Churcher's College pupils celebrate receiving their GCSE results

As we pull back from the Covid-adjusted grade boundaries, newspaper headlines are highlighting a very dramatic drop in top grades at GCSE nationally this year, but this is clearly not the case at Churcher’s. The students are bucking the national trend with yet another highly complimentary set of results.

Overall, the Churcher’s GCSE exam success compares very favourably indeed with last year and on the pre-Covid levels as well; almost half of all the GCSE exams taken at the exceptional Grade 9 or 8 level. Despite all the Covid disruption over recent years, the students here have coped remarkably well and now can enjoy rich and very well-deserved reward for all their brilliant efforts.

As ever there are some quite exceptional stars with seven enjoying all or almost all Grade 9 in their eleven GCSE exams. But what sets many apart at Churcher’s is that not only do the students achieve huge success in exams but they also are particularly impressive outside as well with honours galore on stage, in the concert hall, on the sports pitches and in challenging adventurous activities. It is not surprising that we have a record number wishing to join the Sixth Form here from outside and, from September, we expand to have a two-form entry into Reception year group in our Junior School to try and cope with increasing demand.

The sunshine has arrived in Petersfield, literally and metaphorically.

Simon Williams, Headmaster