Following on from last week’s superb Post-16 results, QEGS staff and students are celebrating another week of success, with 2023 proving to be a success for Yr11 exam results too!

41% of all QEGS students were able to achieve one or more of the ‘top grades’ compared to 35% pre Covid. A phenomenal achievement for this group of students who had to choose their GCSE options without completing their full Key Stage 3 curriculum due to Covid.

The subjects with the most notable high performances this year were Biology, Chemistry, Combined Science, Drama, Dance, Construction, Childcare, Design and Technology, French, Spanish and Music. This continues to reflect our commitment to a broad and balanced curriculum with a superb year for the languages, the sciences, the arts, the technologies and the vocational options.

Results in core subjects are also strong and despite this year’s tougher grade boundaries (reverting back to pre-covid thresholds). 69% of QEGS students attained a grade 4 or above in both English and maths and 44% of QEGS students attained a grade 5 or above in both English and Maths.

There were also some amazing individual student performances. Students who made the most progress compared to national expectations included Shahed Jouha, Arlo McPherson and Izzy Hosking.

Students who deserve credit for a standout number of top grades at GCSE include: Evie Hale with 8 grade 9s and 1 grade 8 plus an A* in her HPQ (Higher Project Qualification), Meri Brooks and Maisie Walker with 6 grade 9s each plus a clutch of grade 8s to complete their set. Barney Tanner achieved 6 grade 9s on top of his grade 8s and 7s, Will Threlfall and James Buckler both achieved 5 grade 9s on top of their grade 8s and 7s.

All this success despite the substantial post Covid challenges, ongoing periods of online learning and absence from school, government changes to course specifications, DfE changes to grade boundaries and disruption to the two years of Key Stage 4 education overall. Our students have plenty to celebrate.

Whilst we celebrate our students’ examination successes, we also acknowledge their contributions and achievements in all aspects of their time at QEGS. Such as in the school shows, music concerts, charity and fundraising events, student leadership, sports teams, house matches, art exhibitions, Maths challenges, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and many other wonderful co-curricular activities at QEGS. To be the best you can possibly be, takes more than just academic success.

Fine tuning how we support and prepare students for their assessments and exams has been essential with so much disruption. This ‘little and often’ approach has enabled our students to succeed and progress to sixth form, college or apprenticeships. The impact of these strategies is evident in our 2023 results but also in the opportunities our students now have ahead of them. With lots of interest, we are likely to see a busy year of admissions for Yr12 at QEGS Sixth Form. Mr Walker and his team are on hand at school today to offer advice and support, Mrs Morgan is also available to advise on college, apprenticeships and other post-16 routes.

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.

Following such a successful set of exam results, we look forward to welcoming our new Year 7 cohort in September and existing students and staff back to school. For prospective students of all ages (and parents), we will be holding the QEGS Open Evening on Wednesday 27th September between 4.30pm and 6.30pm. Everyone is welcome, please come and find out about QEGS and see if this is the school for you and your family.

If you are interested in learning more about QEGS, we are always happy to offer guided tours during the school day and taster days. Give us a call on 01335 343685 or email admissions@qegs.email to find out more.

Scott Garrity
Headteacher
24.08.23