THE HEADTEACHER at The Petersfield School (TPS) has hailed the class of 2019 on another record-breaking GCSE results day.
This year’s results matched the school’s best-ever with 83 per cent achieving a grade 4 in both English and maths, and more than half securing a grade 5 or higher.
Top of the class was Sarah Arnold with the star pupil racking up an incredible nine grade 9s – the equivalent of an A**.
“I am so surprised, so proud and so happy with my results,” said Sarah, who plans to study A-level English literature, history and geography at Bohunt along with an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in law.
“I’d like to thank all of the teachers at TPS who have supported me so well.”
Although the percentage of students achieving a grade 4 or higher in English fell three per cent to 90 per cent, the number who secured the same grade or higher at maths increased by one per cent to 87 per cent.
More than 90 per cent of students also achieved a grade 4 or higher at history, German, economics, biology, chemistry, physics, dance, music, religious studies, photography and media.
Better still, a third of all the grades awarded to TPS students were among the 7 or 9 standard, the old-school equivalent of an A-A*.
Katie Beken was another success story, achieving eight grade 9s and a pair of grade 8s, while William J Jones picked up seven grade 9s and a pair of grade 8s.
“I’m relieved and thrilled,” said the high-performing student after collecting his results.
“All my teachers were so supportive and I am now going on to college to study maths, biology and a third subject I’ve yet to decide on.”
Outgoing head girl Elizabeth Church is also due some praise after gaining six grade 9s, a pair of grade 8s and a singular grade 7.
She said: “I am especially pleased with my results as the grade boundaries were so tough this year.
“I would like to thank all my teachers for their support, especially Mr Blandford-Davies in maths.” Beth White was “so happy” with her results, especially as she had doubts about passing maths. She said: “I always really struggled in maths but with the support of my teacher and lots of hard work, I got a grade 5.”
Principal Mark Marande and his team were also thrilled with the “very high” proportion of students achieving the English Baccalaureate, the set of key academic subjects that universities and employers are most impressed by.
More than 80 per cent of the students who took these subjects achieved a grade 4 or above, which is significantly higher than the national average.
“We are thrilled with today’s results which match our best ever GCSE results,” said Mr Marande.
“Students, staff and families of our school can all be incredibly proud of their achievements and hard work, especially in light of the more challenging new GCSEs. They demonstrate another year of exceptional dedication by everyone involved with our school.”