Students from East Leake Academy, part of the Diverse Academies Learning Partnership, were today celebrating another successful year for GCSE results.
As the new, tougher GCSE grading structure was this year extended to include more academic subjects such as history, modern languages and geography, in addition to the core subjects of maths, English and the sciences, students were hoping for the coveted highest grade 9 (the equivalent of A**).
With the grade 9 being reported as harder to achieve than the old A*, East Leake Academy students achieved an incredible 47 of these grades, predominantly in maths, biology, chemistry, physics, combined science but also in French, German and geography. A* grades were also achieved in media studies and a Distinction* in music.
Some of the outstanding individual results included Pippa Howes who was the academy’s top performing student with 5 grade 9s in geography, maths, biology, chemistry and physics, 3 grade 8s in French, English language and English literature and A* in media studies. Pippa said: “I’m really shocked but delighted with my results as I wasn’t sure what to expect. I worked really hard for my GCSEs but you never know what you will come out with. I’m now staying in the sixth form here at East Leake Academy to do biology, chemistry and English and am potentially interested in studying medicine in the future.”
The future is also looking bright for John Turner who achieved grade 9s in French, German, English and combined sciences, grade 8s in maths, English literature and art and a grade 6 in religious studies. John said: “I’m ecstatic with my results. I worked hard but didn’t know I’d get such strong results, especially to have achieved grade 9s in four of my subjects. I’m looking forward to continuing into the sixth from here to take biology, chemistry and French.”
Year 11 student James Hopkinson made the most progress in the year group as he received his GCSE results today, and again, came away with two grade 9s in the sciences. He said: “I’m over the moon with my results, especially my grade 9s in physics and chemistry! It was hard work but my teachers Miss Fox and Mr McKenzie really supported me throughout my studies.”
Overall, 74% of students achieved a grade 4 or above (formerly a C and above) in maths and 73% in English, with 20% of the academy’s students attaining grades 7-9 (A-A**).
Principal of East Leake Academy, Kathy Hardy said: “It really is a day of celebration for our students and I’m very proud of them for achieving great GCSE results again this year. Here at the academy, we emphasise the importance of academic results on future career pathways, therefore we are always delighted to see students achieving such strong results.
“This particular year group had the additional stress and challenges which come with a revised grading structure, so we’re particularly proud to have 47 grade 9s today – an incredible achievement across a broad range of subject areas. Many year 11 students will now stay on at the East Leake Academy sixth form where I know they will go on to even greater success.”
The academy invites any students yet to secure a place with a post 16 provider for this September or who is considering their post-GCSE options to visit www.eastleake-ac.org.uk or email sixthform@eastleake-ac.org.uk for more information.
