THE eagerly awaited GCSE results came out on Tuesday and the six schools that teach south Shropshire youngsters were all delighted by the results.
At Ludlow School, head Phil Poulton, said that 66% of candidates getting five A-C grades was the best ever. This was up 3% on last year. The Ludlow figure including English and Maths is now 55%, also an increase of 3% compared to last year.
“For the sixth year out of seven results have improved,” he added. “Our students have been rewarded for their hard work and ability, and I am grateful for the support of everyone involved with the children, particularly the parents, carers and staff.
“There are some tremendous individual full course results – straight A*s and As, as well students who have overachieved at other grades. We are confident that the school is continuing to improve, with 99% of students achieving at least one A*-G, and our higher ability students excelling again. We wish everyone the best of luck for the future.”
At Lacon Childe School in Cleobury Mortimer results were amongst the highest ever with a 78% pass rate for five or more grades at A*-C.
There were scenes of elation when the pupils visited school to collect their results.
Head, Allan Gilhooley, said: “We have had another brilliant year and the wonderful results show the hard work by both pupils and staff to reach this pinnacle. Everyone gives their best and this outstanding result only reflects their commitment.”
Almost a fifth of children achieved mainly A* and A grades, with particularly successful students including: Harriet Snape (6 A*s and 3 As); Joel Tasker (5 A*s and 4 As), Lisa Backhouse (5 A*s and 2 As) and Liam Whitbread (4 A*s and 6As). The school has seen a 30% improvement in results in the last five years, he added.
Meanwhile, it was “another record-breaking year at Wigmore,” said head, Andrew Shaw. Some 95% of Wigmore pupils achieved five or more A*-C grades – a new school record. The number of pupils gaining five or more A*-C including English and Maths also increased by 6%. There were some exceptional performances with several pupils gaining A* or A in all of their subjects.
“Congratulations to all our Year 11 pupils for achieving these outstanding results,” he added. “They are a credit to themselves as well as the school. I would also like to thank our staff who continually work incredibly hard to get the best from our pupils.”
At The Community College, Bishop’s Castle students did well and those receiving five or more higher grades with English and Maths at 55% and 66% of students gained five or more higher passes.
Neil Parker, assistant headteacher, said: “Many of the students have done very well, meeting or exceeding their targets. Well done to all the students and to the staff for their hard work.”
Sarah Godden, who will be interim head at the Community College from September, said: “The overall upward trend is very pleasing, and I look forward to building on this further when I join the school.”
Bedstone College celebrated almost 35% of grades at either A* or A. Amongst the highest scoring candidates were Christopher Rawlinson from Bucknell who achieved 6A* and 3A grades; Rupert Sheppard of Chirbury with 5A* and 3A grades and Sasha Hamlin of Ludlow achieved 9 A*/A grades.
Head, Michael Symonds, said: “Once again candidates have worked extremely hard and are all deserving of the accolades that they receive.”