Heady day of GCSE excitement for Elmbridge pupils

7:00am Wednesday 25th August 2010

By Jonathan Portlock

Two years of hard work came to a head on Tuesday, August 24, when GCSE students in Elmbridge returned to school to find out their exam results.

At Hinchley Wood School, 62 year 9 students aged between 13 and 14-years-old took their GCSE French exams two years early, with 89 per cent of them achieving A* to C grades.

Jenny Craig, head of modern foreign languages at the school said: “Entering students early for French GCSE was a first for us and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results they have achieved. All those that have passed will now have the opportunity to start A/S-level French in year 10.”

Overall, 82 per cent of pupils achieved five or more A* to C grades, which was up 7 per cent from last year.

Three students, Holly Ashworth, Sam Tope and Katie Wharfe, got seven A*s and four As, while Chris Mallet notched eight A*s, one A and one B.

He said: “It’s taking a while to sink in but I do know I am absolutely over the moon. When you do all the hard work somehow you can’t imagine how it will pay off, I never thought my results would be this good.”

Headteacher Steven Poole said: “We knew our students and staff had worked hard last year to get some great results, but everyone is absolutely delighted that the success has continued.

“We have also significantly increased the percentage of A* and A results from 23 per cent last year to 32 per cent this year.”

Staff and pupils at Heathside School in Weybridge were also celebrating a successful two years of work, after two students broke into double figures with the amount of A*s they received.

Lily Rice achieved 11 A*s and two As, while Emma Underwood got 10 A*s and one A.

Commenting on 80 per cent of students receiving five or more A* to C grades, headteacher Anne Cullum said: “These excellent results which reflect the determination and effort made throughout two years of GCSE study by our students.

“Our dedicated staff have worked hard to keep the students enthused and working at their full potential in order to sustain these high standards.

“We would like to thank our students’ parents, who have been instrumental in supporting both the students and Heathside School. I wish all our students every success in the future.”

Further up the road, St George’s College pupils in Addlestone were ecstatic after the school announced its most successful year for GCSE exams.

The school maintained its 100 per cent record, with every pupil receiving A* to C grades in five or more subjects and 34 per cent of the grades being A*s.

In total, 28 students gained all A* to A grades, with five students achieving straight A*s.

Notable successes included Denis and Daria Aven, who both gained 11 A*s, and Victoria Eito, who 10 A*s and an A, as well as an A at French A/S-level.

Head teacher Joe Peake said: “We expected this to be a good year but with 34 per cent A*s, so many of our students have a wonderful basis for their A Level studies in the sixth form.”

Following on from the A-level success of last week, pupils at Notre Dame Senior School in Cobham were rejoicing after 98 per cent of students gained at least five A* to C grades, with 84 per cent of all grades being A*, A or B.

Meanwhile, 60 per cent of entries at Reeds School, also in Cobham, received A* or A grades.

Esher Church of England High School followed an “outstanding” Ofsted inspection in November 2009, with a 70 per cent pass rate for students gaining five or more A* to C grades.

Headteacher Simon Morris said: “We are naturally encouraged by the results and pleased for the vast number of students who have achieved so well this year.”