News & Headteacher Blogs

Celebrations are underway at The Downs School, as students mark yet another year of GCSE and vocational examination success, despite the challenges of the pandemic.

 

An incredible 16% of all examinations taken resulted in grades 8 or 9 (A* and above); 30% of entries were grades 9 - 7 (A and above); 71% of entries were grades 9 – 5 (A*-B); and 86% of entries were grades 9 – 4 (A*-C).

 

In all, 84% of students achieved at least the standard pass 4 – 9 (C to above A*) in English and Mathematics, and some 62% achieved the strong pass 5 – 9 (B to above A*) in both subjects.

 

Headteacher Chris Prosser commented, ‘Throughout their school careers, the students in this Year Group have always demonstrated our values and excelled in everything they have done. They have been a huge credit to the school.  I am so pleased they achieved the exam results they deserve. My staff and I could not be more proud of them. They have faced up to all the challenges of the pandemic with immense resilience, determination and courage.

 

‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of staff who have worked so hard to teach and support the students in this Year Group. It is also a time to celebrate the really successful partnership we have forged with our students’ parents and carers. These results are a real team effort.’

 

In addition to the overall successes, there are a number of stunning performances from individual students. Here are some of the students who have particularly excelled:

 

• Francesca Bailey (6 grades 9, 2 grades 8, 2 grades 7)
• Ted Bailkoski (7 grades 9, 2 grades 8, 1 grade 6)
• Ella Brown (5 grades 9, 3 grades 8, 2 grades 7)
• Fraser Howe (6 grades 9, 2 grades 8, 2 grades 7)
• Benjamin Jones (4 grades 9, 2 grades 8, 1 grade 7, 1 grade 6, 2 grades 5)
• Ethan Knight (6 grades 9, 1 grade 8, 1 grade 7, 1 grade 6, 1 grade 5)
• Maddy Leek (6 grades 9, 4 grades 8)
• Lottie Merchant (6 grades 9, 2 grades 8, 1 grade 7, 1 Distinction *)
• Georgie Pinckney (10 grades 9)
• Francesca Ramachander (4 grades 9, 6 grades 8)
• Adam Ryan (9 grades 9, 1 Distinction *)
• Matthew Simms (10 grades 9)
• Sara Strejan (4 grades 9, 2 grades 8, 2 grades 7, 2 grades 6)
• Gusti Teagle (8 grades 9, 2 grades 8)
• Charlie Willetts (5 grades 9, 2 grades 8, 2 grades 6, 1 grade 5).