GCSEs galore at Leighton Park School!

Leighton Park’s 80-strong cohort of Year 11 students were up bright and early this morning eager to collect their GCSE results. Whilst all were keen to discover the outcome of two years’ dedicated study, many were equally keen join the Sixth Form next autumn, ranked the Best in Berkshire and in the Top 40 nationally for academic progress.

Karen Gracie-Langrick, Deputy Head (Academic), commented, “These are the best results we’ve had in a decade. The pass rate for 5+ GCSEs with grades 4-9 equivalent is up by 7% year on year, with over 50% of our students gaining grades at the highest level, 7-9 or equivalent. The uncertainty of the new grading system and the new specifications have been a challenge but the cohort have achieved some outstanding grades and I’m proud that the students own efforts, supported by the capability and commitment of our academic staff, have resulted in such an excellent set of results.”

“I’m really happy! Just so, so happy! I didn’t expect such good results.” grinned a delighted Nikki Wilson (five grade 9, four grade 8 equivalent), “I did,” smiled proud mum, Ji Young, “Because she worked so hard. She really deserves these results.” Nikki is looking forward to studying Biology, Chemistry and Psychology in the Sixth Form with Music A Level. She’ll be one of the first to undertake the qualification in the school’s new state of the art music and media centre, supported by the Yamaha Flagship Education partner, the only secondary school in Europe to benefit from this exclusive relationship. Music GCSE results for the cohort were 87% grades 7-9.

Fellow A Level musician, Sam Caley (four grade 9, three grade 8, two grade 7 and one grade 6 equivalent), was also celebrating this morning; “I’m extremely happy with my results and am grateful to my teachers for their support. I’m going on to study Maths, Physics, Computer Science and Music at A Level.” Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects have been especially successful with Physics 92% grades 7-9, Chemistry 72% grades 7-9, Biology 69% grades 7-9 and Design Technology 75% grades 7-9. Science orientated, Adriana Ioannou was pleased with her three grade 9, five grade 8, one grade 7 and one grade 6 equivalent; “I did better than I was expecting and that is such a relief. I’m doing A Levels next year in Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Maths.”

Adam Norris was relaxed, explaining as he collected his envelope, “I feel fine; I did my best.” and happily was still smiling after he had opened his results to discover he had passed every subject! “I’m really relieved that I’ve done well.” commented Alex Allison (two grade 9, six grade 8, two grade 7 equivalent), glad the tension was over, “I was surprised but so thankful to my teachers.”

“I only slept on and off as I was kind of nervous and excited at the same time,” said Jasmine Walker. “Some people went online at midnight but I didn’t look. I wanted to come in to collect the envelope. It’s more tangible, it makes it seem real.” Jasmine’s two grade 9, four grade 8, one grade 7 and one grade 6 equivalent results secure her place on the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Leighton Park, one of only a handful of schools in Berkshire to offer the internationally acclaimed qualification. “I’m pretty well balanced across all my subjects and I think I’ll be well suited to it,” enthused Jasmine, “I like the different style of teaching and I think it is more fun and engaging, more me! And I might want to study abroad, I’m considering universities in Europe: it’s good to be able keep my options open.”

Leighton Park School, located in 65 acres of beautiful parkland, opposite the University of Reading, offers GCSE students the opportunity to choose from a broad range of 26 subjects. In addition, Leighton Park also offers a rigorous one-year Pre-Sixth Form course primarily for international students seeking an intensive programme of study prior to Sixth Form.

Students currently in Year 9 and their families are welcome to find out more about the GCSE or Pre-Sixth Form courses at Leighton Park at the school’s annual open morning on Saturday 29^th September 2018, 10am–12pm. Book online at www.leightonpark.com/visitus.