Welwyn Garden City school praised for its GCSE results

A SCHOOL has been recognised at a national awards ceremony for its academic performance. Staff and students of Monk's Walk returned from their last break to find that they were to receive a certificate celebrating their 2008 GCSE results. A total of 61

A SCHOOL has been recognised at a national awards ceremony for its academic performance.

Staff and students of Monk's Walk returned from their Easter break to find that they were to receive a certificate celebrating their 2008 GCSE results.

A total of 61 per cent of students gained five or more GCSEs including English and maths at grade A*-C - a result considerably higher than the national average of 47.6 per cent.

Deputy headteacher Noel Kelly attended a celebration dinner held at the Royal College of Physicians, collecting the certificate on the WGC school's behalf.

Mr Kelly said: "The school's GCSE results last year were the best ever.

"Receiving recognition for such high performance was a real honour and I was delighted to receive the award for the school.

"The award itself is testimony to all the hard work of all students and staff and is thoroughly deserved."

The ceremony was held by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) and was attended by more than 600 schools.

SSAT chief executive Elizabeth Reid said: "Schools that add value demonstrate the difference that they can make by giving more young people the opportunity to fulfill their potential and succeed in the 21st century.

"I congratulate these schools for their achievements, which are the result of hard work and commitment.