Thousands of youngsters across Kent are celebrating their GCSE results today, including an 11-year-old boy and a school experiencing its first-ever set of results.
Schools and colleges are welcoming Year 11 pupils back today to open their envelopes and reveal those all-important grades.
Teenagers begun collecting their results from 8am to help guide their future destinations into the workplace or higher education.
Scores are given in a numerical scale, as first introduced in 2017, with pupils needing between 86% and 92% to acquire a grade 9 in Pearson, AQA and OCR maths exams.
The grades are ranked from 1, which is the lowest to 9 as the highest. A standard pass – equivalent to the old C grade – is considered a 4 and a strong pass, a 5.
And among those to discover their grades this morning were pupils at The School of Science and Technology (SST), who are celebrating the school’s first-ever set of GCSE results.
Part of the Valley Invicta Academies Trust’s, the site in New Cut Road, Maidstone opened with just 192 year 7 pupils in September 2020.
Specialising in STEM subjects, today marked the first time year 11 pupils discovered their grades – and many were not disappointed.
More than 75% achieved a grade 4 in both English and maths, with almost 20% of all grades being a 7, 8 or 9. This was alongside 88% of all science results being given a grade 9 to 4.
Head teacher Ryan Royston said: “These results validate the outstanding Ofsted grading and excellent reputation the school has built.
“Our students’ outstanding achievement shows that our quality of teaching, curriculum and care has paid dividends.”
Pupil Andrejs was its biggest achiever, scooping seven grade 9s, two grade 8s and a pair of grade 7s.
Pupils at St. George`s Church of England Foundation School in Broadstairs area also celebrating.
The all-through school in Westwood Road says it has achieved “hugely successful results”, with head teacher Adam Mirams, declaring: “As a school, we are delighted to announce the school outcomes this year are superb and are testament to the hard work of pupils of all ages and the dedication of all our staff.
“It is pleasing to see so many pupils progressing within the school to the next stage of their education.”
Just up the road, year 11 pupils at The Charles Dickens School have been showing their joy.
The school in Broadstairs Road saw the likes of Amber Caldwell achieve three grade 8s in English literature, history, art and photography, plus a 7 in English Language, 7-6 in combined science, a 6 in Maths and a distinction* in drama.
Further along the Kent coast, many teenagers in Deal will be enjoying a now stress-free afternoon.
It comes following what bosses at Goodwin Academy described as “a year of strong results”.
The Hamilton Road site, which is run by the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, earmarked Amber Smith as one of its biggest success stories.
It comes after the teenager achieved grades including an 8 in maths and business and a grade 7 in biology, chemistry, and French.
Head teacher, Phil Jones, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students receiving their GCSE results today.
“Whether they are continuing into our sixth form or pursuing other exciting opportunities, we know they are well equipped for the next stage of their journey.”
Youngsters at Benenden School are also revelling in another set of impressive results.
Head Rachel Bailey congratulated its Cranbrook pupils for their “outstanding” results after 78% of all grades were awarded Levels 9-7.
These included three pupils who scooped a clean sweep of Level 9 grades, while 11% achieved at least nine Level 9 grades.
“Many congratulations to this year’s Upper Fifth who should be very proud of their outstanding results,” Ms Bailey said.
“The girls have worked incredibly hard over the past few years and this is reflected in today’s results.”
In Rainham, head teacher of The Howard School, Jasbinder Johal, says the Derwent Way establishment has achieved its best-ever GCSE results this morning.
“We are incredibly proud of this cohort’s achievements,” Mr Johal said.
“These results reflect not only the hard work, resilience and determination of our students, but also the constant support of parents and carers and the commitment and dedication our staff put into every single lesson.”
Elsewhere in the Medway Towns, bosses at Bradfields Academy pupils have seen a 100% pass rate on Level 2 and GCSE results.
Principal of the Chatham site, David Waters, says he is “beyond proud of the brilliant successes each student has made during their time at Bradfields Academy.
“These results further display not only the hard work of the students, but the dedication of our staff who have showcased that no matter the need of the students, they can still achieve fantastic results compared to their mainstream peers,” he added.
In Dover, pupils at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School are also enjoying a year of success, with nearly a third of all pupils achieving a grade 9-7.
In total, 79% of students achieved a grade 4 or above in both English and Mathematics, with 13 now earning coveted academic and sports scholarships as they move into sixth form.
Principal Alex Foreman wrote: “We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements.
“As one of the top-performing non-selective boarding schools in the country, we are delighted to see so many Dukies choosing to continue their journey with us into sixth form.”
Among the achievers have been Samuel McLay, who earned six grade 9s and three grade 8s, and Bijes Rai who scooped three grade 9s, four grade 8s and two grade 7s.
Elsewhere in the White Cliffs town, St Edmunds Catholic School’s Miroslav Andrascika achieved nine GCSEs, including grade 9s in maths, chemistry and physics, alongside grade 8s in biology and geography.
Her fellow pupil, Rebecca Tirina, was equally as successful, achieving grade 9s in Russian and religious studies, plus a grade 8 in English Language.
A statement released by bosses at the Old Charlton Road site said: “There is much cause for celebration after two years of hard work and commitment.
“Once again, our students have done themselves, their community and our school proud.
“These results are a culmination of five years of both hard work, and high quality teaching which has enabled our students to reach and exceed their potential.”
Meanwhile, celebrations are in full swing in Ashford, with pupils at Highworth Grammar adding to the school’s A-level success last week.
Head Duncan Beer says 57% of all grades awarded were grade 7 or above while 63% of gained at least five grade 7s.
He said: “We have had a fantastic morning celebrating with students. Thank you to everyone in our school community who has supported the students to do their best.”
Less than two miles away, The North School’s Oscar Crawte was the Willesborough establishment’s top year 11 performer.
The teenager scooped two grade 9s and four grade 8s, while another three subjects saw him awarded two 7s and a grade 6.
In Dartford, Wilmington Grammar School for Girls has seen several of its pupils attain the highest grades, with 50% receiving a grade 7 or above.
Emily Pyne was one youngster who saw the long nights of revision pay dividends, having achieved seven 9s and four 8s.
She said: “I’m really pleased with my results and that all my hard work has paid off.
“Thank you to all of my friends, family, and teachers for supporting me through this journey to get results I’m so proud of.”
Head teacher Michelle Lawson said: “I am particularly proud of this year group who have dealt with all of the challenges in their educational journey, from a lack of their final year in primary and limited transition to a range of personal and health issues as a result of the pandemic.”
Shrutik Gopathi was another pupil pleased with the morning’s outcome at Wilmington Grammar School for Boys, admitting: “GCSEs weren’t easy. I struggled and overcame numerous obstacles to get these grades.
“Nevertheless, my journey was eased with the excellent support offered by WGSB who have thoroughly prepared me for my future studies”.
Both schools’ achievements have been mirrored by those of 11-year-old Brian Idogun.
The Year 7 schoolboy, who attends Orchards Academy, took his GCSE maths exams five years early and today scooped a grade 6 in the subject.
His mum said: “We are proud of him for passing GCSE mathematics at such an early age of 11”.
Just up the road, Stone Lodge School bosses were equally as thrilled with their pupils.
The school, which opened in September 2019, saw youngster Harleen Mato achieve a grade 9 in both English Language and English Literature.
When asked how she felt, Harleen replied: “I’m really proud of my results. Everyone. has been so supportive.”
Head teacher Catherine Cusick added: “It is great to see so many of our students who have worked tirelessly hard in the pursuit of excellence get the results that they deserve.
“The hard work of those students has paid off as they go to embark on their next steps of their journeys.”
Elsewhere, 91% of pupils achieved at least a grade 4 at Sackville School in Hildenborough, near Tonbridge – the school’s best-ever set of results.
A total of 97% received between a grade 4 and 9 in English language, with the number of results graded at least 5 hitting a high of 69%.
Thrilled head teacher, Leoni Ellis, said: “As a smaller school, we know every pupil as an individual, and that personal approach is what enables them to achieve such impressive outcomes.
“Each student has their own story and today is about celebrating every one of them.”
Moreover, Orion Spires is yet another Kent school to announce its best-ever set of GCSE results, with record-breaking achievements across key subjects.
This year saw the highest ever number of students securing passes in both English and Maths, with more than 60% of students achieving their target grades or better.
Two of these pupils included Regan Pun, who aced her exams to earn a grade 8 in maths alongside 7s in English, chemistry, physics, geography and history.
Likewise, Gulce Yildikaya recorded a grade 9 in Turkish and 7s in English literature and maths to go with her 7-6 grade in combined sciences.
Principal Anna Burden said: “I am incredibly proud of our students and staff.
“The hard work, dedication and, ultimately, effort shown throughout the year has led to extraordinary successes.
“These results mark an exciting point in the continued rapid growth and development of Orion Spires and are a testament to the ambition and ongoing success of our school community.”
What’s more, youngsters in Swale are also among those to be delighted with their summer’s work.
The Sittingbourne School’s Theo Harmse’s happiness was clear to see after picking up several grade 8 results, including in English literature and history, as well as a grade 7 in maths.
The results allow the teenager to remain at TSS to study a T-level in engineering.
Head teacher Nick Smith said: “Students, parents and staff are over the moon with some truly excellent exam results today.
“Following on from the successes of previous years, we have seen some amazing GCSE and Vocational results for students across the subjects.”
Meanwhile, Newstead Wood School, in Orpington, are also celebrating after 89% achieved a grade 7 or above in both English and maths, while 100% achieved a grade 5 or above in the two subjects.
The Year 11 cohort also performed well in the sciences with more than 50% scooping grade 9s across biology, chemistry and physics.
Principal Alan Blount said: “I am always thoroughly impressed by the dedication and commitment our students show to their studies and this cohort has been no different.
“The results they have achieved today are absolutely superb and we look forward to welcoming many of them back to our Sixth Form in September where I have no doubt that they will continue to excel.”
While some pupils will hope to move on to sixth form to study A-levels, or college, others will be awaiting results which could lead to apprenticeships or employment.
The new 9-1 grading system for GCSEs was introduced to better differentiate between students’ abilities, particularly at higher grades such as the old A*-C grades.
Notably, there used to be four grades between A* and C, compared to the numerical grading scale giving six individual grades.
The bottom of grade 7 is aligned with the bottom of the former grade A, while the bottom of grade 4 is aligned to the bottom of grade C.
Meanwhile, the bottom of grade 1 is aligned to the bottom of grade G.
Pupils receiving their results this year are the first group whose entire secondary education has been impacted by the pandemic.
They are also the first of two cohorts who are missing Key Stage 2 data from primary school, with traditional exams taken at the end of primary education cancelled due to Covid disruptions.
Last week, several Kent schools reported their best-ever set of A-level grades, with many achieving their university offers despite a national picture of fluctuating grade boundaries.
