LEADERS at Downend and Mangotsfield schools say they are “delighted” to see how many students fulfilled their potential in achieving good GCSE results.
Across England more than 600,000 teenagers sat GCSE and Level 2 vocational exams this summer.
When results were released in late August, the Department for Education said that overall, the proportion of results at grade 4 and above was down slightly, at 67.1% compared with last year’s figure of 67.4%, while the percentage at grade 7 and above – the equivalent of an old A or A* grade – rose slightly from 21.6% to 21.8% this year.
At Mangotsfield School, a “very successful” year saw 75% of candidates achieve grade 4 or above in English/English literature with 57% achieving grade 5 and above.
In maths, 59% of pupils achieved Grade 4 or above, with 31 getting a grade 7 or above.
For the first time, a group of students sat GCSE further maths, with 37% achieving top 8 or 9 grades.
Head teacher Hetty Blackmore said: “Mangotsfield School is a mixed ability, diverse comprehensive school, so these are very pleasing results.
“I am delighted that so many students of all abilities have achieved their full potential.
“A significant number of students have achieved Grades 7, 8 and 9 or distinctions in all their subjects.
“The approach of the school over a number of years has been to ensure that all pupils take a broad and balanced curriculum with GCSE exams being at the core of this.
“These pleasing results demonstrate the effectiveness of high quality teaching coupled with strong management systems and team work.
“It has been a joy to watch this year group grow and mature. They suffered significant disruption due to Covid in their early years here.
“This year, again I have been humbled by the number of parents that not only have thanked staff for the academic input, but also have commented on the outstanding pastoral care received over the last five years.”
Mrs Blackmore said a “large number” of students from the year group have gone on to study A-levels at the Downend and Mangotsfield Sixth Form, based at Downend School. Others will head to St Brendan’s Sixth Form College, SGS and City of Bristol.
Many others are starting apprenticeships at employers ranging from GKN Engineering to Reflections Hair and Beauty.
At Downend School, leaders said the “fantastic set of GCSE results” was an improvement on last year and matched the school’s best-ever performance.
The average grade across all subjects was a 5, and nearly a quarter of all GCSEs were awarded grades 7 to 9.
The school said 75% of students achieved a grade 4 or above in both English and Maths and 53% achieved a grade 5 or above in both subjects.
Head teacher Rachael Corns said: “These are excellent results that reflect the ambition, hard work, and determination of our students.
“I want to thank our dedicated staff, supportive families and, most of all, our students — they should be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved.
“These results reflect not only academic success but also the culture of high expectations and support that exists throughout the school.”
Mrs Corns said pupils who took GCSEs this year had faced challenges “throughout their education journey”, including lockdowns during Years 6 and 7.
They are now moving on to further education, including A-levels, vocational courses and apprenticeships.