UPDATES & PICTURES: GCSE results day across the Vale

Paul JonesAugust 24, 20230 Comment0

STUDENTS across the Blackmore Vale are picking up their GCSE and other results today.

Young people have been turning up at their schools to find out what scores they received in the exams they sat over the summer.

Here are the latest updates:

Sturminster Newton High School

After two years of education affected by school closures and the pandemic, students at the school have been praised for showing ‘a real illustration of their grit, determination and resilience’.

Headteacher, Jason Davis, said: “We are really pleased and proud of students for these results, given the disruption they have faced, and the grade boundary changes this year.

“They have performed magnificently and it is a testament to their work ethic and the positive support they have received from parents and school staff.”

Among the results, particular congratulations were given to: Lily Bowers (eight grade 9s, two grade 8s), Amelia Tubbs (three grade 9s, two grade 8s, four grade 7s), Josh Twist (two grade 9s, three grade 8s, four grade 7s), Nat Quinnell (two grade 9s, two grade 8s, two grade 7s), Freya Pallet (one grade 9, four grade 8s, tow grade 7s), Daisy Baines (one grade 9, two grade 8s, one grade 7) Ben White (three grade 8s and three grade 7s) and Eddie Weedon (two grade 8s and six grade 7s). Also particular congratulations to Lilia, Victoria and Danilyo for their excellent results after only a relatively short time in the country and taking exams in a foreign language.

Head of year, Tom Enticknap, said: “There have been challenging times for these students over the last few years which will have had a big impact on their learning, so I’m so proud of them for achieving these great results.”

A spokesperson added: “These are well deserved achievements for our students and we are extremely proud of them. A huge well done to them and thanks to all the teachers, parents and school staff who have worked so hard to support, encourage and motivate them. We wish all the students the very best for their next steps.”

King Arthur’s School, Wincanton

Students at King Arthur’s School in Wincanton are thrilled after receiving their exam results, with teachers praising them for performing ‘brilliantly across their GCSE examinations and vocational qualifications, despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic’.

“King Arthur’s is proud of the achievements of all students but welcome sharing special mention of those who have exceeded all expectation and performed in excess of their target grades across all subjects,” a spokesperson said.

“Congratulations to Amy, Keira, Molly, Rob, Mariana, Caitlyn, Aidan-Jay, and Noah. A further hearty congratulation goes to Aida, Chloe, Joe, Aaron, and Oliver, who all outperformed their target grades in over 90+% of their exam subjects.”

Headteacher, Jen Jacklin, said: “We are extremely proud of all the hard work and awesome achievements of our students.

“After what has been a disrupted and difficult time, our students have risen to the challenge and demonstrated resilience and commitment to their success.

“As a school, we congratulate each and every student for their individual success and send our very best wishes for their future studies. Our teachers have worked tirelessly to support students to ensure they could achieve and take their next steps.

“As always, we will be thrilled to hear what our students achieve in the future and look forward to them joining our school alumni so we can stay in touch.”

Student Amy Staines achieved a grade 8 in Biology and a grade 7 in Chemistry, and is set to study for A levels in Chemistry, Biology and Psychology at Strode College.

“I am really surprised and so happy – I did a lot better than I was expecting,” she said.

Mason Oliver-Taylor said: “I’m very happy today. I did really well, especially in English, which I am really proud of.

Mason is going on to study A levels in English, Criminology and Politics.

Aida Negreci did extremely well, and said: “It’s been very emotional, I was so nervous, but I exceeded my expectations.

“I’m really happy and very pleased with my grade 8 in Maths.”

Aida is going on to the Gryphon Sixth Form to study Physics, Maths and Art 3D, to follow her dream of becoming an architect.

Mariana Pareira said: “I’m really, really happy. All my hard work paid off. I’m happy with my results, especially Maths and English Literature.”

Mariana is going to study for a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Creative Practice at Strode College.

Due to the wealth of post-16 study options available to students, young people move on to study a diverse range of A Levels, BTECs, T Levels, undertake apprenticeships, and do this both locally and as far away as the Isle of Wight.

Headteacher Jen added: “We are so pleased to know that having secured the skills and qualities to thrive for life, our students are confident in choosing courses out of county, as well as at local institutions.”

Shaftesbury School

Headteacher at Shaftesbury School, Donna London-Hill, praised the achievements of students, ‘despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic’.

She said: “This achievement is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and hard work of our students, their families, and our committed teaching staff.

“The disruption caused by the pandemic has been immense, with students facing periods of remote learning, uncertainties, and adjustments to their usual routine, throughout their secondary education.

“Despite these obstacles, the results we are celebrating today reflect the determination of our students to achieve academically and succeed in their educational journey.

“As a school community, we are immensely proud of each and every student who has risen above the challenges and demonstrated their potential.

“These results highlight the importance of collaboration between parents, students, and teachers in fostering an environment of support and encouragement.

“As our students move forward in their academic journey, we offer them our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes. Whether they choose to continue their education in the Shaftesbury School Sixth Form or explore new horizons elsewhere, we are confident that they will carry with them the skills, knowledge, and resilience that will empower them to thrive in whatever path they choose.

“We look forward to witnessing the continued growth and accomplishments of our students as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.”

Student Tilley Miles did exceptionally well, achieving seven grade 9s.

Tilley said: “I’m lost for words, and pretty chuffed. I feel relieved and very happy that all the hard work has paid off.

“I’m looking forward to staying on at Shaftesbury Sixth Form to study Biology, Chemistry and Maths.”

Leweston School

Results received today at Leweston School were, for the seventh year running, higher than the national average.

While nationally, the top grades (7 to 9) have fallen from 26.3% in 2022 to 22% this year, this trend is not in evidence at Leweston, where top grades at the school remain twice the national average.

A host of pupils scored a majority of 7 to 9s (equivalent to A*-A) with some impressive individual results. Lucy B achieved nine grade 9s, one 8 and one 7. Daisy H gained eight grade 9s, one 8 and one 7. Gracie W has eight grade 9s, one 8, one 7 and one 6 and Evie W a total of ten grade 9s and one 7.

Half of all grades in Further Maths, Geography, Music and Physics were 7 to 9 and in Biology, Chemistry, History, Business Studies, Fine Art and Computer Science two thirds of pupils gained an 8 or a 9.

“A fabulous set of results, huge congratulations to all the pupils,” a spokesperson said.

Gryphon School

Gryphon School students are celebrating an ‘excellent’ set of GCSE results today.

Acting headteacher, Jim Gower, said: “I am so very proud of each and every Year 11 Gryphon student. Our students have embraced our Gryphon ethos of striving to live their lives in all their fullness and have been rewarded by achieving incredible results that will allow them to move on to the next stage of their educational journey.

“We look forward to welcoming many of them into our Sixth Form and wish those students going on to apprenticeships and college courses all the very best for their future.

“I am enormously grateful for all the effort put in by our wonderful team of staff to support all our students in enabling them to reach their full potential.”

Head of Year 11, Cath Moore, said: “I am proud of every single student’s achievement today; their time with us has been full of ups and downs but they have navigated this with resilience and relentless positivity.

“Year 11 have made the most of every opportunity given to them and I can’t wait to follow their future successes.”

Maya Caddick was the top achiever with 9x9s and 2x8s in her GCSEs.

She said: “I would like to thank all my teachers for supporting me and always being so positive.”

Maya has accepted a place at Bishop Wordsworth’s Sixth Form in Salisbury.

Mya Golden, Thomas Powell and Jack Taylor were all awarded 10 GCSEs at grade 9 or 8, whilst Harry Foster-Pegg, Laura Jones and Vienna Matts all attained 9 GCSEs at grade 9 or 8.

Exciting destinations include Owen Morris, who has already started his initial Navy training, and Luke Hancock, who has enrolled on an apprenticeship with Leonardos.

Luke said: “I am extremely surprised, but I am over the moon.”

As well as The Gryphon Sixth Form, students have accepted places at Kingston Maurward, Strode College, Yeovil College, and several apprenticeships.

Emily Grace-Watts, who performed spectacularly well compared to her target grades, added: “I am so happy. I am going to study Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths in The Gryphon Sixth Form.

“I hope to be a midwife in the future.”

Gryphon School student, Maya Caddick

The Blandford School

There was an air of celebration at TBS when Year 11 received their results – with staff, parents and young people gathering to review successes and discuss options, post-16.

Sally Wilson, headteacher, said: “It is important we commend students in this cohort for their calm and mature response to the rigour of studying 9 subjects (on average) which translates into approximately 25 examinations.

“The Class of 2023 should also be applauded for their commitment, focus and resilience dealing with the demands of the pandemic, which included lockdowns and remote learning.

“We also believe their performance will look strong against national averages which, given the headlines in the national press, is something to celebrate.

“Every single one of our students will have their own personal and special achievements, well done to them all.”

Among the notable achievements among pupils were:

High Progress
Olivia Palmer; Madeleine Harding; Kimanie Edwards; Sasha Revuelta; Keira Francis; Ralph Winter; Kasey-Leigh Holmes; Harry Watling; Richa Rai; Kian Cherrett; Grace Seeley; Charlotte Haines; Harry Harper.

High Fliers
Madeleine Harding: 4 x grade 9; 4 x grade 8; 1 x grade 7; 1 x grade 6.
Daisy Ryan-East: 2 x grade 9; 5 x grade 8; 1 x grade 7; 1 x grade 6.
Oliver Hart: 3 x grade 9; 4 x grade 8; 1 x grade 6; 1 x grade 5.
Olivia Palmer: 5 x grade 9; 1 x grade 8; 2 x grade 7; 1 x grade 6.
Maria Martins: 2 x grade 9; 3 x grade 8; 3 x grade 7; 1 x grade 6; 1 x grade 5.
Keira Francis: 1 x grade 9; 6 x grade 8; 2 x grade 7; 1 x grade 4.
Bill Cain: 6 x grade 9; 1 x grade 8; 2 x grade 7.
Jack O’Boyle: 3 x grade 8; 2 x grade 7; 2 x grade 6; 2 x grade 5.
Robert Sherwood: 4 x grade 8; 2 x grade 7; 2 x grade 6; 2 x grade 5.
Poppy Haywood: 2 x grade 9; 3 x grade 8; 1 x grade 7; 3 x grade 6.
Constance Lewis: 2 x grade 8; 6 x grade 7; 1 x grade 6; 1 x grade 4.
Rosa Brightman: 2 x grade 9; 4 x grade 8; 3 x grade 7.
Grace Seeley: 6 x grade 8; 1 x grade 6; 2 x grade 5.
Eleanor Lowndes: 2 x grade 9; 2 x grade 8; 5 x grade 7; 1 x grade 5.
Matilda Hutchings: 3 x grade 9; 3 x grade 8; 1 x grade 7; 1 x grade 6; 1 x Level 2 Merit.
Ruby Le May: 3 x grade 9; 5 x grade 7; 1 x grade 5.
Macy Wheeler: 3 x grade 8; 3 x grade 7; 2 x grade 6; 1 x Level 2 Distinction*.
Darcy Bagg: 2 x grade 8; 3 x grade 6; 3 x grade 5; 1 x Level 2 Merit.
Erin Lowe: 4 x grade 7; 4 x grade 6; 1 x grade 4.
Harry Watling: 1 x grade 8;3 x grade 7; 2 x grade 6; 2 grade 5; 1 x grade 4.