Felsted School achieves outstanding GCSE results

Felsted pupils have recorded outstanding results in their GCSE exams this summer, following the excellent results in A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Headmaster, Chris Townsend, comments: “There are some exceptional results this year, with seven pupils achieving at least six GCSEs at grade 9, 18 pupils achieving a full set of 9–7 grades (the equivalent of A* and A) and 46% of all GCSE exams being graded at 9–7. Drama, English, Latin, Music and Religious Studies all achieved more than 80% at grade 6 or above.

"Achieving these results requires a team effort from all the teaching staff, pastoral support, parental commitment, and of course, the hard work and determination of the students."

Summary highlights

• 103 students took GCSEs this summer
• 46% of all entries were graded 9–7 (A/A*)
• 95% of all entrants achieved five GCSEs grade 9–4
• 91% gained 5 GCSEs grade 9 - 4 including Maths and English
• 100% gained 9–8 in Latin
• Over 80% gained 9–6 grades in the following subjects: Drama, English, Latin, Music and Religious Studies

Felsted’s top scorer was:

Emilia Mackenzie, from New Zealand, was Felsted’s top performer achieving an incredible nine 9s and an 8 grade in her GCSEs. What makes her achievement so impressive is that Emilia returned to New Zealand in January this year with her parents, and was supported over the next five months in her learning from afar, returning only to sit her exams this summer. At Felsted since Year 9, Emilia was an Academic Scholar, fully embracing academic life at Felsted, including being a member of the Roberts Academic Society and entering creative writing competitions. Half Polish, she will be studying the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in New Zealand before returning to the UK with the aim to study Engineering at Imperial College London.

“The amazing relationships I was able to build between myself and my teachers were unquestionably one of the main reasons behind my good results. The resources they gave me whilst distance learning were so useful.”

Emilia Mackenzie

Felsted’s other top performers were:

Alexandra Crossey, from Colchester, gained an impressive seven 9s and three 8 grades. With parents working overseas, Alexandra joined Felsted in 2016 as a full boarder from Uzbekistan. As an Academic and Music scholar, she has taken advantage of many opportunities at Felsted, performing in the School’s production of Les Misérables (School Edition), and playing the violin, piano and saxophone with the Felsted Orchestra and String Ensemble. She will be studying A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics in September, with ambitions to study Medicine at university.

Francesca Slater, a day pupil from Great Bardfield, achieved a remarkable seven 9s and two 8 grades. An Academic and Music Scholar, Frankie plays flute (at Diploma Level) in the School’s Orchestra, is an active member of the Steel Band as well as being a Lance Corporal in the Felsted Combined Cadet Force! Frankie is also a talented thespian, playing lead roles in Felsted productions and was chosen to join the National Youth Theatre on their Summer programme. She also completed a Round Square school exchange to Beijing in 2018, a challenging but unforgettable experience. Frankie will be studying the IB Diploma at Felsted in September, studying English, Music and Physics at higher level, and French, Maths and Philosophy at standard level, with future aspirations to study law.

Alexandra and Francesca

Milly Adshead-Grant, a boarder from Cressing, gained an impressive seven 9s and two 8 grades. An Academic Scholar, Milly is joint president of the Junior Academic Society and a member of the Medical Society. She will be studying the IB Diploma in September, taking Biology and Chemistry at Higher Level with the ambition to pursue a career in medicine. Milly enjoys balancing her studies with playing tennis.

Georgia Millar, a day pupil from Cornish Hall End, gained six grade 9s and four grade 8s. Georgia is an Academic Scholar and member of the Junior Academic Society. A talented rider, Georgia recently competed for the Felsted Riding Team at the NSEA Eventers Challenge Championships at Hickstead. She will be studying A Levels in Economics, Maths and History in September.

Milly and Georgia

Henry Barker, a boarder from Little Bardfield, gained six 9s, three 8s and one 7 grade. An Academic and Music scholar, Henry plays grade 8 piano and is working towards his grade 8 in trumpet and guitar. An all-round performer, Henry is a member of the School Orchestra and Senior Chapel Choir and took a lead role in Felsted’s production of Les Misérables (School Edition), where he had the opportunity to travel to New York with the Drama Department last summer. He is also a keen rugby player, who recently joined the Felsted rugby team on a tour to South Africa. He will be taking A Levels in Maths, Economics, Psychology and Business Studies.

Holly Pilcher, a day pupil from Little Dunmow, achieved six grade 9s and three grade 8s. At Felsted since Reception, Holly is an Academic and Music Scholar, performing saxophone with the school Jazz Band as well as being an active member of the school Steel Band. With ambitions to become a vet, Holly is a member of the School Medical Society and will be taking A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Latin.

Henry and Holly

Elliott Gander, a day pupil from Great Notley, gained five grade 9s and five grade 8s. An Academic and Music scholar, Elliott performs with the school Jazz and Funk Bands on his electric guitar (grade 4) and acoustic guitar (grade 6). Joint president of the Junior Academic Society, Elliott will be taking A Levels in Maths, German, Geography and Physics, with a view to being an Actuary in the future.

Poppy Evans, a boarding pupil from Lindsell, achieved five 9s and four 8 grades. An Art Scholar and a member of the Junior Academic Society, Poppy balances her studies with playing tennis, cricket and performing in the Felsted Steel Band. She is taking the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award and came second in the Felsted Bake Off last year! Poppy will be studying A Levels in Art, Biology and Chemistry.

Elliott and Poppy

Jasmine Irvine-Scott, a day pupil from Felsted, achieved four 9s, five 8s and one 7 grade. An Academic and Drama Scholar, Jasmine is a regular performer in School productions, recently cast as the lead role of young Cosette in Felsted production of Les Misérables (School Edition). She will be studying A Levels in English, Drama, History and Latin with ambitions to be a Journalist or TV Presenter.

Tom Conlon, a day pupil from Barnston, achieved four 9s, four 8s and two 7 grades. An Academic Scholar, Tom took part in a Round Square Exchange to Landheim School in Germany last year, in addition to taking part in a Model United Nations Conference in the Hague. He will be taking A Levels in English, Government and Politics, History and Theology, Ethics and Philosophy in September, with a view to pursuing a career in Politics or Anthropology.

Jasmine and Tom