Students, parents and staff at Bishop Stopford School are thrilled with the incredible GCSE results published today.
In a year where nationally, 67.8% of grades have been awarded a 4 and above, 86% of Bishop Stopford’s students achieved this benchmark, indicating once more the real depth of quality across the board at the school.
Impressively, almost 40% of grades this year were awarded at 9-7 (historically A*-A) with an average grade for all GCSE entries of a 6 (historically a high B). In addition, over 70% of students have achieved grade 5, a strong pass, in both English and Maths.
Individual achievements have been equally impressive: 44 students have achieved at least 8 of their GCSEs at grades 9-7 and 6 students were awarded grades 8 and 9 in all 11 of their qualifications - a phenomenal achievement.
Students were delighted with their results with many seeking out their teachers to thank them for their encouragement and support. One student remarked: 'I’m so pleased with my results – the hard work paid off. I really appreciate all the support I’ve received.'
Headteacher Jill Silverthorne said, ‘Our aim is that every student should fulfil their potential, no matter their ability, and I’m delighted that our students have absolutely lived up to that ambition. They have worked so hard to achieve their personal best.
‘On days like these, it can be easy to focus on those achieving the highest grades, but I am incredibly proud of each student for the progress they have made individually.’
Early indications show that against every headline measure set by the Department for Education, students have performed superbly. This includes students of all abilities, those with Special Educational Needs, those who are classed as disadvantaged, students of all ethnicities, and both boys and girls, who have all made significantly positive progress.
‘These results are quite remarkable!’ Miss Silverthorne said. ‘Our staff must take the credit, too: they have worked tirelessly to support our young people as they returned from the pandemic, and to see results like these today is a tribute to the quality of both their teaching and the support they have offered.’
‘Our students can now go on to the next stage of their education with confidence, knowing they have a superb base for their post-16 studies. We wish all of them the very best.’
One parent said: 'We are delighted with the progress our son has made over the last few months particularly. The extra support he’s received from the teachers was above and beyond.'
Another praised the school’s focus on the whole person, saying: 'Our daughter had fantastic pastoral and academic support at Bishop Stopford School. The commitment of staff in providing support with exam skills and provision to cope with exam stress and mental wellbeing has been exceptional. It has been so important that the whole child has been considered and supported.'