Excellent GCSE results and more at Burgess Hill Girls

As pupils received their GCSE grades today, Burgess Hill Girls Head Liz Laybourn is keen to set pupils’ academic achievements in the wider context of their personal progress.

“This year’s results maintain our consistently excellent record at GCSE. Each one of our students has shown immense grit, resilience, and determination throughout what has been a very challenging time for all young people. However, education at Burgess Hill Girls is about far more than results. We are equally proud of how our students have maintained their commitment to their sport, creativity, and service, asking searching questions in their Higher Project Qualifications, taking up opportunities, collaborating, showing initiative, and challenging themselves in new ways and in new directions to build their own unique personal profile. Today we celebrate the richness and diversity of all these achievements.”

What follows is a sample of the wonderful variety of individual successes we are celebrating.

Meghana Dhamrait is celebrating a stunning set of top grades. Meghana channelled her interest in social and political issues in her A* HPQ on why child poverty has not yet been eradicated in the UK. Studying for A levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths, Meghana wants to go into health and medicine: “The past year has not only challenged me but inspired me to continue studying these STEM subjects. My passion for them will continue to motivate me to work hard, pushing boundaries however unprecedented the circumstances. I am so grateful to my teachers and family for their incredible, selfless support. I am so proud to be able to continue studying for my A levels at Burgess Hill Girls next year.”

Alice Gibson’s clean sweep of top grades is a wonderful achievement. Alice’s HPQ explored the connection between dance and its effect on mental health. Dance is something very close to her heart as she will be performing with the English Youth Ballet in November.

Sussex county cricketer, Regina Suddahazai Khan, is delighted with impressive GCSE grades. Having missed her cricket training and competition under lockdown Regina was delighted to return to it in April. She will be studying A level Maths, Biology and Psychology.

Poppy Whitehead takes home a set of top grades at GCSE and also plays hockey for East Grinstead. Poppy will study for A levels in Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and French. Her HPQ was 'Nature vs Nurture; what has the greatest influence on GCSE success?'

Georgina Wrigg is celebrating her top GCSE grades and the A* in her HPQ on whether it is possible to be LGBT+ and have religion: “I am really happy with my results. My subjects have stretched me both intellectually and personally: a fear of an audience led me to Drama, fear of expression to Art, fear of questioning powerful ideas and ideals to RS.” A talented debater who enjoys wrestling with difficult questions, Georgina won a place on Immerse Education’s course in Cambridge this summer with her essay on whether legal decisions should be automated using algorithms. Georgina relished the opportunity: “It was a brilliantly intensive and intellectually vivid programme - an unforgettable experience.” Georgina is going on to take A levels in English Literature, Religious Studies and Politics. “I hope to go on to study law at university with the aim of contributing to human rights, diversity and inclusion, and social legislation.”

Given the unusual circumstances surrounding this year’s Teacher Assessed Grades and last year’s Centre Assessed Grades, Burgess Hill Girls has followed the example set by the Independent Schools Council and most other independent schools and not published summaries of student grades.