Outstanding GCSE results for Felsted School pupils

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

Headmaster, Chris Townsend, comments: “There are some exceptional results this year, with several pupils achieving at least six GCSEs at grade 9, ten achieving a full set of 7 to 9 grades (the equivalent of A and A*) and 48% of all GCSE exams being graded at 7 to 9 (or equivalent).

English excelled, with a pass rate of 100% and 98% of all candidates achieving at least a grade 6. Drama, English Language, English Literature, History, Latin and Music all achieved more than 90% at grade 6 or above, with Physics, Chemistry and Biology just below that mark.

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. In a year when there has been so much change to the GCSE examinations, both in grading, content and style of question, this is a seriously impressive achievement from an excellent group of students.”

Summary Highlights

• 98 students took GCSEs this summer
• 48% achieved grade 7 to 9
• 97% pass rate (grade 4 to 9)
• 98% achieved five GCSEs grade 4 to 9
• 95% gained 5 GCSEs grade 4 to 9 including Maths and English
• The following departments gained over 90% 6 to 9 grades: Drama, English Language, English Literature, History, Latin and Music

Felsted’s top scorer was Emma Jones, from Hertfordshire, who achieved an outstanding nine grade 9s and an A*, one of only 454 girls in the country to achieve this clean sweep. She will be studying A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Biology and Chemistry at Felsted Sixth Form this September. An Academic and Sports Scholar, Emma is a talented young cricketer, who was part of Felsted’s National winning teams both indoor and outdoor last year. She was also invited to play for Hong Kong Women this summer but turned it down to focus on her England aspirations. She is currently a member of the Surrey Stars Development Squad and the Essex Under 17 team.

Fenella Alexander, a weekly boarder from High Easter, achieved nine grade 9s and one grade 8. An Academic and Drama scholar, Fenella has been involved with all aspects of Felsted School life, including taking on a starring role in Felsted’s performance of ‘Les Miserables (School Edition)’ last year. She will be staying at Felsted to study the International Baccalaureate Diploma in French, History, Chemistry, Biology, English and Maths.

Sarah Blanc, aged 16 and a boarder from Colchester, achieved seven grade 9s and three grade 8s. An Academic scholar, Sarah balances her studies playing hockey and tennis. She is also a talented young dancer, performing in the Town Hall Theatre in Times Square, New York this summer. She will be staying at Felsted to study the International Baccalaureate Diploma in French, Economics, Biology and Psychology, English and Maths.

David Townsend, aged 16 from Felsted, achieved seven grade 9s, two grade 8s and one grade 7 and will be staying at Felsted to study A Levels in Government and Politics, Maths, Biology and Chemistry. An academic scholar, David combines his studies with a love of cricket and rugby, and is hoping to go on to study Veterinary Science.

Sam Maurer, aged 16, a full boarder and international scholar from Switzerland, achieved seven grade 9s, two grade 8s and an A* and will be staying at Felsted to study the International Baccalaureate Diploma in German, Geography, Biology, Spanish, Maths and English. Sam enjoys playing rugby and squash at Felsted and also played a key role in the School’s recent production of ‘Romeo and Juliet’.

Araminta Latham, aged 16 and a weekly boarder from Stebbing, achieved six grade 9s, three grade 8s and one grade 7. An Academic and Sports scholar, Araminta balances her studies with a love of tennis, hockey and netball, representing Felsted on hockey tour in South Africa and netball tour in Barbados over the past two years. She will be staying at Felsted to study A Levels in Geography, Maths and Physical Education.

Felsted’s other top performers were:

Joshua Bird, achieved four grade 9s, two grade 8s, two grade 7s and an A* in music. An Academic and Music Scholar, Josh will be studying the International Baccalaureate Diploma in German, Economics, Geography, Biology, Maths and English and hopes to go on to study Politics, Philosophy and Economics at university. Josh is involved in all areas of school life, playing for the 1st XI cricket and 1st XV rugby and as a talented pianist and saxophonist in the Felsted Jazz Band.

Tilly Atkinson, a weekly boarder from Stansted, achieved four grade 9s, four grade 8s and two grade 7s. An Academic scholar, Tilly will be going on to study A Levels in Geography, Psychology and Economics at Felsted next year as well as joining the annual trip to the Magic Bus headquarters in Mumbai, supporting one of Felsted’s partner charities.

Alfie Summers achieved four grade 9s, two grade 8s, three grade 7s and a grade 6. An Academic scholar, Alfie is involved in many areas of Felsted life. A keen rugby and tennis player, Alfie plays for the Felsted 1st XI and also plays the drums. He will be studying A Levels in Economics, Maths and Physics at Felsted next year.

Elliot Smith, age 16 from Great Dunmow, achieved four grade 9s, two grade 8s, two grade 7s, a grade 6 and an A* in Music. An Academic and Music scholar, Elliot is a drummer in the Felsted Funk and Jazz Bands. He will be studying A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Biology and Chemistry at Felsted next year and hopes to go on to study Medicine.

Oliver Butler achieved four grade 9s, two grade 8s, three grade 7s and one grade 6. A Sports scholar, Oliver has enjoyed a great deal of sporting success, especially Rugby, being part of Saracens U16s and Essex Elite as well as playing Felsted 1st team rugby and tennis. He will be studying A Levels in Economics, Geography and History at Felsted next year.