De Stafford celebrates GCSE results

Students at de Stafford School, Caterham, celebrated the arrival of their GCSE results.

Despite well-publicised reforms to the qualifications system, students ad de Stafford are celebrating a strong set of GCSE results.

New, harder content was included in the English and maths specifications for the first time last year, yet the majority of students again managed to achieve the key threshold measure of 9-4 grades (equivalent A* to C) in both these core subjects.

With the exam reforms rolling through to most other subjects this year, the 2018 cohort was faced with the challenge of sitting more exams than ever, including content that was previously covered at A-Level in a number of courses.

Headteacher Jeremy Garner said: “These outcomes do not happen by accident and are a testament to the dedication  and hard work of the students as well as the excellent support and guidance provided by staff, governors and parents. I am pleased that the cohort as a whole achieved a strong set of results against a backdrop of significant reform and change.

“The fact that the vast majority of de Stafford students leave us with such positive outcomes is a reflection of hte strong academic progress they have made in their time here. However, this year group contributed so much to the school community and we are just as proud of the way in which they have developed into highly aspirational and confident young adults, confident of their place in society and the positive contribution they can make to it”

Student Isabella Mico achieved grades 9-7 across all subjects and has been awarded the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship Award following a rigorous selection progress. It is the most prestigious scholarship of its type in the UK and aims to inspire and nurture school-age students to be the country’s future leaders of the engineering profession.

Isabella added: “I am so happy! A few teachers and a lot of hard work has allowed me to achieve fantastic results and this has helped me secure a place at Woldingham Girls School sixth-form, which is what I wanted. Here I will study A-level maths, physics and DT. My plan is to go on to university to study mechanical engineering. I’ve hardly slept but it’s all been worth it.”

Among the top students was Max Callender, who also achieved grades 9-7 in all his subjects, he said: “I’ve enjoyed my time at de Stafford and my results are higher than I expected. I couldn’t be more pleased. The support and opportunities from the teachers has enabled me to go on to Reigate College to study A-level maths, further maths, physics and economics with Cambridge in my sights.”

“Whilst rightly celebrating the fantastic achievements of the high attainers, the school was delighted with the progress made by all students from their different academic starting points on entry to the school in Year 7,” said Mr Garner.

There will be an open evening at de Stafford on September 20 and parents are welcome to attend or book a tour of the school by contacting reception.

Student Daniel Clarke, commented: “I feel brilliant and I’m buzzing! de Stafford has been a brilliant school to attend and with their constant encouragement and support they have helped me achieve the results I needed to get into Reigate College. The next step is for me to do my A-levels with a view to being successful in either Oxford or Cambridge in a few years, it’s all really exciting!”

Charlotte Vicars, said: “My results were higher than I expected so it was a lovely surprise opening my envelope. I’ve really enjoyed my time at de Stafford and I cannot thank the teaches enough. I studied an extra GCSE in art which involved out of school hours and I’m pleased I got a really good result in this subject. I will study my A-levels at Reigate College in graphic design, art and phycology before heading off on an apprenticeship in Patisserie at Westminster College – my A-levels are a back-up.”