Some 89% of this year’s graduating students achieved five or more grades at 9-4, with some securing as many as 12 GCSEs.
Marley Hatchard, who just turned 17, was pleased to pass most of his subjects, including English, physics, religious studies and art. He hopes to attend Skyborne Airline Academy in Gloucester next year, with high hopes of becoming a local private pilot.
‘I’m shocked,’ he said.
‘I thought I was going to fail a lot more. I’ve got dyslexia, and possibly dyscalculia, so it’s been very hard. But I’d like to be a pilot for Specsavers, who are sponsoring me soon. I’m going to apply for flight school this week.’
Thirteen-year-old Theo Curle joined his older peers in celebration. The Year 8 student scored top marks in maths – achieving a grade 9. He began extra lessons in the subject in Year 6, and progressed quickly through the course. He plans to begin A-level maths next year.
‘I think I probably get it from my grandma – she was really good at maths,’ he said.
‘I’m really happy and I’d like to thank Mrs O’Leary, Mrs Bentley and Mrs Nicolle – all the maths department for helping me to achieve this. They really gave me all the extra work, and put on clubs to help me get the 9.’
Some other Year 8 and 9 pupils achieved grade 9s in French, Italian and maths.
Sophia Reeves, 16, was relieved to open the results she had been hoping for. Achieving grades from 5 to 7 across science, religious studies, art, English, geography, maths and music, as well as a distinction in French.
‘I was very nervous, my hands were shaking trying to open all the envelopes,’ she said.
She will stay at Blanchelande to study A-levels in business, physics and maths next year, before pursuing civil engineering at university.
‘I think there should be more women in that role,’ she said.
Principal Alexa Yeoman praised all the young pupils for their hard work.
‘They’ve all worked so hard and shown great determination,’ she said, adding that the college was particularly excited by its Higher Project Qualification results, with more than 70% of grades awarded at A/A*.
‘We’re the only school that we’re aware of in the island that does the HPQ.’
Mrs Yeoman said all students offered a place at the college’s sixth form had achieved the grades they needed to take up their places.
‘We look forward to building on this success and are delighted that so many students have chosen to continue their educational journey at Blanchelande Sixth Form.’
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