It’s a smashing outcome for girls
Principal’s pride as Year 11s produce an outstanding set of results
“SMASHED it – again!”
That was the message from the elated principal of St Gabriel’s School in Newbury as students collected their GCSE results last Thursday.
There were a host of impressive performances for Ricki Smith and his school to celebrate, with at least 20 per cent of all pupils achieving 9 or more GCSEs at grade 9 or 8.
And 60 per cent of all passes were at levels 9-7.
“We are delighted to share the outstanding success of all our Year 11s as they received their GCSE results, smashing the outcome of what has been a difficult two years for them,” Mr Smith said.
“It is important to recognise the impact that the pandemic has had on the education of this cohort of pupils at St Gabriel’s, and in a wider context nationally, as they have come through school closures, illness and uncertainty to be rewarded with a truly impressive set of results.
“We are excited about our Year 11s returning to St Gabriel’s for the next stage of their educational journey in the sixth form.
“This year’s Year 11 have
smashed it – again!”
Student Sophie was celebrating after achieving seven grade 9s, two grade 8s and two grade 7s.
“I am very happy,” she said. She will be going on to study A-levels at St Bartholomew’s School and celebrated by going out for dinner.
Friend Zara, who also achieved all grade 9, 8 and 7s, said the year group hadn’t
known what to expect from exams this year.
“But it was really good and I’m very pleased,” she added.
She also celebrated by going out for dinner, before preparing to go to Queen Mary’s College to study A-levels in mathematics, biology and chemistry.
Isla, who is also heading to St Bartholomew’s to do A-levels in September, said she was “really pleased” with her results.
Poppy, who achieved all grades 9 and 8s, with a 7 in Greek, added: “I’m feeling pretty good; I think I did quite well.”
She also plans to go on to study A-levels.
Scarlett said she had been panicking all morning, adding: “I was very nervous, but I’m happy now.
“I was very surprised and I’m very relieved now.”
Fellow pupil Selina said she was feeling “very happy”.
“I was very nervous; we didn’t know what to expect in the first exam but it all turned out good.”
“All of the pupils deserve huge credit and praise for what they have achieved,” Mr Smith added.
“This is a cohort that has shown their ability to endure stoically, prosper and flourish, when things have been tough throughout.
“Their resilience, community-spirit and sense of fun has been a lesson to us all.
“This year will be remembered for many reasons. However, it is the educational growth and level of achievement shown by these pupils, and the professionalism and care shown by an outstanding staff, coupled with the support of parents, that will be my abiding memory.”