Almost half of Grammar GCSE grades at A/A*
A PLACE at an English performing arts college awaits one Grammar School pupil after getting the top grade possible in drama and four other subjects.
The Grammar School celebrated another year of fantastic results, with 11% of all grades a 9 and almost half at A/A* equivalent or better.
Eliza Mason, 16, is pursuing her dream and, rather than continuing at sixth form level is joining Laine Theatre Arts, a performing arts college in Epsom.
‘I have always been into dancing and the performing arts, so I decided to follow what I wanted to do.’
She achieved five 9 grades, with which she was delighted.
‘I was aiming for 7s, so I’m really pleased. We didn’t really know what to expect because of the new system.’
Reece Kilminster, 16, who scored 9s in maths and music, got B equivalent or above in all his subjects.
‘I wasn’t expecting either of my 9s.’
His brother, Alex, got a B in his maths A-level and Reece, who will also study the subject at the Sixth Form Centre, said the friendly rivalry between the two spurs them on.
‘My brother has just finished his A-levels and will not stop telling me how much work you have to put in,’ he said.
‘I would definitely like to [do better than him]. There has always been a healthy competition between us that helps to push us. Friendly competition is a good motivation to push you forward in learning and in life.’
Lili Bellinger, 16, was delighted and emotional after finding out she had got seven 9s among her 12 GCSEs.
‘I have been expecting much worse. I didn’t want to open my results, but I’m very happy now.’
Lili will now take French, Spanish, maths and further maths at the Sixth Form Centre.
In the future, she would like to go on to higher education and potentially study languages abroad.
Grammar School head teacher Liz Coffey, reflecting on the 27th GCSE results day in her career in education, said the pupils should be proud of their achievements,
‘As a selective Grammar School we are expected to do really well, but what is really pleasing for us is that the school’s average of equivalent A/A* or above grades is almost 50% and 11% of our grades are a 9.’
She said that was around four times higher than the UK average.
As well as attainment figures, she said students’ progress levels were equally pleasing and were one grade higher than comparable UK institutions.
