GCSE results day: Live blog from schools across West Berkshire and North Hampshire
Year 11 pupils across the district will be getting their GCSE results today (Thursday).
Thousands of students will be heading to their schools in West Berkshire and North Hampshire to pick up that all important envelope and find out how they got on in this summer’s exams.
We would like to wish all students the very best of luck today and hope that they are proud of all they have achieved over the past two years.
Our reporters, Mirek Gosney, John Garvey, Phil Creighton, Sarah Bosley and Ollie Haines – along with photographer Phil Cannings – will be at schools across the area today chatting to students about their results and what they plan to do next.
Keep an eye on this blog all day for live updates.
4.50pm: iCollege
Headteacher at iCollege Jacquie Davies said everyone was “delighted” with this year’s GCSE results.
“iCollege is absolutely delighted with this year’s GCSE exam results and the staff are extremely proud of all of the learners for their incredible efforts, determination and the way that they managed a very demanding Year 11,” she added.
“Learners are leaving iCollege with a broad range of national qualifications which will support them well with their chosen destinations.
“Their success in this examination series is down to their own hard work but also the extraordinary commitment of the iCollege teaching staff who have supported their learners tirelessly throughout the course of their iCollege journey.”
4.40pm: St Helen and St Katharine School
It was a day of GCSE celebrations at St Helen and St Katharine, in Oxfordshire, today (Thursday).
One standout student, Josephine, from Newbury, achieved an impressive 10 grade 9s and one grade 8.
She plans to study A-levels in biology, chemistry, physics and Spanish.
Her father, Adam, said: “St Helen’s has prepared Jo brilliantly, as seen in her outstanding results. St Helen’s Sixth Form has a terrific platform for A-levels and she is excited to be staying on.
“We’re glad that her hard work has finally come to fruition.”
In total 37 per cent of all grades awarded were 9s and 30 students collected their envelopes to discover that they had achieved nine or more 9–8 grades.
Overall, 65 per cent of all grades were at 9–8 and 85 per cent were 9–7.
Headmistress Rebecca Dougall said: “What a wonderful set of results. Everyone at St Helen’s is so pleased for these students who should be so proud of the outstanding results that they have achieved. I pay tribute to the students’ hard work, and to the excellence of the teachers who have steered their path through their GCSE studies.
“Many of these students are incredibly busy people as performers in sport, in the performing arts and in many other areas of their extracurricular lives – and they have balanced this with amazing GCSEs.”
STEM remains strong at the school with more than 50 per cent of students averaging a grade 9 across biology, chemistry and physics as separate or in combined sciences.
4pm: Downe House
Pupils at Downe House are celebrating “excellent” GSCE results.
More than half of Year 11 pupils at the Cold Ash girls’ boarding school scored grades 8 or 9.
An impressive 74 per cent of pupils received grades 7, 8 or 9.
Headmistress Emma McKendrick said: “I am thrilled for our Year 11 cohort.
“They have worked with focus, dedication and consistent application over the last few years, resulting in the wonderful grades they have achieved today.
“The many top grades that they have secured mean they can move forward to the next stage of their educational journey and on to A-levels with great confidence, and we look forward to supporting them.”
Stand-out pupils included Liberty, Lisa and Joline, who all achieved 10 or more grade 9s.
The Clere School
At the Clere School in Burghclere, students were delighted as they defied the drizzly weather to receive their GCSE results.
Liberty Watters shed tears of joy after receiving an excellent set of grades, with her mother and brother equally delighted alongside her.
“I got an 8 in media studies, English language and English literature,” she said.
“I have dyscalculia so I really struggled with maths a lot.
“Since coming here from another school, everything was just made so much easier.
“The teachers are incredible. They helped me get something I never thought I would.
“Mr Deasy, my maths teacher, is the most amazing man.
“Mrs Street, Mrs Smith… they’re all just incredible. I can’t thank them enough for helping me like school again.”
Jade Thompson was all smiles, having walked out with an 8 in English language.
“Maths was certainly a challenge for me.”
“I didn’t think I would pass media studies at all, the curriculum was so wide and varied.
“I ended up getting a 6 in that. I’m really proud.
“English was my favourite. My teacher Mrs Street was an absolute star. I don’t think I’ll ever forget her.
“At my old school my grades were atrocious. I hated school.
“But when I came here I loved learning again. I started to take it seriously and this is how far it got me.”
Joshua Gillate was over the moon with his Grade 9 in chemistry.
“It was a real challenge, I thought I was going to get much lower than I did.
“I really enjoyed biology and Spanish. They were my favourite subjects.”
“I want to study biology, chemistry and Spanish, to go on and become a vet.”
The Willink School
Pupils collected their GCSE results at The Willink School in Burghfield Common this morning (Thursday).
Overall, 77 per cent of pupils achieved Grades 9-4 in English and mathematics.
Pupils also scored highly in science, languages, history and geography.
Thomas, who achieved 10 GCSEs at Grade 9, said: “I’m a bit speechless. I’m obviously delighted.”
He will be continuing his studies at The Willink Sixth Form.
Kirill joined the school from Ukraine at the start of his GCSE courses.
He achieved 11 GCSEs. including three at Grade 6, one Grade 7, one Grade 9, two Grade 5s, three Grade 4s and one Grade 3.
“I can’t believe it,” he said “I am so happy.
“I did not think I would still be here to sit exams. I am looking forward to studying A-levels at The Willink Sixth Form.”
Headteacher Nicolle Browning said: “The Willink is delighted to announce this year’s GCSE and Level 2 results.
“We send our congratulations to our many students who have worked so hard, engaged with all aspects of school life to achieved qualifications and skills rendering them successful contributors to global society.
“These results represent individual effort and dedication but they also worked impressively well as a community of students who supported one another and sought the support from a fantastic team of staff.
“This is especially important given the national challenges and disruption to education that this cohort of students faced.
“We are thrilled to see that their determination, ambition and resilience has resulted in this success.
“Their achievements extend beyond the academic.
“All students completed work experience placements, mock interviews, careers workshops, completed CV in preparation for the world of work.
“We wish all of our Year 11 Class of 2024 every success in their future endeavours and are delighted to be welcoming the majority of our students to The Willink Sixth Form from September.
“I extend my thanks to our supportive parent community and to all staff for their commitment to providing exceptional subject expertise, academic and personal guidance which has played such a pivotal role in securing successful futures for our students.”
Denefield School
Pupils in Tilehurst gathered at Denefield School this morning (Thursday) to collect their GCSE results.
Overall, 78 per cent of pupils achieved Grades 9-4.
The majority of pupils gained at least a Grade 5 in English and maths.
And more than half of pupils performed well in subjects including biology, chemistry, physics, philosophy and ethics and Spanish, gaining Grades 7-9.
Assistant headteacher Karen Davis said: “'I am absolutely delighted and hugely proud of all of our Year 11 students, who have achieved excellent results again this year.
“They have all worked tirelessly during the past two years and deserve every success today and in their futures.
“Today is all about each student’s next destination, and I am excited that our students are able to move into the next stage of their lives with confidence, resilience and ambition! It is wonderful to see so many of our students wishing to return to Denefield Sixth Form.
“I am also thrilled for our students starting exciting new college courses, apprenticeships or training.”
Some of the school’s top achievers this year are Timothy Elphick, who achieved six Grade 9s, three Grade 8s and one Grade 7.
Elisha Canolle-Forkin achieved five Grade 9s, five Grade 8s, one Grade 7 and one Grade 4.
And Matthew Hawkins achieved five Grade 9s, one Grade 8, three Grade 7s and one Grade 6.
Theale Green School
Pupils celebrated at Theale Green School this morning (Thursday) after receiving their GCSE results.
Eager pupils picked up their results – including three sets of twins.
Twin sisters Olivia and Isobel, who achieved Grade 5s and 6s, will be studying the same A-levels at Theale Green.
“We are so proud of all our students who have shone in so many ways in their time with us, academically and in sports, arts and by being active members of the school community,” said a school spokesperson.
This year, 60 per cent of pupils achieved Grades 9-4 in English and maths, while 93 per cent achieved Grade 5 or above in sports studies.
Pupils also performed strongly in French, Spanish, biology and physics, achieving Grade 4 or higher.
Headteacher Charlotte Badarello said: “This incredible group of students thoroughly deserve the excellent results they have achieved today in spite of significant disruption during the key transition point of moving to secondary school.
“They have overcome many challenges along the way, but have been wonderful ambassadors for the school, and to younger students.
“We look forward to welcoming them into our Sixth Form.”
11.30am: Trinity School
Headteacher Dr Charlotte Wilson said: “We’re proud of our GCSE results as we were with last week’s A-level results.
“These students had a challenging start to their secondary school careers as a result of school closures in the pandemic, but they haven’t let it get in their way.
“Our Year 11 students have worked hard with the support of our staff and have been rewarded with excellent results.
“The progress scores are strong and show we add significant value to our students’ starting points.”
She added: We’re thrilled that two thirds of our students are returning to Trinity in September to continue their educational journey at a sixth form which consistently delivers results in the top 25 per cent of schools nationally.
“We also look forward to welcoming those students who are joining us from other schools.
“We are confident they will be the leaders of the future.
“With the excellent qualifications, skills and qualities they have already gained they are in the very best place to progress even further.”
The top 10 highest performers were:
Theo Pagliaroli: 10x9s; 1x8
Ruari Hopkins-McQuillan: 6x9s; 4x8s; 1x6
Hana Canolli: 4x9s; 3x8s; 4x7s
Luke McEnaney: 2x9s; 7x8s; 1x7; 1x6
Amelia Lo: 7x9s; 2x8s; 1x7
Sienna Lewis: 3x9s; 4x8s; 2x7s; 1x6
Zara Little: 2x9s; 5x8s; 2x7s; 1x6
Wilfred Organ: 2x9s; 5x8s; 2x7s; 1x6
Mia van der Merwe: 3x9s; 3x8s; 4x7s; 1x6
Arthur Bond: 2x9s; 4x8s; 3x7s; 1x6
Theo Pagliaroli said he was concentrating on science and the humanities and plans to go to university.
Hana Canolli said she was considering a career in business and finance and is planning a well earned celebration with friends.
Jade Anns earned five 8s; three 7s and a 6.
She said: “I’m going to be focussing mainly on humanities, psychology and sociology and I’d like to pursue a career in forensic psychology.
“That involves working with criminals, discovering why they behave as they do and helping to rehabilitate them.”
12.20pm: John O’Gaunt School
Headteacher Richard Hawthorne said: “I’m so pleased for our students and it’s clear from these results that the heard work and effort over the past few years has really paid off for so many of them.”
“In terms of data across the school, attainment and progress have greatly improved across the board; gaps have been narrowed and there are some truly amazing individual results.
“For example, Catherine attained an amazing eight grades 7 to 9, with a grade 9 and four grade 8s among them; Libbie achieved seven grades 7 to 9, with two of these being grade 9 and two at grade 8.
“A fifth of all students achieved multiple grades 7 to 9, including Oscar who attained six, Euan and Gabrielle who achieved five and Aaliyah who achieved four.”
Juno achieved an 8 in physics; a 7 in maths; a 6 in biology; 5 in chemistry, tech design, English language and 4s in computer science, English literature and PE.
He aims to be a marine biologist and enjoys scuba diving when he’s not studying hard.
11.15am: Little Heath School
Pupils at Little Heath flocked to the school this morning (Thursday) to collect their GCSE results.
More than two thirds of pupils achieved at least a Grade 4 in English and maths, while two in five pupils achieved a Grade 5 in both subjects.
There were many successes across other subjects, with high percentages of pupils achieving a Grade 7 or above in business studies, history, RE, geography and computer science.
Headteacher David Ramsden said: “I am incredibly proud of the achievements of the Class of 2024.
“This year group has shown remarkable dedication and a strong sense of community, consistently supporting each other over the past five years.
“Their collaborative spirit and ambitious outlook have been truly inspiring.
“While they have faced significant challenges since starting secondary school in 2019, including the unique difficulties of remote learning and disrupted education, it is their unity and resilience that stand out.
“Many students have excelled individually, but what shines most is the way they’ve lifted each other up along the way.
“We are excited to see how their hard work and determination will shape their futures, and we’re thrilled that so many will continue their journey with us in our excellent Sixth Form.
“Today’s results are a testament to the character, hard work and determination of this exceptional group of students.”
Special mentions include Emma, who achieved eight Grade 9s, two Grade 8s and one Grade 7.
Pupil Aaron achieved four Grade 9s, five Grade 8s and one Grade 7.
Other pupils who have made significant progress include Ethan S, who celebrated 10 good passes, including one Grade 9, four Grade 8s and four Grade 7s.
Harry S achieved 10 good passes, including three Grade 7s and six Grade 6s.
And Ayaan B celebrated nine good passes, including five Grade 6s and four Grade 5s.
10.45am: The Downs School
The Downs School has celebrated another exceptional year of GCSE results.
Around 210 pupils arrived at the Compton secondary school this morning (Thursday) to receive their GCSE results.
Up to 13 per cent of pupils received Grades 8 and 9.
A total of 60 per cent of pupils received grades 9-5, while 76 per cent were graded at 9-4.
Also,19 per cent of pupils achieved Distinction or Distinction*.
Headteacher Chris Prosser said: “After the fantastic A-level results last week, I am incredibly proud of the results our amazing Year 11 students have achieved in their GCSEs and BTEC exams.
“This year group faced many challenges during the Covid years, so these excellent results are testament to their resilience, willingness to support one another and ambition to succeed.
“I would like to thank my dedicated and talented staff and our students’ incredibly supportive parents, without whom these achievements would not have been possible.
“More of our students than ever before will be staying with us in our Sixth Form, which is really pleasing.
“Whether they are staying with us or moving on to other opportunities, I would like to wish our Year 11 students the very best of luck for the future and look forward to hearing about their successes.”
10.30am: St Bartholomew’s School
At St Bart’s, a fantastic set of results left students and staff overjoyed, while a number of pupils took home truly outstanding grades.
The Andover Road school said an ‘excellent figure’ of 83 per cent of all GCSE grades were at grade 4 or higher and more than 35 per cent of all grades were at grade 7 or higher.
Four out of five (80 per cent) of students gained at least a grade 4 in both English and maths, ensuring that they can progress to further study, with all doors open to them.
A total of 54 students achieved at least eight GCSEs at grade 7 or higher, with Lily Walke, Arpit Bhabra, Isaac Rutter, Megan Purcell, Martha Fitch, Shreya Tripathi, Jacob Glendenning, Sam Dickens and Clara Zeferino achieving an extraordinary total of 70 grade 9s between them.
Martha Fitch was delighted with her results, with a series of 9s ensuring that she stays on course for her goal of studying at Oxford.
“I’m probably most proud of the 9 in chemistry, but I enjoyed biology the most.”
“I’m staying at St Bart’s for Sixth Form. I’m taking chemistry, biology, French, psychology and EPQ.”
“In the future I want to study biology at Oxford, but for now I’m looking forward to dinner at the Hartley Arms with my parents.”
Imogen Duly was also delighted, with a big day planned.
“I got two 9s and I’m very happy with them.”
“I’m most proud of my 9 in history because it’s a very hard subject and I’m doing it next year.”
“I’m doing economics, law and psychology alongside that.”
“My friends and I are going out for brunch, then later we’re going back to Reading Festival.”
Arpit Bhabra had a morning to remember, speaking just moments after opening an exceptional set of results, including nine 9s.
“I’m very proud,” he said.
“What am I most proud of? I didn’t think I’d get an 8 in English.
“I really enjoyed maths and physics too.
“I’m staying on for A-levels here, doing maths, further maths, computer science and physics.
“Now I’ll just go out for dinner with my family and enjoy it.”
Clara Zeferino got six 9s and was blown away by the results.
“I got a 9 in English language. Which I was really scared I was going to fail.
“I most enjoyed maths, I just love it.
“We’re going to Reading to celebrate now.”
Sam Dickens got five 9s of his own.
“I’m pretty proud of my 8 in religious education, I thought I was quite bad at that.”
“For A-levels I’m looking to do Spanish, German, English language and maths.”
A spokesperson for the school said: “Initial analysis suggests that the progress made by all students from when they started with us in Year 7 is once again extremely high.
“This cohort deserves to be immensely proud of their achievements. They have been a fantastic group of students, who have shown amazing stamina and resilience, following the disruption of the initial years of their secondary education.
“The hard work and dedication of the students, supported by their parents and their teachers, has paid dividends.”
They said the pupils’ successes lie not just in their academic progress, but also in the way in which they have been a real asset to the school as a whole, saying they were excellent role models who made a positive contribution to the wider school community.
“The vast majority of these students will be joined by a record number from other schools in our highly successful Sixth Form in two weeks' time and we wish all our students the very best as they move on to the next stage of their lives,” they continued.
10.15am: Kennet School
Hundreds of Kennet School pupils and their families came to collect their GCSE results from the School Hall this morning (Thursday).
This year, 25 per cent of pupils achieved a Grade 8 or above, while 39 per cent achieved a Grade 7 or above.
And 69 per cent of pupils passed English and maths.
Pupils achieved particularly high grades in biology, chemistry, English literature, art, PE, photography and physics.
“We are incredibly proud of the endeavour, resilience and focus demonstrated by our pupils, who, along with the guidance of our excellent staff, have achieved some brilliant results,” said headteacher Grace Rigg.
Nigel Wong, who achieved nine Grade 9s and a Grade 8, said: “I did amazingly well. I’m very happy with my results.”
He is celebrating by going out for a meal with friends.
He plans to study maths, further maths, computer science and physics at Kennet Sixth Form.
Harrison Page, who achieved five Grade 9s and four Grade 8s, said: “I’m generally really happy, I think they’re all really good grades.”
He also plans to eat out with family and friends to celebrate, and plans to study maths, further maths, physics and chemistry at Kennet Sixth Form.
Other special mentions include Eva Fielden, who achieved five Grade 9s and five Grade 8s, and Tashvee Khare, who achieved nine Grade 9s and a Grade 8.
10am: Park House School
Park House School are celebrating the best GCSE results in the school’s history.
Headteacher James King said he was “blown away” by the pupils’ success.
“I am very rarely speechless, but these results left me completely blown away,” he added.
“We were confident that the students would do well as they had worked so incredibly hard, but these results surpassed what we were anticipating. The hard work from students and staff, along with the support from their families has made this momentous achievement possible.
“I am so very proud of all those associated with the school, and the part they have played in supporting this cohort of students.
“We have loved working with this group of students, they have been an excellent cohort to work with, applied themselves diligently and today get to enjoy the results of their endeavour.
“I am now incredibly excited to see them continue into the 6th form and carry on their successes.
“Whichever way they head from today, I wish them the very best of luck for their futures.”
The school was particularly proud of its maths results this year, with results at grade 4+ standing at 86 per cent, a five per cent gain on last year’s results.
In English, grade 5+ results jumped from 63 per cent to 70 per cent.
Overall, the percentage of students achieving a grade 5 or above in both the core subjects of English and maths has risen from 52 per cent to 65 per cent.
Park House School said it was proud of all students’ achievements, but a special mention must go to those students who have achieved incredibly high results in the school – Jacob Cussans, Jayden Cook, Josh Toyne, Matilda Wake, Elri Kotze, Louisa Harding and Oscar Fry.
Elri said: “I am really proud of myself. I am quite surprised with some of the results.”
She achieved four 9s, four 8s, a 7 and a 6.
She is now going to St Bartholomew’s School to study biology, chemistry, physics and maths at A-level and is considering going into medicine in the future.
Aimee Whittington said she was “feeling really happy” with her results, particularly her four 9s.
She is now also planning to study A-levels in further maths, economics and media at St Bart’s.
They girls are joining friends to celebrate tonight.
Jacob Khan, who was heading off to Reading Festival to celebrate as soon as he received his results, achieved all 9, 8 and 7 grades.
He added: “I am feeling good. I’m really happy.”
He plans to study economics, maths, further maths and politics at A-level.
Caleb Butler-Grant was extra pleased – and relieved – to see he achieved a 9 in chemistry after betting a friend that he would shave his head if he didn’t get the grade.
He also achieved all 9, 8 and 7 grades and is going to Peter Symonds to study chemistry, physics, maths and economics at A-level.
9am: St Gabriel’s School, Newbury
Students at a Newbury school were jumping for joy after receiving their GCSE results.
Staff at St Gabriel’s said they were proud of all the Year 11 cohort had achieved, especially as their education was disrupted by the Covid pandemic.
At the Newtown Road school, 46 per cent of all grades are at level 7-9 (grades A*-A under the old system), with music students achieving 100 per cent at levels 7-9.
In separate sciences, more than 83 per cent of all grades were at level 7-9.
“Year 11 had been the year group that had never completed their Year 7, and had a very disrupted Year 8, so we are hugely impressed by what they have achieved in their GCSEs,” said St Gabriel’s principal Ricki Smith.
“These results are a testament to their resilience and hard work, ensuring that the disruption to their early years in secondary school has not negatively impacted their will to succeed, or defined them.
“That is why the first thing that we should all be doing today is celebrating the considerable successes of all Year 11 pupils across the country.”
Two sets of twins at the school secured 38 GCSEs between them: Mia and Neve, and Vaibhavi and Shivani saw 82 per cent of their grades at levels 7-9. They also obtained other qualifications including higher project qualifications and Level 2 further mathematics.
“These results have come about through a great deal of hard work from all the pupils,” added Mr Smith.
“Collectively and individually, they will live long in the memory as a year group who have been engaging, resilient and with a real sense of fun as they have navigated their GCSE years.”
