Jumping for joy at de Stafford School as GCSE results are revealed

Despite well-publicised reforms to the qualifications system students at de Stafford School are celebrating an outstanding set of GCSE results.

New, harder content was included in the English and maths specifications this year, yet 66% of students managed to achieve the key threshold measure of 9-4 grades (equivalent to A*-C) in both these core subjects.

This matches the school’s best ever set of examination results achieved last year under the old system and, with a number of students likely to improve their grades as a result of re-marked papers, this looks set to be another record-breaking year for de Stafford.

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

The fact that the vast majority of de Stafford students leave us with outcomes well above the national average in Year 11 is a reflection of the superb progress they have made in their time here. This year group contributed so much to the school community and we wish them all the very best for the future.”

Head boy Jacob  Coombes achieved Maths 9, English Language 6, English Literature 6 - totalling eight A* across the board.
“ I pretty much got the results I wanted and I feel really happy with what I have achieved at de Stafford. I am relieved the waiting day is over and I can now look forward to going on to college to study A Level maths, physics, Spanish and further maths,“ he said

Head girl Esme Jennings received maths 5, English Language 7 and English Literature 9 with a further three A*s, two As and two Bs.

“I have been really emotional,  I cried before I opened the envelope. Luckily I have achieved everything and more and I cannot believe I passed maths! I’m looking forward to studying A Levels at college in English literature, English language, early modern history, drama and theatre studies and sociology.”

The percentage of top grades awarded to de Stafford students has increased significantly in the past few years and this trend continued with the new 7-9 grading system. Holly Palmer, Jack Edun-Hughes, Holly Hillsey and Sakura Bloomfield all achieved the equivalent of straight A*/As  (7-9) in all of their examinations, and the following students gained at least 8A/A* equivalents; Jacob Coombes, Darcy Braimoh, May Westcott, Taurea Gayle  and Jamie Cousins.  Abbie Owen and Helen Naylor Burgess both got 8 A*/A/9/8/7.

Jake West, 16, achieved maths 7, English Language 7 and English Literature 6 plus one  A* star,  four As and two Bs and will go on to College to study biology, history and maths.

Jake said he was feeling good and was proud and pleased he can study the subjects he wants to at college and extend his education.

Abbie Ownen, 16, achieved maths 5, English Language 7, English Literature 8 and one A*,  five As and one B. She will also study at college - chemistry, Spanish and sociology.
 
Holly Palmer, 16 celebrated with  maths 7, English Literature 7 and English Language 9 plus three A*s and four As. Holly was shaking the whole time as she was in total shock, she said she thought she was going to fail maths as she didn’t do well in her mocks. She said she was feeling very emotional and surprised and glad the waiting was finally over. She will attend  College to study subjects including History, English, Economics and Maths.

Jamie Cousins, 16, was awarded a 7 in maths, English Literature and Language, with 3 A*s, 3 As and 1 B grade and will go to college and study biology, chemistry, history and maths.

He will be joined by his two friends Darcy Braimah and Jack Edun-Hughes. Darcy achieved maths 7, English Language 8 and English Literature 8 with a further 3 A*s, 3 As and 1 B grade.  Jack achieved maths 9, English Literature 7 and English Language 8 alongside six A*s.

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.

Any parent interested in looking around the school is encouraged to attend the school’s annual Open Evening on Thursday, September 14, or book a tour to see the school in everyday action by contacting reception .