This year’s results show improved attendance and strong achievement for students who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

This summer, 194 students sat their GCSE examinations. The key highlights include:

• More than 68% of students achieved a grade 4 or above in both English and maths.
• 44% of students achieved a grade 5 in both English and maths.
• 37% of students achieved a grade 7 or above.
• The average grade achieved by students with attendance above 95% was 1.5 grades higher than for students whose attendance was below 90%.
• The proportion of SEND students achieving a grade 5 or above in English and maths improved compared with last year.
• The proportion of students with English as an additional language achieving grade 4 or above in English and maths also improved compared with last year.

Students celebrating after collecting their exam results

Scott Garrity, Headteacher, Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students. Behind every result is a story of hard work, determination and personal growth.

“What is particularly encouraging is seeing the impact of the cultural changes we have worked hard to embed. Attendance has improved significantly. Expectations are high and there is a growing sense of ambition and belief in what our young people can achieve.

“The link between attendance and outcomes could not be clearer. Students attending more than 95% of the time achieved, on average, 1.5 grades higher than those below 90%. Every day in school really does count.

“I am especially proud of the improvement in outcomes for our SEND students, building on the positive progress we also saw at A Level. We want every student to know that they belong here, that we believe in them and that they can succeed.

“Thank you to our students, families and staff for everything they have contributed. Most importantly, to our students – be proud of what you have achieved, we certainly are.”

Students celebrating after collecting their exam results

Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, is Ofsted graded ‘good’ and part of Tapestry Learning Partnership.

Among the standout achievements this year are Sophie Sammut who achieved six grade 9s, Oscar Caton who achieved four grade 9s and Pippa Smith who achieved three grade 9s.

Students who made the best progress include Sophie Tatham, Imogen Hamilton, Oscar Caton, Alexander Dyson and Lexie Patterson.

Imogen H and Mr J O'Keefe

Emily Phillips, 16, who achieved eight GCSEs including a grade 9, a grade 7, five grade 6s and a grade 5, said: “I passed everything and feel happy!” Emily is going onto the sixth form to study three A levels and aspires to run her own business in future.

Archie Hurst, 16, who achieved 10 GCSEs at mostly grade 4 grades, is going onto college to study a vocational qualification in light vehicle maintenance and repair. Archie said: “I feel great.”

Theadora T collecting exam results 

Mark Mallender, Chief Executive Officer, Tapestry Learning Partnership, added: “Well done to Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School students on some fantastic results. I wish them every success for the future and would like to thank all the staff for their support.”

A significant number of students are going onto the sixth form at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, which offers traditional A Level subjects and vocational qualifications.

Recruitment into sixth form is expected to be high. Any sixth form enquiries should be made to Mrs Allen allen@queenelizabeths.derbyshire.sch.uk