One week on from an excellent set of A-Level results, that have already been judged "outstanding" by the Advanced Level Performance System (ALPS), Wilmslow High School is delighted with the results published today for the first reformed GCSE qualifications with their more challenging subject content and new 9-1 grading scale.
With 80% of Wilmslow High School students gaining a grade 4 or above in English Language, 83% in English Literature and 78% in mathematics, performance in the key threshold of Level 2 English and mathematics has improved to 76%.
The performance of the highest attainers is especially strong with 29% of students gaining a grade 7 or above in English Language, 30% in English Literature and 28% in mathematics.
Particularly impressive are the number of the new highest grade 9s that have been awarded with 13 in English Language, 22 in English Literature and 16 in mathematics. These figures represent performance that is at least double the national average.
Dr James Pullé, Headteacher, congratulated students on their achievements and thanked staff for their hard work "Today brings the culmination of three years of planning, study and practice for both students and staff. These reformed GCSEs have brought significant changes in subject content, examination processes and the grading system.
"They have been introduced by the government at a high pace and there have only been a limited number of specimen examination papers for students to practice and staff to mark. As these results show, our school community has risen to the challenge impressively.
"Year 11 have heard much from us about having high expectations in terms of work ethic and being determined to push performance beyond personal bests. Very well done to the students for the character they have shown throughout and a big thank you to the staff for their commitment to the pursuit of excellence."
Ms Ruth Powley, Deputy Headteacher, commented: "We are incredibly proud of all of our students for their hard work and achievements. The vast majority of our students took full opportunity of the wide range of exam preparation opportunities that we offered in the run-up to the exams, and it is fantastic to see their efforts pay off."
Director of English, David Spence said, 'We are delighted with the way our Year 11 students have responded to the challenge of the new English Language and Literature GCSEs. Alongside many excellent results across these two English examinations, there were a total of 35 Grade 9s, the new grade designed to recognise the very highest performing students across the whole country."
Particular congratulations go to Jacinta Kynaston, Megan Skidmore and Conor Smith who achieved grade 9 in all three subjects of the new 9-1 GCSE grading system.
Mr Mark Vincent, Assistant Headteacher (Curriculum and Community) commented: "As a school that believes strongly in the power of a "whole education" to prepare young people for all that life will bring, Wilmslow High School always regards GCSE results day as a moment to celebrate the full range of our students' aspirations and achievements.
"This year group have, throughout their time at the school, have participated fully and performed highly across the full range of our wider curriculum. Their many achievements in national competitions, local events and moments of personal commitment have all been previously recognised through school publications and the local media but this is a good moment congratulate them collectively.
"The students collecting their results today will now be taking the next steps in their education or training in the school sixth form, at college or in an apprenticeship. Whatever their destination we thank them for their contribution to school life over the last five years and wish them well for the future."
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