MATHS has proved to be a strong point at The Gryphon School in Sherborne, as “significant gains” were recorded at this year’s GCSEs.

Students were celebrating as they picked up their results today (August 21).

The school said it recorded an improvement in overall student progress compared to last year.

Religious education, music, and drama were among the top-performing subjects for progress, and the school also celebrated “outstanding success” in STEM subjects, with all three sciences delivering incredibly strong outcomes.

Headteacher Jim Gower said: “We are delighted with these results, which once again demonstrate the hard work, resilience and talent of our students, as well as the dedication of our staff.

“It is wonderful to see such strong progress in maths, the arts, and the sciences, showing the breadth of opportunities our young people embrace at The Gryphon. We are incredibly proud of every student and their achievements this year.”

Head of Year 11, Eleanor Hetherington said: “I am incredibly proud of all our Year 11 students and everything they have achieved. It has been a joy to support them through such an important stage of their lives, and I am so pleased to be celebrating their hard work with them today.

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Picture: The Gryphon School

“I look forward to seeing so many of them continue their journey with us in the Sixth Form. For those moving on to college, apprenticeships, or other exciting opportunities, I wish you every success in whatever path you choose.

“Please keep in touch and share your successes, of which I’m sure there will be many!”

Some of the highflyers:

Mae Comyns was celebrating after receiving seven grade 9’s and four grade 8’s.

She told the school that she was happy that her hard work had paid off, as she’d been tracking her revision hours on her phone and had clocked up 330 hours.

She was particularly proud of her German grade and is staying on at The Gryphon Sixth Form to study biology, chemistry, maths and further maths.

Twins Lauren and Ellie Le Poidevin also celebrated a set of results which saw them achieve grades 9 and 8.

They said: “We’re really happy and surprised, and these grades are better than we expected”.

Twins Ellie and Lauren Picture: The Gryphon School

They are both continuing their studies at Exeter College, with Ellie studying biology, chemistry, and PE, whilst Lauren will study biology, philosophy and ethics, and PE.

The twins are talented footballers, playing in the Junior Premier League for Exeter City Academy.

Stanley Palmer achieved seven grade 9’s and said he was “really pleased” with his results. He plans to study further maths, computing and physics at The Gryphon Sixth Form.

Annabelle Wilson was not only celebrating receiving her results today, but it was also her 16th birthday.

She said: “I’m really happy with my results, it’s a double celebration today!”. She plans to stay on for sixth form to study maths, physics, and sports science.

Amy Spearman achieved six grade 9’s and three 8’s. She said, “I’m glad I worked hard, I’m happy and relieved! These are much better than I was expecting.”

Amy will go on to study maths, further maths, chemistry and biology at The Gryphon Sixth Form.

Megan Morris was celebrating achieving a grade 8 in drama, exactly what she needed to get into drama school. She has a place at the Performing Arts Depot in Bedfordshire.

Tom Massey achieved 7s and 8s. He said: “I was expecting 6s and 5s so this is phenomenal! I’m glad I put in the hard work, and I’m looking forward to going on to study music, theatre studies and geography.”

Ruby Sutton, who received grades 6 to 8, said: “I’m really happy! This is what I was hoping for as it will allow me to study the subjects I need to pursue a career as a medical officer in the Royal Navy”.

Asher Kirkwood achieved six 8s and a 9 in fine art, which he said he was particularly proud of.

He will go on to study art, maths, physics and philosophy and ethics at A level.

A special mention to Rachel Laws, age 51, who works as a catering assistant at the school.

Rachel didn’t complete an English GCSE when she was at school, but after much encouragement from staff, she passed.

Rachel said: “I am very relieved, as I was very nervous, but I am really happy to have passed!”