LEADERS at Winterbourne Academy say they are proud of the “resilience and achievements” of this year’s GCSE students.
The school said 74% of candidates gained at least a 4 in English and maths, and 20% of grades overall were 7 and over – equivalent to an A or A* under the old marking system – or distinction and distinction*.
In individual subjects, 39% of chemistry grades were 7, 8 or 9, with 47% of drama, 33% of computer science, 31% of engineering and 28% of Spanish grades 7 or above.
The school’s biology candidates all achieved a grade 4 or higher, with 89% of art, 92% of music, 96% of photography, 79% of English and 81% of maths papers between 4 and 9.
Head teacher Jenny Cartwright said: “These students were in Year 7 when Covid arrived and so have had their secondary education affected from the start.
“I am very proud of their resilience and achievements, and of the positive spirit that they have brought to Year 11 and their exams.
“I wish every one of them success for the future, and I am sure that their time at Winterbourne will prepare them well for their next steps.
“I would also like to thank the teaching and non-teaching staff who have done so much to prepare these young people for their exams in so many different ways, particularly given the difficulties of the past few years, making a real difference to each individual.”
The pupil with the highest overall grades was Dulcie Phillips, who achieved seven grade 9s and three 8s.
Other students highlighted were: James Boyd with four 9s, three 8s and two 7s; Michelle Chan, four 9s, a distinction*, two 8s and two 7s; Stephen Coney, three 9s, one distinction*, three 8s and one 7; Katie Cooke, three 9s, four 8s and one 7; Lana Grice, three 9s and two 8s; Raul Griffin-Santos, two 9s, four 8s and four 7s; Sam Ovenden, one 9, two distinction*, four 8 and two 7s; Sam Richer-Coward, four 9s, one distinction and four 8s.
The school’s Year 10 pupils also took exams, in citizenship and religious studies: Evie Clews achieved the highest score on the citizenship paper of any student in the country.
Winterbourne Academy is run by the Olympus Academy Trust.