Grade 9s are double those recorded in 2019
PANGBOURNE College is celebrating a pass rate of 93 per cent (grades 9-4) for its GCSEs this year – with 46 per cent of the grades awarded between 9-7.
Mark Seccombe, deputy head academic, said: “Given the significant challenges that this cohort of pupils has faced over the last three years, we are delighted with these results which are largely consistent with those achieved last year.
“We are particularly proud of the increase in grade 9s, which are nearly double the number awarded in 2019.”
Individual GCSE success stories include Eva, who achieved nine grade 9s.
She said: “I’m kind of shocked. The biggest surprise has been achieving a grade 9 in mathematics, as I struggled with the subject in primary school but worked really hard to achieve the best I could.”
Eva will be returning to Pangbourne College in September to study biology, chemistry and French A-levels.
Oliver achieved eight grade 9s, a grade 8 and a grade 7. He said: “I’m feeling pretty good about my results, especially as we haven’t had a ‘normal’ education over the last three years.”
He will return to the college to study mathematics, further mathematics and physics at A-level.
Thomasin achieved top marks with eight grade 9s, a grade 8 and a grade 6 and she said: “‘I’m especially pleased with the grade that I achieved for further maths.
“I’m looking forward to coming back in September to study English, history and French A-levels and will be continuing to represent the college in equestrian competitions.”
Mr Seccombe added: “Across the UK, pupils’ education has been hugely disrupted by the
lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, along with further periods of remote learning due to localised outbreaks of Covid.
“They have also been impacted by staff absences for the same reasons. It is striking that these pupils have not had a normal year of education since they were in Year 8.
“My sincere thanks go to our academic and pastoral staff who have supported pupils during this challenging period, and I congratulate our pupils who have demonstrated enormous industry and resilience to achieve what they have.”