Writhlington Year 11 students were proudly celebrating their results last week, with smiles and tears of joy.

Results at the school have improved in the new, harder Maths and English GCSEs, and given the volatility of outcomes the Government had warned about, 60% of students achieved 9 to 4 grades in English and Maths.

Students achieving the Government’s academic English Baccalaureate (EBACC) has increased to 35%, which is above the national average. Results have increased across all subjects at Writhlington; and early indications show a significant improvement in student progress, which is now the Government’s main headline measure. The school is looking forward to seeing the Progress 8 score, once the Department for Education publish it in the autumn.

Mark Everett, Executive Headteacher, said: “I am so exceptionally proud of the students and staff. It is clear from much of the national media coverage that the exams the students have taken this year are the hardest since O Levels.

“For them to achieve as well as they have done, shows exceptional resilience and commitment. They are a credit to themselves, the school and their families.

“I look forward to welcoming the majority back into the Sixth Form, and wish all of them – whatever their path – the best and the brightest of futures.”