Another year of exceptional achievement from our GCSE class of 2021. This year group has shown courage and resilience in facing the challenges since the Spring of 2020 and their hard work is evident in today’s superb results.
Results day this year had an unusual start in what has been an extraordinary year for everyone. A growing crowd were already queuing before the official 8.30am doors opening and there was a definite buzz in the air which turned into actual shouts and exclamations of joy on envelopes being opened.
Students filed in chatting and greeting friends and staff to pick up results from the long tables set out with A4 envelopes. Many subject teachers, pastoral and administrative staff were on hand to congratulate and offer advice when needed with regard to onward destinations.
There was a lot of positivity in the Sports Hall and one student who will be joining us for Sixth Form to do Law, English and Spanish said: “I’ve done really well; I’m proud of myself with my results.”
Another student had decided to open their results at home with family, resisting the temptation to have a peek. They were confident saying, “I’ve worked really hard and I’ve done everything I could have done.” Their hard work paid off.
Along with their all-important results, students were able to collect their pre-ordered hoodies and 2021 Year Books. The hoodies were sported by some students immediately adding to the atmosphere. With messages from staff including the Pastoral Managers, the 2021 Year Book also has commemorative photo montages of various activities from over the years.
Many students have elected to join us for Sixth Form as their next destination, others will take the apprenticeship or work route as they take the next step to their future. Our careers advisor was available all morning offering advice to students about the choices and options available to them going forward.
Mr Bennett and Ms Hughes-Williams greeted students as they entered and like many others were on hand to congratulate and advise throughout the morning. On being asked to sum up the mood of the day our Principal concluded, “These are excellent results and my thanks go out to all our staff for their dedicated hard work and depth of knowledge and skill. Our Year 11 students have been truly wonderful and risen with grace and determination to the many challenges faced throughout this exceptional academic year. They have met uncertainty and change with courage and shown huge resilience that bodes well not only for their futures but for the communities they are part of. I am so proud of them.”