AN ENDORSEMENT for GCSE replacement courses set up by Bedales ten years ago was given by an impressive set of results.

For a decade students have been taking challenging IGCSEs and Bedales Assessed Courses (BAC) instead of GSCE, and it has really paid off for the school.

There were celebrations as 30 per cent of students gained the highest A* grade, with 55 per cent of grades A* to A and 94 per cent A* to C.

The pass rates are a combined statistic for GCSE, IGCSE and BACs. No other school studies this unique combination of qualifications.

Said headteacher Keith Budge: “Congratulations to Bedales students for these excellent results, all the more impressive as they are mainly the more challenging IGCSEs and Bedales Assessed Courses.

“We introduced our own courses ten years ago as we were dissatisfied with the quality and challenge with most GCSEs. Developing our own UCAS-recognised Bedales Assessed Courses, we are able to adapt and shape our curriculum to suit the needs of students. By focussing on the development of independent learning skills, Bedalians hit the ground running with their Sixth Form A level studies and are well prepared for university education.”

Exceptional performances came from Tom Bradford, who achieved 11 A*s, and Rachel Forsyth, Sebastian Wiener, and under 19s British sailor George Ford, who all gained ten A*s.

While revising hard, George was also training hard and was selected to be one of five sailors who represented Great Britain in the under 19s single-handed sailing team for the European championships in Estonia this summer.

Said George, who has been inspired by the Olympics in Rio: “I did a little bit less sailing as the exams came round. It’s been hard to balance it around revision but the results have been worth it.”

The top achieving boy, Tom Bradford, of West Meon, said: “I knew I would do well as I worked very, very hard, but I didn’t think I would do this well.”

Keen on cooking, he plans to watch a bit of TV’s Bake Off to relax before taking up his place at Alton College to study for A levels in biology, chemistry, psychology and history.