The head at Stevenage’s Barnwell School has said he is “thrilled” after seven of his students achieved the new top grade of 9 in their English and maths GCSEs.
English literature, English language and maths are now being graded from 1 to 9, with other subjects retaining the old grading system.
Top performers highlighted by the school included Julia Tebbutt – who achieved eight grades at A* or A or equivalent, as well as a B.
George Meywes, Abbie Pickard and Ethan Rowley each got seven results at A* or A or equivalent, and two Bs.
Students who got grade 9s in the new English and maths GCSEs were Hannah Edgar and Ethan Rowley in English language, James Mays in English literature, and Robert Cook, Charley Dowler, George Meywes and Ethan Rowley in maths.
Headteacher Tony Fitzpatrick said: “I am so proud of all of our students and staff who successfully rose to the challenge of the new examinations in English and mathematics.
“Given the stretch and challenge that has been introduced to make it harder to achieve top grades, I am thrilled that a number of our students achieved the top grade of 9 in English and maths.
“Across the board our students have performed so well, it was lovely to see so many happy smiling faces today as students received their results.”
Chair of governors Mel Edwards added: “The governors are delighted that Barnwell School continues to build on the successes of recent years.
“The results this year are well-deserved and the result of a committed and combined effort by ‘Team Barnwell’.
“Our students, parents, staff and governors have all pulled together to ensure that our students have achieved excellent results.
“On behalf of the governing body I would like to thank everyone for the role they have played.”
Regarding not releasing overall results, a statement issued on behalf of the Stevenage secondary school headteachers said: “This year there have been many changes in how students in Year 11 are assessed in their GCSE examinations.
“For English and maths, grades have moved from A* to G to 9 to 1. Examinations have become more rigorous, and controlled assessment is no longer part of the English exam.
“This summer is the first time students sat the new English and maths GCSE. Throughout the year, schools across the country have struggled to predict and assess what students will achieve as no grade boundaries were in place.
“The new system has led to confusion for students, parents and schools alike.
“With these national changes, year-on-year comparisons of attainment are not appropriate and headline progress measures will be unavailable until the official performance tables are released.
“As headteachers in Stevenage, we continue to work hard in our own schools and together as a family of schools, to raise achievement and improve the life chances of every single student in our care.
“This year we want to celebrate the individual success of each and every student.”
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