GCSE Results a Success for First Post-COVID Year 11s

August 25, 2022

Thursday 25th August 2022 saw Year 11 students return to schools to collect their eagerly awaited GCSE and vocational exam results. It’s safe to say that any feelings of trepidation soon evaporated into jubilation and a sea of smiles as so many of our young people received an exceptional set of results.

This year’s GCSE results are born out of the first public examinations since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption to all aspects of education which the pandemic caused. As such, our students deserve even greater commendation for achieving such an outstanding set of results, despite the challenges they’ve faced over the last three years.

Across the Trust, results were exceptional with 77% of students achieving a grade ‘4’ (equivalent to a ‘C’) or above, and 24% achieving a grade ‘7’ (equivalent to an ‘A’) or above. Additionally, The Trust’s Attainment 8 score was 5.12 and 77% of students achieved a grade ‘4’ (standard pass) or above in English and Maths, with 60% achieving a grade ‘5’ (strong pass) or above. At Nailsea School we are particularly proud as students there achieved, on average, half a grade higher per student compared to previous year’s exams.

Some particular individual achievements include Ella Simpson (who achieved an incredible eleven grade 9’s), Matthew Holmes (who earned seven grade 9’s, three grade 8’s and 2 grade 7’s), and Mary Flanagan and Annabelle Stone (who scored grade 7 upwards in all their qualifications, including five grade 9’s each). Some other outstanding results include Oliver Evans, Fergus Hammond, Marco Hervada, Mariella Kennedy, Toby Marshall, Esther Mitchell, Phoebe Munro, Katie Nicholls, Aum Shah, Benjamin Skelton, Gracie Walsh Smith and Ella Woodcock, who all achieved five or more grade 8 or 9’s (or equivalent) across their subjects.

In addition to many well deserved congratulations, we’re also incredibly pleased that so many students who received their results today will continue into our sixth forms at both Kings and Nailsea this coming September. Wessex Learning Trust Sixth Forms offer learners a diverse range of courses ( both A-Level and vocational) and benefit from outstanding teaching and facilities, including (at Kings of Wessex) an newly refurbished sixth form centre. If you’re interested in joining one of our exceptional sixth forms, there’s still time to apply! Find out more via the links at the bottom of this article.

Commenting on this year’s results, Chief executive of the Trust – Gavin Ball – said:

“Following a great set of A-Level results last week, I am incredibly pleased to see our Year 11 learners continuing the pattern with an exceptional set of GCSE grades. I was lucky enough to spend the morning at Naislea School where it was wonderful to see so many delighted young people and families who were rightly celebrating the incredible results students have achieved. Particularly considering the challenges of COVID in the last few, today’s results are something you should all be very proud of. I look forward to welcoming many of you back in September to join one of our fantastic sixth forms and build on the great things you have achieved during you GCSEs”.

Gavin Ball – Chief Executive, the Wessex Learning Trust

With Dee Elliott – Headteacher at Nailsea School – adding:

“This year’s results contained stronger feelings of emotion than in previous years, given how hard it has been for students and staff during COVID times. I am incredibly proud of everyone involved. It is really pleasing to know that a record number of students are returning and some new faces will be joining us from other schools in Year 12 next week. I look forward to continuing to see these students thrive in the Sixth Form”.

Dee Elliott – Headteacher, Nailsea School

And Headteacher at the Kings of Wessex, Dave Wiltshire, saying:

“I am delighted for the students that their effort and perseverance has been rewarded. I am truly proud of the strength they have shown, and it is wonderful to be able to celebrate their successes. I would like to thank parents and carers for their continued support throughout their children’s schooling. I look forward to working with students continuing their education here at Kings Sixth and I wish each our students the very best of luck with their next steps as they continue their journey”.

Dave Wiltshire – Headteacher, the Kings of Wessex Academy

If you’ve received your results today and are looking to join an exceptional sixth form in September, there are place available at both Kings and Nailsea Sixth Forms. You can find out more and apply now via the links below!