As students from across Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and Potters Bar collect their GCSE results today, there are plenty of smiling faces and amazing pictures.
Stanborough School
"Our children who are at the heart of everything we do are more than just grades. Grades do not define them but their character does. I am so proud of each and every one of our Year 11 students," said headteacher Mrs John, as students collected their results.
"They are all exceptional, inspiring and talented young people and we couldn’t be prouder of them. They have been a credit to the Stanborough community and have been wonderful role models to the rest of the school.
"We have been delighted with the grades achieved and congratulate the students on their success achieved through their hard work and the excellent support of their dedicated staff and parents.
"This collaborative effort and strong partnership between school and home has been a major factor in influencing the aspirational culture.
"What is even more pleasing to see is that in spite of Ofqual, the exams regulator, toughening grade boundaries this year back to normal pre-pandemic levels, our students have performed extremely well with headline figures higher than 2022 results."
Daniel Harrington swept the board achieving nine grade 9’s in his subjects, saying: "I am really pleased with the results and it feels like all the hard work I had put in has really paid off. I am proud of what I have come out with. Stanborough has been really helpful in helping me get these grades."
Maggie Moylan, also a high achiever securing eight Grade 9’s and 8’s, expressed her relief that the wait was finally over and thanked the staff for the support that she had received.
"I am really happy. Thank you to all my teachers. They were amazing," she said.
"On behalf of the staff and governors, we would like to wish all our Year 11 students the very best as they embark on the next exciting chapter in their educational journey." Mrs John added.
Monk's Walk School
At Monk's Walk in Welwyn Garden City, 20 students achieved at least seven subjects in the top grades of 9 or 8, while five students achieved seven or more subjects at grade 9.
"I am delighted with these GCSE results which are really deserved by our students - they worked so hard and showed a huge commitment to their studies," said headteacher Kate Smith.
"Our students have produced this great set of results in the face of all the challenges posed by the pandemic, as well as changes to the way grades have been allocated in England.
"These results really demonstrate the resilience, determination and diligence of our young people.
"Credit must also go to our parents, who give great support to the students and to the school. I would also like to thank every member of staff at Monk’s Walk for their hard work and trustees for their support.
"These GCSE results come hard on the heel of last week’s fantastic A-level results for the school, which saw almost every student who wanted a place at university or an apprenticeship gain that place."
Ridgeway Academy
Students at Ridgeway Academy in Welwyn Garden City celebrated this morning as many students achieved excellent GCSE results.
The improving results for the school are a measure of the hard work of staff and students over the last academic year.
"Congratulations to students receiving their GCSE and vocational qualifications today, reflecting their hard work and dedication and we are delighted that a significant number of students have decided to remain at Ridgeway Academy to continue their journey in education," said headteacher, Sarah Mitcherson.
"On behalf of the students we would like to extend thanks to families and teachers for their amazing guidance and support."
Jared Taggart achieved grades 9-7 in all subjects, including 3 grade 9s in the individual Sciences.
Mieka Broadwood D’souza achieved grades 9-7 in a number of her subjects, four grade 9s including both English language and English literature.
Millie Singleton achieved grades 9-7 in a number of her subjects including a grade 9 in history.
Sara Ross also worked incredibly hard to achieve a grade 6 in product design and drama, in addition to passing English and science.
Ridgeway is also celebrating the dedication of students who have made significant progress over their GCSE studies, including TJ Whiting who achieved grade 5s in all of the core students, resulting in strong passes in 5 of his examinations.
Queenswood School
Despite the tightening of grade boundaries this year, 71.1 per cent of grades at Queenswood were 9-6 - equivalent to A*-B in the previous grading system - with 50.3 per cent at grade 7 or above.
There were some tremendous individual success stories, with over a half of students achieving at least nine grades 9-6, and several receiving five or more grade 9s.
Subjects with the highest number of grades 9-7 include Physics, French, Latin, Design and Technology and Art.
"I congratulate our students on their individual achievements. They worked hard and have received the results they deserve," said Principal Jo Cameron.
"Once again we see the benefit of our holistic education reflected in strong results across the board. I would like to thank the teachers for their dedicated support and encouragement of the pupils."
Dame Alice Owen's School
Dame Alice Owen's in Potters Bar is celebrating some great results, with 24 per cent of all GCSE grades awarded at grade 9, and a further 23 per cent at grade 8. Almost 20 per cent of exams were graded 7, meaning that 68 per cent of grades were 9-7.
92 per cent of all grades were 9-5, which is two per cent higher than 2019. 95 per cent of students achieved 5 or more standard passes (grade 4-plus) including English and maths and 89 per cent of students achieved 5 or more strong passes (grade 5-plus) including English and maths.
"I am overjoyed with my GCSE grades that were all grade 9! I would like to thank my teachers who have inspired and encouraged me through my years so far at Dame Alice Owen’s," said Bella.
Thekli added: "I am so pleased to have achieved all grade 9s in the ten exam subjects that I took at GCSE. I am looking forward to starting the sixth form at Dame Alice in September."
Elizabeth said: "I am delighted with the results that I have achieved and the effort that I have put in. I am looking forward to obtaining the same level of education in the sixth form at Dame Alice."
"I am incredibly relieved to finally be finished with GCSE studies and I am looking forward to the sixth form here at Dame Alice. It is reassuring that the months of hard work actually paid off," added Alex.
Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School
Headteacher Alf Wood was delighted with Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School's GCSE results, saying: "I am so pleased for our students and for the whole school community.
"I want to thank our teachers and parents and carers for the support given during a challenging few years and it is wonderful to see students achieve such impressive grades.
"As a year group they have embraced all the opportunities offered to them at our school and I am very much looking forward to welcoming them back into our Sixth Form next year.
"They have exciting futures ahead of them and I know my staff are looking forward to working with them over the next two years to help them to fulfil their goals.
"We have again seen a large number of our pupils achieve the top grades this year, which is great to see when the news is full of stories about grades falling compared with recent years.
"Results in our vocational courses have also been very strong and I want to congratulate all our students for their hard work and commitment which has really paid off."
32 students achieved grades 7-9 in at least seven subjects, and seven students achieved the top grades 7-9 in all 10 of their GCSEs.
Among them were Kiruga and Diana, who are both delighted with their results.
Diana said: "It’s great to finally get our results and I am looking forward to starting Sixth Form."
Aliyeen achieved a fantastic set of results with seven grade 9s and three grade 8s, saying: "It’s such a relief. I worked really hard and I really appreciated the help I got from my teachers."
Olivia and Ruby both had a very impressive set of results, with Olivia adding: "I am so pleased with my grades and it just shows that hard work pays off."
Chancellor's School
Chancellor’s, in Brookmans Park, is delighted to be celebrating a huge number of students who have made exceptional progress throughout their GCSEs.
Of particular note are Alex Bonev (two 8s, one 7, two 6s and four 5s), Serden Serdaroglu (four 8s, two 7s, one distinction, two 6s and one 5), Philip Piela (one 8, four 7s, two 6s, one 5 and one pass) and Valentino Bianchi (two 9s, three 8s, five 7s and one 6).
Many students achieved an impressive clutch of 9s and 8s, the very highest possible grade and a recognition of truly outstanding performance.
Evie Bloom and Sam Brittain (who both achieved eight 9s and two 8s), Edward Fuller (eight 9s, two 8s and one 7) and Akua Nunoo (eight 9s, one 8 and two 7s) were some of the students who finished with a consistent set of truly remarkable results.
Headteacher David Croston was full of praise for his students, saying: "We are once again delighted with the strong performance of our students.
"At the end of another very positive year, these results are a testament to our students’ hard work, commitment and perseverance.
"I would like to congratulate our students on the progress they have made during their five years at Chancellor’s and acknowledge the dedication, inspiration and integrity of their teachers and school staff, as well as the wonderful support of their parents and carers.
"We look forward to celebrating our students’ successes and to welcoming the vast majority of them back to our sixth form next year."
Onslow St Audrey's School
Onslow St Audrey in Hatfield are celebrating GCSE success, with headteacher Julie Jones saying: "We are very pleased with our Year 11 students' outcomes which reflect how hard they worked for their results.
"Thanks must go to the staff at Onslow St Audrey’s School for the way they have prepared our students for success.
"Despite all the challenges Year 11 have faced over recent years and the rigour of this year’s examination process, our students have achieved well in their GCSEs and vocational awards.
"They achieved highly in a range of subjects, in particular Sport and PE, Photography, Spanish and Business which were real highlights.
"Congratulations in particular to those students whose attainment and achievement were particularly high. This includes Ibrahim Ahmad, John Curtain, Freya Manley, Pi Yarach Muenchana, Mark Ndoja and Samuel Payamps Taveras.
"I would like to congratulate all students on their achievements and wish them well in their next steps of post-16 study."
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