Students and staff at Thomas Alleyne Academy in Stevenage have been praised by head Mark Lewis for their “superb response” to the changes in the GCSE system after many achieved top grades.
Among those collecting their GCSE results today was Alex Baranova, who secured the new top grade 9 in mathematics, awarded to only two per cent of students in the country.
Alex – who also got eight other good GCSE grades, including five at A* and A – said: “I feel great. The teachers here helped me lots to achieve such good grades and I’m so pleased that all my hard work was worth it.”
Esther Knell achieved grade 8 in mathematics, 7 in English language and five As. She said: “I’m over the moon! I’m really glad as it means I can continue my studies at A-level. I can’t wait.”
Connor Ellwood secured nine good GCSE grades, including a 7 in mathematics, 6 in English language and English literature, and four A grades.
He said: “I feel really good. The stress has finally gone! My hard work has really paid off and I’m now looking forward to starting my A-levels at Thomas Alleyne in September.”
Vita Dovydova’s nine good GCSEs include grade 8 English language, 7 in maths and English literature, and four at A* and A.
“I’m so excited that now I know I can take all my A-level choices here next term,” said Vita.
“I’m so pleased with how well I’ve done.”
Lucy Godbeer achieved an 8 in mathematics, 6s in English language and English literature, and 4 grade As.
She said: “I’m particularly happy with my maths grade and I can go to sixth form here now, confident that I’ll be as well supported in my A-levels as I have been in my GCSEs.”
Bethany Wood achieved four grade As, and 7s in English and English language among her nine good grades. and said: “I’m so happy with my amazing results. I can’t wait to continue my studies in the sixth form at Thomas Alleyne next term now.”
Reflecting on the results, headteacher Mr Lewis said: “We are very proud of our students’ achievements.
“Students and staff have responded superbly well to the changes in the GCSE system and these results are due to the hard work and commitment of all members of the Thomas Alleyne community.”
Regarding not releasing overall results, a statement issued on behalf of the Stevenage secondary schools 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*-G to 9-1. 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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