A DROP in the proportion of GCSE entries awarded top grades for the second year in a row, nationally, did not wipe the smiles from pupils’ faces at Warrington.
Head teachers across the country were reporting “a lot of turbulence” in grades, with about two-thirds of exam entries graded between an A* and a C – a fall on last year.
The proportion getting an A* or an A fell from 22.4 per cent to 21.3 per cent.
The overall pass rate also fell marginally, for the first time in the exam’s 25-year history.
But at Warrington’s Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School it was a record breaking year.
There were smiles all around at the school, as 55 per cent of pupils gained five A*-C grades, including English and Maths – five per cent up on last year.
Highest points overall scorer this year with 773 points from her 15 GCSEs was Emma Clarke, while Nathan Weaver achieved the highest grades with four A*s and five As.
Both students were right at the heart of the school’s vibrant music specialism and headteacher John Sharples noted that the concentration, commitment and determination Emma and Nathan developed through music certainly contributed to their academic success.
He said: “There are many other good news stories from the class of 2013.
“This was an outstanding group of young people who contributed greatly to the life of the school and we wish them well in the future.”
There were plenty of success stories at other Warrington schools too.
Culcheth High School reported that despite falling trends nationally, record GCSE results were achieved.
All in all, 78 per cent of students achieved five A*-C grades, including English and Maths – an improvement of three per cent on last year.
There were excellent results in the core subjects. Some 86 per cent of students achieved the threshold of grade C or better in English and 85 per cent the same grades in Maths – both records for the school.
In Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology and RE more than half the grades awarded were at A* or A with high numbers of top grades achieved also in Art, Textiles, Drama and PE.
Headteacher Martyn Froggett said: “we congratulate all our students on their fantastic achievements. They have worked hard and done very well. They have also benefitted hugely from the support of their teachers. We are very proud of them and wish them all the best for the future”
The borough council said GCSE results for Warrington generally were a cause for celebration.
Some 84.3 per cent of year 11 pupils achieved five A*-C grades – significantly up on the nationally reported results of 68.1 per cent.
And 66.2 per cent of GCSE pupils achieved five A*-C grades (including English and Maths).
Lymm High School reported “fantastic” GCSE and BTEC results, with above 70 per cent A*-C grades, including English and Mathematics.
Some 84 per cent of students achieved five A*-C grades and 98 per cent achieved five or more A*-C grades.
Almost a third of students secured one or more of the highest grades at GCSE, achieving an A*.
Cllr Colin Froggatt, the council’s lead member for children and young people’s services said: “We are over the moon with this year’s GCSE results and very pleased with all that our young people have achieved this year. These results are a credit to all the hard work and determination shown by students and the excellent teaching and support from teachers, school staff, governors and parents.
“Our interim results indicate that Warrington continues to be a borough where a high quality of education is provided and our young people continue to set a shining example.”
If young people are looking for guidance in relation to their next steps education and employment advisers will be on hand on Wednesday August 28 for young people who would like advice about their future.
The council’s Careers for Young People service is holding an event at their centre in Times Square, between 1 – 4pm.
Alternatively to find out more contact the centre on 01925 424900 or visit the website
www.careersforyoungpeople.co.uk
Our pictures show jubilant pupils at Lymm High School (top), Culcheth High School (right) and Bridgewater High School (left).
