GCSE results: Delight at St Katherine’s School

GCSE students at St Katherine’s School in Pill have picked up their exam results this morning (Thursday).

The teenagers opened their envelopes at 9.30am, with the overwhelming majority excelling in a range of different subjects.

Justin Humphreys, head of school, said: “These fantastic results are a credit to this year group who, in spite of a more challenging curriculum and different assessment format, have coped admirably.

“Their dedication and hard work and support from our committed staff has delivered some great results.

“Often the headlines and statistics do not do justice to the achievements of individuals who have overcome challenges with grit and determination.

“I am proud of each and every one and wish all our wonderful young people every success as they take their next steps.”

This year saw the introduction of a new grading system in English and maths, with students receiving a numerical mark between 1-9.

The higher the number, the better the achievement, with a 4 considered the pass mark.

At St Katherine’s, 64 per cent of students got a grade 4 or better in both English and maths. Twelve per cent of pupils got a level 7 or better in both subjects.

Oscar Goefron was one of St Katherine’s pupils to pick up a 9, and he said it was a ‘nice surprise’ to receive the top grade in English.

Several students received a 9 in maths, including Lowell Mott who said he was ‘really happy’ with the result.

Other subjects are still graded A*-U this year, although the Department for Education will ultimately insist all GCSE exams are graded 1-9 in future.