Today was GCSE results day and school was buzzing with life and celebration as our Year 11 achieved record results matching our previous high point in external exams of 2019. This year group has had so much to contend with during the pandemic and they deserve the highest praise for their determination and resilience.
No fewer than 67 students achieved at least seven GCSEs at grades 7-9 (A*/A) grades and thirty individual students gained a full set of 7-9 (A*/A) grades. 41% of all grades were at grades 7 to 9 (A*/A) up from 38% in 2019. We are very proud of our long track record of ensuring our students are equipped with the minimum of five good GCSEs which are the key to success in securing sixth form and college places. This year, 93% of students gained at least five GCSEs at grades 4-9 (C and above) and 90% gained a GCSE in both English and Maths at grades 4 and above. The figure for those achieving at least a grade 5 in English and Maths was 73% compared to the national figure (2019) of 43%. In addition, students across the year group made exceptional progress from their various starting points. We look forward to recognising our students’ academic success and progress in this year’s Prize Day celebration in September.
As a result, and most importantly, our students have been able to gain the Sixth Form and college places and apprenticeships for which they applied. Applications for the Ecclesbourne Sixth Form are sharply up on the already high level of demand last year and more than 85% of our students have applied for a place in Year 12. The popularity of the Sixth Form provides the best evidence of the quality of the academic, pastoral and extra-curricular experience on offer at our school. At the time of writing the vast majority of students have had confirmation of their places for next year.
Happy students thrive, and that is why it is important to applaud our staff for their care, support and their generosity with their time. They have done all that they can to ensure students entered this critical stage of their education with confidence and calmness – and that approach has clearly helped our amazing students to shine.
We are thrilled with our students’ success which continues The Ecclesbourne School’s tradition of high academic achievement for all. As we said last week after record breaking A Level results, Year 11’s exceptional results are testament to the hard work and tenacity of our students and staff and the support and encouragement provided by mums and dads. As parents, carers and teachers we know what these young people have been through in the last couple of years and we couldn’t be prouder of them.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish each of our Year 11 every success and happiness for the future.
Yours sincerely,
James McNamara
Head Teacher