Springwood's top performers included Mackenzie Whitehouse-Baker, who achieved grade 9s in all 11 subjects, along with an A in his additional maths qualification; Elizabeth Mathew with 10 grade 9s, a grade 8 and also an A in her additional maths qualification; and Lexie Ampomah and Finley Meeha, who each attained nine grade 9s.

“I am so proud of the achievements of these students,” said headteacher Andy Johnson. “They have had a tough few years, and these results have demonstrated the excellent working relationships between our students and their teachers.”

Roger Livesey, Chair of Governors, added: “These results are testament to the hard work and resilience of our students,” “It is great to see them progress to their first choice, post-16 futures.”

Smithdon students who particularly excelled included Nathan Croasdale, with seven Grade 9s, two 7s and a Distinction*, plus an A in further maths, and Daniel Cook, who matched Nathan’s grades, along with an additional Grade 5. Both students move onto Sixth Form at Springwood.

Retiring headteacher John Hirst said: “Despite the difficult times this cohort has had, which led to the disruption of their education, they responded positively and can enjoy their successful GCSE results. The good careers guidance students received has meant that they are able to progress to their chosen next stages.”

Chair of Governors, Andy Gee, had extra reason to be proud of this year’s graduates, as his daughter, Amelia was among the school’s high achievers.

New headteacher Amanda Gibbins said: “We are all so proud of the way the students have coped with the additional pressures faced during their GCSE years to achieve the results they have."

She added: “All the staff and I wish them warm congratulations and every success, as they move onto their new destinations and towards their future careers.”

At St Clement's some 66 per cent of Year 11 students achieved a level 4 grade or higher in English and maths and formed part of the school's best ever set of GCSE results.

Headteacher Nigel Willingham said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have achieved these results after such a disrupted period of time.

"It is testament to the hard work and commitment shown by both staff and students.”

Chair of Governors, Malcolm Wood, added: “We are extremely proud of our students, who are a great credit to their families and our school.

"The teachers have worked tirelessly throughout a difficult year, and it's great to see everyone's hard work so well rewarded."

Meanwhile at Marshland 65 per cent of students achieved a grade 4 or more in English and maths. Their last comparable GCSE results in 2019 saw 59 per cent of students attain a 4+ in the same key subjects.

Among the school’s high achievers were Evie Lane, Amy Holmes, and Seth Mayer, who are all off to Springwood Sixth Form.

Headteacher Craig Jansen said: “Our students and staff worked incredibly hard to ensure a very high level of performance across all subject areas.

“I am truly overwhelmed at the phenomenal results that have been achieved today. So many of our students significantly exceeded their aspirational targets.”
 

Mr Jansen added: “This set of examination results is a testament to the huge resilience, determination, hard work and ambition shown by so many of our students, and to the brilliant teaching and support they have received each and every day from staff at Marshland.”

With his daughter, Scarlett, among those achieving excellent GCSE results, Chair of Governors, Steve Cozens, had extra reason to be thrilled with this year’s examination results.  

“It is so important that we acknowledge the efforts and success of our students, staff and school,” he said. “Despite the disruption caused to the education of our students by the pandemic, the outcomes today are an accolade to their efforts and perseverance. I am so proud of all of them.”