has been working extremely hard and each and every student should be proud of what they have achieved.” At St Simon Stock Catholic School, students have been cele- brating an increase in sixth-form admissions. The top GCSE performers in- clude Thomas Raines, who achieved grade 9s in all subjects. Louise Chidley, Eve Daly, Katherine Gore, Phillip Hart, Jan Mochol,


Alysa Shaikh and


Nathalie Valete achieved an aver- age above grade 8.


Charlie Farmer, Katherine Gore, and Janice Matthew all achieved more than three grades above their expected grades. Academy principal Jon Malone said: “These results have been achieved through five years’ hard- work with continual improve- ment.” At Maidstone Grammar School, 57% of all grades were 7 to 9, with 98% awarded level 4 to 9. Some 17 students achieved six or more grade 9s, and five students achieved 10 or more grade 9s. Headteacher Mark Tomkins said: “The focus of the school is now to support its students and helping them to secure whatever pathway they have chosen.” Sutton Valence School saw an


16


8% increase in top grades on last year’s results.


Almost 50% of GCSEs were graded 9 to 7, with 28% achieving scores of 8 and 9.


Of the 90 pupils in the year group, 29% achieved four or more grades 8 or 9 (formerly A* grade), with five students each gaining 10 or more A* equivalent grades. The top performers include Jonny Russell (10 grade 9s, one grade 8), Holly Clark and Char- lotte Farrell (11 grades 8 and 9) and Evangelina Kargaki and Harrison Murray (10 grades 8 and 9). Thomas Llewellyn, Suma Rai,


Alice Roberson and Alexander Tol- hurst all achieved nine GCSEs graded 8 or 9. Head Bruce Grindlay said: “We are delighted with the way our pupils have risen to the challenges presented to them. These young people deserve enormous credit.” Maplestone Noakes School is “extremely proud” with this year’s record-breaking results. The school achieved an English and maths combined pass rate of 64%. Amelia Clay achieved a 9 in English lit and 7s in geography, maths and science. Head Richard Owen said: “We


are incredibly proud of our stu- dents who have achieved amazing results, through what has been the most extraordinarily difficult time. “I would like to congratulate them all.”


Students from St Augustine Academy celebrated an “outstand- ing” set of results.


Summer Beames achieved six grade 9s and 8s and a scholarship at Sutton Valence School.


Students from Invicta Grammar School celebrated their results


Between them, Boglarka Babrian, Jana Mohammed and Sarah Pilbeam gained 12 grade 9s, eight grade 8s and nine grade 7s. They will all head to grammar schools this month. Jack Muir was awarded one grade 8, two grade 7s and five grade 6s and will attend the Maid- stone Football Academy. Principal Jason Feldwick said: “Many individual students have performed very well and exceeded expectations, so special mentions must go to Leo Allsep, Jessica Atkins, Morgan Mooney, Amy John, Caitlin Lamb Jordan, Harry O’Neill, Ryan Wade, Robert Trim- ble and Beth Taylor.” All year 11 students at The High


Weald Academy have been offered a sixth-form place to “minimise the impact of the disruption”. Eloise Turk, Lucy Gavin, Abby


Head, Deanna Pogson, Oliver Peat, Aiden McGinley, Alex Baker, Travis Ades, Millie Phillips, and Melissa Claydon all achieved pass rates in eight or more subjects. Millie Phillips and Melissa Clay- don obtained grade 8 results in maths and Aiden McGinley gained a grade 9 in science. Executive principal Daniel Hat- ley said: “We are so pleased that


our students have received the grades they deserve after such an uncertain and difficult time. “The tenacity and commitment they have shown during their GCSE courses has been rewarded, as has the hard work of staff and the support of the families.” The number of students reaching


top grades at Cornwallis Academy has more than doubled. Teachers are especially proud


that over 60% of all GCSE grades achieved were grade 4 and above – an increase of 5% on last year. Ollie Langmaid achieved four 9s; three 7s and two 6s.


Head Samantha McMahon said: “I am extremely proud of all our students for their hard work and dedication. During a time of such uncertainty, their resilience and self-belief has deservedly paid off.” The head of Holmesdale School congratulated students on achiev- ing fantastic GSCE results. Glenn Prebble said: “Our stu- dents have had a lot to contend with in addition to the demands of their GCSE and BTEC exams. “However, we are very proud of them. They have shown resilience and have achieved well.” At Valley Park School, head Margaret Hutchinson was “de-


internal pupils qualified and tak- ing up places in the sixth form of popular schools will be larger this year and I therefore anticipate the number of external places will de- crease for most schools and the pressure on places will increase, in some cases sharply.” Kent County Council admitted that they know some pupils will


not receive the results they were hoping for, due the summer exams being cancelled. BTEC grades were pulled the


evening before results day, affect- ing nearly half a million UK pupils. Exam board Pearson said it


would be re-grading all its BTecs to bring them in line with school- based assessments.


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