Exceptional GCSE results in Solihull
The number of pupils getting a C grade or above in GCSEs has fallen to its lowest level for almost 10 years nationally – but results in Solihull have opposed the trend.
At Alderbrook School in Blossomfield Road, students celebrated an ‘exceptional’ set of results, with 81 per cent achieving C+ in both English and maths.
Marissa Chauhan, who is from Cheswick Green, scored 10 A*, 1A and 1B. The 16-year-old said: “I studied really, really hard and I’m just relieved.”
Fellow pupil Sophie Corcoran was overwhelmed with her 5A* and 7A’s. “I ran out of the room crying”, she exclaimed. “I expected a B in maths but I got an A*.”
And hard-working Gurvir Matharu from Shirley is set to fulfil his ambition of becoming a doctor after scoring 11 A* and 1A* Distinction. He will head to King Edward VI Camphill to take A Levels in biology, chemistry, maths and history.
Headteacher Tracey Lord said: “Today, yet again, the staff and Year 11 students at Alderbrook are celebrating another exceptional set of GCSE results.
“Equally as pleasing is that across the curriculum, many subjects are celebrating their best ever results – 27 per cent of all entries were A/A* while 78 per cent achieved a C+ grade.
“We place great emphasis on the development of our students’ personal qualities and know that supported by their families and us, they grow up into thoughtful, kind and motivated young people so we are thrilled that to complement this, they have achieved such excellent results which will stand them in good stead for the next steps in their education and future careers.”
This year Grace Academy Solihull achieved its best results ever after 70 per cent of students attained A* to C grades in GCSE English and maths, a rise of 33 per cent since 2014.
In English 81 per cent of pupils achieved A* to C grades and in maths, 73 per cent of students achieved A* to C grades this year, up 16 per cent on last year and up 34 per cent since 2014.
Principal Darren Gelder, said: “This is a true reflection of the hard work and dedication of the students, parents, carers and staff at the Academy.
“They thoroughly deserve what they have achieved which places us, for the second year running, as one of the most improved Academies in the region.”
In Knowle, Arden Academy Principal Martin Murphy was delighted with the school’s almost 100 per cent pass rate of pupils achieving 5 A*- C GCSE grades or equivalent.
He said: “Our results at A* are once again well above the national average and the percentage has increased against a drop nationally.
“Our students have reached their challenging targets and we are particularly pleased that we have achieved such truly impressive results when the bar has been significantly raised nationally and the exam system has seen dramatic change.
“These are turbulent times and how the government measure student outcomes has changed again.
“However, the most outstanding results were achieved by Shirin Anari and Isla Chaplin who both gained A* in every one of their 10 GCSE subjects.”
Pupils at Solihull School meanwhile are celebrating their best GCSE results on record with 79 per cent of this year’s grades at A*/A.
The independent school on Warwick Road saw a record breaking 40 per cent of all grades at A* with 10 students receiving 10 A*s or better, 21 pupils received eight or more A*s and 70 pupils received eight or more A*/A grades.
Headteacher David Lloyd said: “This represents a fantastic achievement from all of our pupils.
“My heartfelt congratulations go to them and the teaching staff for their hard work and dedication which has definitely paid off.”
Picture: GCSE students celebrate at Alderbrook School, Solihull l-r Laura Filby, Thomas Carton, Annette Scott Chair of Governors, Gurvir Matharu, Catherine Pointon, , Maths teacher Ama Thandi, Marissa Chauhan, Sophie Corcoran and Shannon Price
Read more: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/gcse-success-across-solihull-11800230