Celebrations at Smithdon High School

Staff and students at Hunstanton’s Smithdon High School have been celebrating the GCSE results received today.

The school's Class of 2025 has overcome many challenges in their education to achieve positive results taking them onto their next steps - with students going on to a real mix of A Levels, college courses and apprenticeships.

Headteacher, Amanda Gibbins, said:  “This year has also seen positive progress made in our optional subjects, with results in German, Drama, Art and Business Studies especially all coming in line with our consistently top subject of Maths”.

A large number of students, in what was a small cohort, received solid results across the board - not least  Head Girl, Hope Marriott, who was the highest achieving girl with a Distinction *, 2 Grade 9s, 4 Grade 8s, 1 Grade 7 and 2 Grade 6s. She is joined by Freddie Ince, top male, with 2 Grade 9s, 6 Grade 8s. 1 Grade 7 and 1 Grade 6, as well as a Grade C in Additional Mathematics; Archie King who achieved 2 Grade 9s, 5 Grade 8s, 2 Grade 7s and 1 Grade 5; Aiden Holland with 3 Grade 9s, 3 Grade 8s, 1 Grade 7, 1 Grade 6, a Level2Merit and 1 Grade 4; and Darcey Kent who gained 3 Grade 8s, 4 Grade 7s and 3 Grade 6s, to name just a few.

Darcey said: “I'm going on to Springwood Sixth Form to study Biology, Chemistry and Maths.I've really liked a lot of the teachers at Smithdon, and they made it a very nice experience there.

“I've definitely got more confident, as I was very shy and anxious when I started in Year 7. A lot of that is down to the teachers, and also all the opportunities on offer there. I pushed myself a lot and took part in musicals and drama, and two piano shows.”

“I also discovered a love for drama and music during my time at Smithdon – and Science too, as I didn't really like it when I started at the school. Now Science subjects are the ones that interest me most, and I'm looking forward to learning more about them.”

Freddie Ince  received two 9s, five 8s, one 7, and one 6 and said: “I was very happy with the results I got and will be doing maths, further maths, physics, and economics at Springwood Sixth Form, with a view to doing something with economics in the longer term.

“I've done lots of activities outside of school while I've been at Smithdon, like the DofE Bronze Award. There are lots of opportunities to try new things. I've been there since Year 7 and think I've got better at talking, and I'm more mature. I was Deputy Head Boy, which really helped my confidence and communication skills.

“I'll really miss the teachers and some of my friends. The teachers are so helpful and really focus on the students.”

Smithdon High School, a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust,  continues to be proud to champion students of all abilities in all subjects as part of its culture.

Chair of Governors, Andy Gee, added how proud he is of the support that Smithdon continues to give its students to ensure they achieve the success needed to go on to their next destinations: “It’s a pleasure to watch students progress through the school and see the culmination of their hard work being celebrated on results day.”