For the second time in a week and following one of the toughest 18 months our school will ever face, we will be celebrating once again with our students.   

The outgoing Yr11 should feel very proud of their results and reassured by the rigorous process that our staff and leaders undertook to ensure that this year’s grades could stand up to scrutiny and challenge. This year, following the cancellation of exams, grades were awarded through a process of teacher assessed grades, against a national standard and approved and awarded by the exam boards. The government is not publishing performance data for any schools or colleges this year due to the varying impact of the pandemic. However, we do have some specific details which we want to acknowledge and celebrate.  

• In BTEC Creative and Digital Media, CDM, over half of the group achieved the top Level 2 Distinction*.  
• In BTEC Performing Arts, two thirds of students achieved Level 2 Distinction or Distinction*  
• Subjects whose Yr11 examination results are particularly worthy of note are Technology materials, Computing, Business studies, Geography, Spanish and German.

Students who deserve an accolade for the highest number of top grades are William Selby, Jessica Kaul, Inioluwa Odeniyi, Artemis Swain, Evie Beale, Ryan Richmond, Daniel Stapley, Lilly Buckler, Flora Pasmore and Jeena Dhillon. 

Another superb year for vocational pathways, the arts and the technologies. At QEGS we try to ensure students can study relevant and purposeful courses which lead to a career and/or further education. Our results continue to reflect our commitment to a broad and balanced curriculum. Alongside the broad range of courses we offer, we are further developing our extensive co-curricular programme for September. Giving our students even more opportunity to develop their interests and talents.  

Each year, we always look to improve aspects of our provision and this year was no different with new approaches to supporting mental health and wellbeing for all. Fine tuning the curriculum and refining how we support and prepare students for progression to sixth form and beyond in the absence of exams was another challenge we were able to overcome. The impact of these strategies are evident in our 2021 results but also in the opportunities our students now have ahead of them. With lots of interest, we are likely to see one of our biggest ever sixth form admissions for Yr12, with over 150 students looking to join the ‘Sunday Times East Midlands School of 2020’.  

This year more than ever, we recognise the benefit and impact of our students enjoying the wealth of opportunities during their time at QEGS. As was stated on Tuesday, at QEGS we fully believe that ‘to be the best you can possibly be’ takes more than just academic success. Students need to be happy, with a healthy body and mind and we hope that QEGS has helped play just a small part in our students pursuing happy and successful lives.  

Well done to all our students on being rewarded for your hard work, many thanks to all staff and parents for your continued support, we could not do it without you.  

We look forward to seeing many of our students return to QEGS Sixth Form and for students looking to employment or college, we will be supporting their pursuit of their preferred pathway. Mr Walker (Head of Sixth Form) and his team are in school today and will be available at the start of term to offer help and advice. 

Following such a successful week of results, we also look forward to one of our biggest ever Year 7 cohorts in September and welcoming existing students and staff back to school. 

For prospective students of all ages (and parents), we will be holding the 2021 QEGS Open Evening, onsite, on Tuesday 29th September between 5pm and 7pm, further details to follow via the website. Everyone is welcome, please come and find out about QEGS and see if this the school for you and your family.  

Scott Garrity 

Headteacher 

12.08.21