GCSEs: Blatchington Mill celebrates results

The new GCSEs in English and maths set a ‘good’ grade at grade 4, equivalent to a grade C on the previous system. Under this measure 80 per cent of students achieved this benchmark in English, and 75 per cent achieved this in maths.

Overall 30 per cent of students achieved the EBACC measure (English, Maths, Science, a Modern Foreign Language and a Humanities subject all above a grade 4) – well above the national average.

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The highest grade possible is a grade 9 – equivalent to an A** - and the students achieved 125 of these grades. The next grade – an 8 –equivalent to an A* on the previous grading – was achieved 167 times by students.

In total more than 550 grades, a quarter of all exams sat, were graded 9 to 7 (A**/A*/A). Between them, the top 10 students in the year group amassed a stunning 47 grade 9s, and 27 grades 8s.

There were very strong performances from a wide range of subject areas, with art, photography, biology, chemistry, textiles, English, maths, music, Spanish, stage management and physics doing well.

Headteacher Ashley Harrold said: “GCSE Results Day is always such a big part of the school year and it is wonderful to share in the joy of students who have achieved their goals, and to see what it means to them, their parents and carers and the staff that have supported them.

“We’re really proud of the effort our students put into their studies, and the grades they have achieved are wonderful.

“We’re always mindful to explain to our students that your GCSE grades don’t define you – it is equally, if not more, important to be kind, considerate and engaged citizens.

“On that note, we are equally proud of the young people they have become, their wider skills, attributes and talents, and the way in which they show such care for each other, their community and the wider world.

“The grades capture their academic achievements, but beyond that they are fantastic young people and we know they will have a positive impact in the future - wherever they go for their post-16 studies – we can’t wait to hear what they achieve next.”