There were celebrations at Windermere School today after pupils received their GCSE results, which demonstrated that pupils have once again overcome the disruption caused by the pandemic.

After adapting to remote learning, pupils rose to the challenge and their efforts were rewarded, with over 73% of all grades being awarded at levels 9-6/ A*-B. In addition, over 53% of all grades were a level 7/ grade A or higher for the second successive year, and over 32% of awards were at the highly coveted level 8/ grade A* or above. The overall pass rate was impressive, with over 98% of all grades awarded at level 4/ grade C or above.

There were several excellent performances, including Murray Doull and Rowenna Hamilton, who both achieved level 8s and 9s/A* across the board.  Isabelle Helme, Ciara Smith and Yannis Yeung were also awarded all grades at level 7s/ grade A’s or above.

We are also delighted with the GCSE results achieved by our Year 9 and Year 10 students.  60% of the Biologists in Year 10 achieved a level 7 or above, and particular mention should go to Tom Johnson in Year 10 who achieved a level 9 in Biology alongside an A* in Food and Nutrition, and Oscar Johnson in Year 9 who achieved a level 9 in Religious Studies.

Windermere School has always demonstrated a consistently high value-added score, and this year was no exception when the figure was a notable +1.46. This figure means that pupils are achieving nearly one and a half grades above their GCSE CAT4 predictions.

Executive Headmaster, Mr Peter Hogan, said: “Windermere School was able to maintain excellent teaching standards throughout the pandemic, and our remote learning provision was exceptional. This continuity of education, coupled with the determination of staff and pupils alike, has ensured that each candidate has achieved their potential today.”

Headline statistics:

73% of all grades being awarded at levels 9-6/ A* to B.

32% of awards were at the Level 8/Grade A* or above.

53% of all grades were a Level 7/Grade A or higher.

The overall pass rate was 98% at Level 4/Grade C or above.

Pupils passes were, on average, one and a half grades above their GCSE predictions based on the official CAT4 data.