AS IT HAPPENED: GCSE results day in Maidenhead, Windsor and Slough

Adrian Williams

Adrian Williams

adrianw@baylismedia.co.uk

08:22AM, Thursday 22 August 2024

LIVE: GCSE results day in Maidenhead, Windsor and Slough

Students will be finding out today if their hard work has paid off as they pick up their GCSE results.

We'll be bringing live coverage and photographs from across East Berkshire and South Bucks where pupils will hopefully be jumping for joy.

For those who forget:

Grade 9 is the highest possible grade and is equivalent to higher than an A*, in old money. Grade 8: Equivalent to between grades A* and A. Grade 7: Equivalent to a grade A. Grade 6: Equivalent to just above a grade B. Grade 4: Equivalent to a C grade, known as a standard pass.

If you would like to see full-sized photos or purchase them, click here.


6.10pm:

More pictures from Emma for Maidenhead Schools, and the Slough and Windsor offerings from fellow photographer Ian Longthorne twitter.com/ianlongthorne.

 

 

 

 

 

  


5.47pm: The Windsor Boys' School

The progress made by students at the all-boys school delivered the strongest set of results for five years at The Windsor Boys' School.

Headteacher Sean Furness said success had been achieved in a number of ways including both exam results and progress since joining the school.

Mr Furness said: “All students deserve our congratulations for the determination they have shown.

“Success does not come easily and it only ever comes from applying yourself and sticking to the task when things are difficult.”

(From left: William Branch, Umar Mohammed Husmi, Ayaan Hussain and Adam Mohamed at The Windsor Boys' School this morning)


5.45pm:

Long Close School’s class of 2024 have achieved 34 per cen of all grades at 7-9 (A, A*, A**).

The core subjects of Maths and English Language underpinned this success with 96 per cent and 92 per cent of pupils achieving Grade 4+ respectively.

In Business, 50 per cent of grades were 8-9; in Maths, 58 per cent were 7-9 and in Chemistry, 48 per cent were 7-9.

One of the highest achieving pupils at Long Close, Ganesh, achieved 7 grades 8 & 9 and 2 grade 7s.

Another student Sohan, ahieved over 1 grade higher than his aspirational target grade in every subject.

Dr Richard Robson, incoming headteacher of Long Close School, said:

"This year’s fantastic results are testament to the dedication and hard work of both pupils and staff. I am very excited to be joining the school at this time, and am looking forward to leading both the pupils and the staff on to future success, as we build on these wonderful results.

"I wish all of our pupils all the very best as they move on to the next step in their learning journey. Our remarkable young people have achieved so much during their time at Long Close School, and we look forward to seeing what they do next."


4.01pm:

The headteacher at Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School has congratulated students on their GCSE results success.

In total, 98 per cent of grades awarded were 9 to 5, while 70 per cent were 9 to 7 and 23 per cent were 9s.

Among those celebrating were students Maya, Ellie and Martin who received grade 9s in all of their 10 GCSEs.

Headteacher Ed Goodall, said: “These excellent outcomes in core subjects including English, maths and the sciences as well as option subjects like the humanities, modern languages and the performing and creative arts are a result of students’ hard work over their various GCSE courses and are thoroughly deserved.”


15.12:

At Eden Girls' School, among the stand-out pupils was Khadijah Mahmood, who ‘defied all odds’ to achieve top grades while battling health issues.

She had limited eyesight during most of Year 11 and underwent an eye operation five days before the start of exams.

Khadijah still managed to achieve a grade 9 and grade 7s in three other subjects.

Another fighter is Arfa Saeed, whose mother passed away while she was preparing for her GCSEs – nonetheless, she managed grade 8s in five subjects.

Meanwhile, Maryam Eyafe, one of the school’s top performers, is ‘on cloud nine’ after achieving 10 grade 9s and two grade 8s. Another star pupil was head girl Ayesha Qureshi, whose results included nine grade 9s and three grade 8s.

Sajid Khaliq, principal at Eden Girls’ School, said: “Today, we celebrate the phenomenal achievements of our pupils. “Their excellent results are a clear indication of their talent and commitment to their studies, and are a source of immense pride for our school.

“Their dedication and hard work have truly shone through, and we celebrate their success wholeheartedly.

“I would also like to thank our caring, compassionate and exceptional staff and supportive parents who have played an integral role in nurturing our pupils’ success.”


2.44pm:


2.43pm:


2.41pm: 

The results are a ‘testament to the hard work, commitment and dedication’ of students the headteacher at The Piggott School said. 

In total, 84 per cent of students passed English, while 88 per cent passed maths and 86 per cent passed at least two sciences at level 4 or above.

The school’s combined English and maths level 4+ pass rate was 82 per cent.

80 per cent of students achieved five or more grades at level 4+, including maths and English.

Headteacher Rebecca Alexander, said: “Congratulations to all our students on their well-deserved success.”


2.38pm:

Ten girls from the year group of 47 pupils at St George's Ascot ‘achieved a clean sweep of grades 9, 8 and 7’ – amid other good results.

About 43 per cent of GCSEs were awarded at grade 8 and 9, while 62 per cent were at grades 9, 8 and 7.

This is ‘the best performance in GCSEs at St George’s ever’ for any regular exam year, St George’s said.

Headteacher Liz Hewer, said: “We are enormously proud of these excellent grades and the strong academic foundation the girls have developed as part of their full and vibrant school experience.

“We know that the girls are excited to be embarking on their chosen A Level subjects and all that the St George’s Sixth Form has to offer and we look forward to supporting them in their exciting and diverse educational journeys ahead.”


2.17pm: 

Cox Green's headteacher Danny Edwards congratulated students for their ‘exceptional hard work and determination’.

Students Janahvi Amradkar and Yasmin Grant both achieved eight grade 9s and one grade 7, while Molly King secured four 9s, four 8s and one grade 7.

Overall, 64 per cent of grades awarded were 4-9.

Mr Edwards added: “We are immensely proud of their results today; both in their academic accomplishments and exceptional personal achievements.

“I would like to take this opportunity to wish all students well for their next steps.”


12.52pm:

Over at Claires Court, the school achieved a ‘record-breaking’ set of results for their GCSEs this year.

In total, 96 per cent of all students achieved five or more grade from 9 to 4, including maths and English.

44 per cent of grades given were 9 to 7 and 68 per cent were 9 to 6.

There was also a 33 per cent rise in the number of 9 to 7 grades achieved compared to last year.

James Wilding, academic principal, said the school has ‘really been able to demonstrate just how strong our academic offer’ is through its results.

Steve Richards, head of seniors, boys and girls, added: “We are so proud of these young people who have achieved a record-breaking set of results.”


12.48pm:

It was 'smiles all round' today as students at The Marist School, Ascot saw 68 per cent of girls gain grades 9-7 across a range of academic subjects.

A quarter of all grades achieved by this year group were at grade 9, a four per cent increase on the 2023 results. Seventy per cent of the girls achieved grades above their targets.

Jo Smith, principal of The Marist said: "Our Year 11 girls have worked diligently and have proved that hard work really does pay off! Their results are a credit to them and are a reflection of their drive and ambition.

"We are so proud of their achievements. My thanks to our fantastic staff who have supported their journey to success. I look forward to following their Marist journey as they move up into our thriving Sixth Form in September."

  


12.19pm:


12.12pm: Burnham Grammar School

Taking each exam one-by-one and not overthinking things helped Ashwina Haria-Skuse secure a clean sweep of grade 9s at Burnham Grammar School.

The 16-year-old got the top grade in all 11 of her subjects now has her sights set on a spot at either Oxford or Cambridge University.

She said: “It was just a relief when each exam was over and you could knock it off the list.

“The main thing is not looking at the big picture because then you get overwhelmed.”

The Hogfair Lane school reported that nearly 60 per cent of all grades were between 7-9.

Headteacher Dr Andy Gillespie said: “This cohort of students have gone through all the trials and tribulations of covid and had significant interruptions to their education. Really, that’s forged a real resilience which we’ve seen in the results.”


12.07pm:

Students at St Joseph’s Catholic High School are celebrating today after opening results 'which should put them in the top 10-15 per cent of schools nationally for the progress that they have made during their studies.'

Ciran Stapleton, headteacher, said: “Today is a day for celebrating all the individual successes and achievements we have seen across the school. The many smiling faces are testament to our dedicated and talented students and our hardworking and caring staff.

“Behind nearly every grade sits a story of a student who has given their all to do their very best – and that is why we should celebrate the progress they have made as much as the brilliant results they have achieved. In short, they have blown all expectations out of the water and secured nearly half a grade higher than national expectations in every exam sat.

“That is quite the achievement."

Some standout grades included:

Nicola Szuba  - eight 9s, a 7 and a 6
Isabelle Pace - six 9s, three 8s and a 7
Joel Manalody - four 9s, four 8s and a 7
Jakub Roginski - two 9s, six 8s and a 6
Cameron Fyfe - two 9s, six 8s and two 7s
Perase Thomas - three 9s, five 8s, and 7 and a 6
Annabell Lysiak - three 9s, three 8s and two 6s
Ethan Fernandes - three 9s, two 8s, two 7s and three 6s
Nikhill Wight - three 9s, two 8s, two 7s and two 6s.

Mr Stapleton added: “What I take a huge delight in is that it is not just those with the very top grades who are smiling today.

“Provisional data shows that our students who have additional needs have made between one and a half and two grades more progress than other students with SEND make nationally. We think that this means that our results for those young people might be amongst the very best in the country.”

The school is part of the St Thomas Catholic Academy Trust, of which Joe Richardson is Strategic Executive Leader. He said: “It has been a fantastic few weeks for students at St Josephs.

“Last week students were celebrating a record number of the highest marks in their A Levels, and this is followed by a fantastic set of outcomes in GCSEs. The whole community should be immensely proud.”

Jack Deegan, Cameron Fyfe, Ethan Fernandes and Joel Manalody


12.01pm:

Pupils at independent day and boarding school LVS Ascot saw 91 per cent at grades 4-9 this year. Top grades are 'up significantly in comparison to last year,' with 26 per cent being 9-8 (compared to 20.4 per cent in 2023).

Further, 13 per cent of grades were grade 9 and four of our pupils achieved nine grade 9 grades.

Other highlights include a 100 per cent BTEC pass rate and a 100 per cent pass rate in Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), among other subjects.

This year also saw 'the highest level of access arrangements' to support pupils through their exams with many complex needs.

Of the standout achievements, Mia achieved nine grade 9s and one grade 7, while her best friend Evie achieved nine grade 9s and one grade 8. Both girls are excited to start their A Levels in September; Mia is going to be studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths, whilst Evie will be studying Maths, Physics and Design Technology.

Javin also achieved a notable set of grades, with nine grade 9s and one grade 8. He will be going on to Sixth Form to study Biology, Chemistry and Maths and would eventually like to become a dentist.

Principal of LVS Ascot, Christine Cunniffe said “We are delighted with the GCSE results this year, and the range of incredible results achieved. It is a testament to the exceptional work of our staff and the perseverance of the students at LVS Ascot. I am confident that our students are well prepared for the next steps in their educational journey.”


11.31am:

Students and staff at Desborough College have had 'a year of brilliant results' it says. Particular individual highlights include:

Logan Moore successfully achieved a grade 9 in all nine of his GCSEs.

Rory Clare achieved grade 9s in Computer Science and Maths, four grade 8s and a grade 7.

Ethan Sparks achieved five grade 8s and three grade 7s

Rhys Edwards achieved five grade 7s and 3 grade 6s.

Andy Murdoch, Principal at Desborough College, said: “We are very proud of our students and the results they have achieved, which are hugely deserved.

"They have worked extremely hard over the last two years, and throughout their time with us, and it’s brilliant to be celebrating their achievements today.

“I would like to thank all our students, their families, our staff and the wider school community for their ongoing support and we look forward to seeing our students progress on to the next stage of their education and fulfil their goals.”


11.24am:

'All headline measures' of results have improved at Wexham School, says its head.


11.23am:


11.22am:

A Newlands Girls' School, students achieved an ‘excellent set of well-deserved results’, headteacher Jo Capon said.

Results from last year were exceeded with 37 per cent of results being 9-7 and 89 per cent of students achieving grades 9-4.

In total 17 students achieved straight 9-7 grades and 90 per cent receive the GCSE pass grade 4 in both English and maths.

Miss Capon added: “We celebrate with all our students today who have shown such resilience and commitment throughout their time at Newlands.

“This year group in particular demonstrated leadership, maturity and commitment throughout their GCSE preparation and they have been righty rewarded today.”


11.17am:


11.15am:


11.12am:


11.09am:

Furze Platt's assistant headteacher and Head of Key Stage 4, James Dollery said he is 'absolutely delighted' with the results their Year 11 students have achieved.

"Students’ grades demonstrate their resilience, ambition and versatility in the face of the adversity, caused by pandemic related disruption to their education.

"I hope that our students and their families are delighted with their achievements. Whether a place on an apprenticeship, College or our Sixth Form I wish students every success as they focus on new goals and ambitions."

Dr Andrew Morrison offered his congratulations to students on their results:

"I am very pleased that so many students are celebrating success and receiving the grades their hard work and commitment deserved. I would like to thank all members of the FPSS community, staff, students and their families whose efforts have so ably supported our young people to achieve their goals."


11.05am:

Staff and students at E-ACT Bourne End Academy has seen 20 students achieving top grades (7-9) in English and all students achieving 9-4 within Higher Maths.

This year's results have also seen grade 9s awarded across Geography, Science, Spanish, English and History. There was also a 100 per cent pass rate across all vocational subjects, including Construction, Health and Social Care, Dance, Drama and Sport.

E-ACT Bourne End Academy ran bespoke revision and interventions sessions and it believes these results show that the extra support paid off.

Among the high performers are:

Alice Cardy, achieving one Grade 9 in Geography, four Grade 8s across English Literature, Maths and Combined Science, and a Distinction in BTEC Sport:

Alim Kamal achieving Grede 9/8 in Combined Science and four Grade 7s across English Language, English Literature, History and Maths:


... and Jack Stevens achieving a Grade 9 in History and four Grade 7s across English Language, English Literature, Combined Science and Graphics.
 

Kerri-Anne Leavy, Headteacher at E-ACT Bourne End Academy, said: “I am incredibly proud of our amazing students at BEA, and I want to say well done to them all.

"I have enjoyed seeing so many happy and smiling faces today. Our students absolutely deserve the grades they’ve received through determination, resilience and commitment.

"So much hard work has gone into the results from our students, and it is fantastic to see this rewarded. I would also like to thank our parents/carers for their unwavering support, along with our staff for championing every individual student”.

Tom Campbell, CEO at E-ACT, said: “Congratulations to Kerri-Anne Leavy and her academy on such a great set of results. These are the direct result of a tremendous amount of effort from staff and students at E-ACT Bourne End Academy and I am delighted for them all.

“I want to congratulate all of our young people celebrating today. They have worked so hard to get to this point and they should feel very proud of all they have accomplished.”


10.55am:

Charters School saw 34 per cent of students achieve five or more 9-7 grades. Overall, 84 per cent achieved five or more 9-4s and 85 per cent of students gained a grade 4 or better in both English and Maths.

Meanwhile, 76 per cent achieved five or more 9-4s (including English and Maths).

The percentage of students entered for baccalaureate was 42 per cent.

Head of Year 11, Mr Hancock, said, “I’m really proud of what the students have achieved this year. We are looking forward to welcoming the vast majority back to Charters Sixth Form in September to continue their education. Well done to the entire cohort.” 

Headteacher John Fletcher said: "I would like to pass my congratulations onto all students who have collected their GCSE and BTEC results this morning.

"Today is the cumulation of years of hard work and overcoming challenges along the way.  The students should be very proud of themselves in the way that they dealt with the pressures that come with studying for exams.  There are many individual notable achievements given personal circumstances.

"As a cohort they have done very well [and] these wonderful outcomes are down to the hard work of each individual, with the support from home and the teaching staff. 

"I wish them all well and look forward to seeing many of them back in the 6th Form and wish those who are not returning the very best for the next stage of their education."

Charters students enjoying some well-deserved ice-cream.


10.50am:

Students at Upton Court Grammar School are celebrating 'some of the best GCSE results in the country.'

The majority of students secured the highest grades possible. Overall, the school achieved 52 per cent 8-9 grades, with a quarter of all grades being grade 9. In total, 73 per cent of grades were 7-9.

Some standout individual achievements include:

Aisha Alam achieving 11 x grade 9s; Navnoor Harika achieving 11 x grade 9s; Yuvraj Shah achieving 11 x grade 9s; Sania Dhawan achieving 10 x grade 9s and 1 x grade 8; Soban Khan achieving 10 x grade 9s and 1 x grade 8; Arnesh Srivastava achieving 10 x grade 9s and 1 x grade 8; Kabeer Hanspal achieving 9 x grade 9s and 2 x grade 8s.

 

Headteacher, Oliver King, Upton Court Grammar School said: "All at Upton Court Grammar School are celebrating the amazing results achieved by our students today, which have increased year-on-year and are the best in the school’s history.

"We are incredibly proud of the hard work, resilience and determination of our students that has led to their success at GCSE despite the significant disruption they have experienced throughout their secondary education.

"I would like to thank our expert and devoted members of staff, our dedicated governors and supportive families that have all contributed to the high-quality education our students have received.

"We are extremely proud of our young people and are confident they have the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to thrive as successful and engaged citizens.”


10.44:


10.43am:


10.41am:


10.37am: 


10.36am:


10.35am:


10.30am:

Now, some photos from Emma Sheppard twitter.com/EmmaaSheppard :

Altwood:

Cox Green:

Desborough:

Furze Platt:


10.15am:

Windsor Girls report 84 per cent of students achieving their English GCSE and 73 per cent achieving their Mathematics GCSE.

Peter Griffiths and Eimear O’Carroll, co-headteachers, commented: "We are immensely proud of the remarkable achievements of our Year 11 students.

"These results are a testament to their hard work, the dedication of our staff, and the unwavering support of their families. As they embark on the next chapter of their academic journey, we are confident that they will continue to shine brightly and make a positive impact on the world."

Among the standout performers, several students have achieved top grades across various subjects:

  • Nora Aslan achieved extraordinary results of straight 9’s in all her 10 subjects
  • Emily Armiger secured an impressive nine grade 9’s and one grade 8.
  • Eden Crossley achieved an impressive eight Grade 9’s, and two Grade 8’s
  • Sony Ghale excelled in her examinations and achieved one Grade 9, six Grade 8’s and three Grade 7’s
  • Chloe Jones secured one Grade 9, five Grade 8’s and four Grade 7’s
  • Amber Kelsall secured five Grade 8’s, five Grade 7’s
  • Amy Rossiter achieved an impressive six Grade 9’s, two Grade 8’s and two grade 7’s
  • Verity Micthell achieved three Grade 9’s, five Grade 8’s and two Grade 7’s
  • Scarlett Marsden secured three Grade 9’s, three Grade 8’s, and four Grade 7’s
  • Grace Nathu excelled in her examination and achieved three Grade 9’s, two Grade 8’s, and two Grade 7’s
  • Hannah Smeeton secured one Grade 9, four Grade 8’s, and five Grade 7’s.

10am:


9.58am:

Heathfield School, Ascot is happy - its students on average achieved grades that were 1.32 points higher than what was predicted for them.

Thirty per cent of all grades awarded were 9 or 8, and half of all grades awarded at 9-7.

Stand out performances include:

Kokoro, who got six 9s and an A in Additional Maths - a higher-level mathematics course offered to students who show strong proficiency in standard mathematics, equivalent to A-level.

She also completed a medical internship as a volunteer in Nepal, shadowing GPs, surgeons and nurses as they did ward rounds, performed operations and general primary care. This summer she is continuing with her volunteering in Tanzania.

Sushi, scored an outstanding five 9s, four 8s and an A in Additional Maths, while being immersed in drama and sport.

Annabel celebrated her academic talents with top marks in Maths, Photography and PE, alongside competing at national level in sport.

Finally, Mafalda - who initially joined the school for just one year in Year 7, but ended up staying the course - achieved six 9s, four 8s and a B in Additional Maths.

Headmistress Sarah Rollings said: "Congratulations to all our amazing students. This year’s excellent results reflect the commitment and determination of the students and the dedication of all the staff here at Heathfield. Heathfield is a small school offering big opportunities.

"All our students are encouraged to follow their own unique paths and passions, and are always supported to realise their potential to achieve both inside and outside the classroom."


9.48am:


9.45am:

Some great results from these two - they can go off to college and sixth form with their heads held high.


9.42am:


9.38am:

Youngers with mostly grades sixes (a high B grade in old money) say they're happy. Alex said:

"I put in a lot of work for it. Before GCSEs I was quite behind where I should have been but I'm happy where I am now."


9.35am:

Becky Copus, vice-principal, said the students are 'buoyant' at Baylis Court School.


9.25am:


9.15am:


9am:


8.55am:


8.50am:


8.35am: 

And so it begins... We wish all students the best of luck today as the schools prepare, and the eager-beaver early risers start to gather.

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