EXCITEMENT has been growing among Coventry school students today as they find out what GCSE results they have achieved.
Pupils discovered if they had got the grades they needed to move onto sixth-form, college, other training or employment.
These were the first exams held for three years because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the pass rate across the country, as predicted prior to results day, had fallen compared to last year but was higher than 2019.
Whitley Academy
Students at Whitley Academy enjoyed an incredible set of grades, with staff saying that results exceeded all expectations.
The number of Whitley students achieving a Grade 5 or above has risen by over 50 per cent compared to 2019, the last set of exam results before the pandemic.
Among those celebrating was Lola Ashley, who achieved Grade 9s in Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology and has received a scholarship to Princethorpe College.
Meanwhile, Eve Bannon managed to gain Grade 9s in Art, English Language, History and RE while also receiving a Grade 8 in English Literature.
Holly-Jo Watts achieved Grade 9s in History and Sociology alongside Grade 8s in English Language, Triple Science, RE and Catering.
Whitley Academy headteacher Bernadette Pettman said: “After the difficulties that students have faced over the last few years, the results today are amazing.
“They are a credit to our brilliant students and our caring staff.”
“While today is about celebrating the results our students are seeing in the envelopes they are opening, the figure that I am most proud of is much less glamorous.
“Initial data suggests that across every exam sat, our students did over half a grade better than they would have done in 2019.
“This shows that our community is on a very positive and upward trajectory, which we believe will only accelerate with all the changes that we are planning for the new academic year.”
Ash Green School
Staff at Ash Green School put in a range of extra support this year to help students combat the impacts of the pandemic.
This included inviting inspirational speakers to develop a positive mindset, one-to-one tutoring, and social, emotional and mental health support, and it paid off with the school achieving an outstanding set of GCSE results.
Among the high achievers was Harry Robinson, who received eight grade 9s and one grade 8.
Meanwhile, Vanessa Worthington achieved four grade 9s and three grade 8s, while Jayen Ram got three grade 9s, three grade 8s and one grade 7.
Principal Umbar Sharif said: “I am excited to see our amazing students take their next steps with confidence and with the ambition to make a positive difference in all that they do.
“Thank you to all our staff at Ash Green School for their outstanding dedication to providing all of our students with the opportunities they need to succeed.”
Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School
Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School saw an improvement in this years results compared to 2019, with 42.3 per cent of Year 11 pupils achieving grades 9-5, up from 33.1 per cent three years ago.
The school also saw 100 per cent of its students achieve grades 9-4 in Triple Science.
Many of their students are now going on to study their A Levels at the schools Sixth Form.
Among the successes was Daniella Hall, who achieved seven grade 9s and two 8s.
She said: “I was incredibly nervous about the English Language exam but I ended up getting a grade 9.
“My teachers were great throughout and always happy to give me extra work, which helped me overcome the challenges that everyone faced in catching up after Covid-19.”
Another star pupil Alisha Duffy said that going back to exams felt ‘odd at first’, but managed to achieve three 9s, three 8s and three 7s.
Principal Matthew Everett said: “After two years with no external examinations, to come back with such continued success is wonderful for our pupils who have faced many challenges, and our staff who have worked hard to ensure a successful exam performance.
“I’d like to congratulate all of our pupils for their hard work over the last year and wish them the best of luck in the next chapter of their lives.”
