Head Teacher John Hirst with students at Smithdon High School, Hunstanton (Pic Ian Burt)
High achievers included Jack Bolderstone, who attained eight grade 9s and three grade 8s; and Eleanor Paterson who achieved four grade 9s, four grade 8s, one grade 7.
Eleanor said: “I am so happy with my results but in particular, I was really happy with getting a grade 7 in Maths. Because of everything we’ve been through, we all needed more drive and determination to get these results, and I’m really proud of myself and what I’ve achieved.”
The school has been working hard to raise standards and aspirations in recent years, and today saw more students than ever going on to Springwood Sixth Form to study A Levels as a result of the continued efforts of the students and staff and the excellent progress being made by so many students.
Headteacher John Hirst said: “After receiving the good news at the end of term regarding the government investment into the school buildings, it is even more satisfying to see the rewards of so much hard work translated into outstanding grades and such promising futures. A big congratulations to all of our students who continue to impress me with their dedication and successes.”
Amanda Gibbins, Head of School, added: “I must congratulate all the staff at Smithdon, who responded so positively to the changes and worked extremely hard to make sure that no student was disadvantaged.”
A great result at Marshland High (Pic Paul Tibbs)
High achievers included Aiden Falkus whose results included four 9s, four 8s, and one 7, and Olivia Marshall whose results included four 9s, two 8s and three 7s.
Sixteen-year-old Aiden, who is now going to Springwood in King’s Lynn to study A-Levels, said: “I am really happy with my results. The last year has been really hard due to the COVID-19 pandemic but I have been so grateful for all the support my teachers have given me over the years at Marshland”
Olivia, who will be studying geography, English literature & psychology at A-level at Spalding Grammar School, added: “It was definitely difficult having to learn GCSE topics at home instead of the usual in-person teaching, but through perseverance and diligence that the school encouraged I was able to work through it and overcome the challenge to my best ability.”
Head Teacher, Craig Jansen, expressed delight at the achievement of Marshland students after two “very challenging” years for all students, parents, carers and staff.
“Students at Marshland High School have been faced with an unprecedented experience, studying through two years of a global pandemic. They have adapted to the challenges they have faced with great resilience and achieved highly as a result of their efforts and the dedication of Marshland staff.
“These impressive results are not only attributed to the efforts of our students but also due to the excellent care and support were given by Marshland High School staff.”
Executive Head Teacher Andy Johnson and students from Springwood High School (Pic Ian Burt)
High-performing students included Anoushka Chandrasekar and Merissa Lawrence who both achieved 11 grade 9s while Karishhma Srikantha picked up 10 grades 9s and one grade 8, and Fatima Massawi obtained nine grade 9s and two grade 8s as well as Alisha Gail Bedeser who was celebrating nine grade 9s, one Distinction, and one grade 8.
Anoushka said: “I was nervous coming here this morning because there were two subjects that I was unsure about but now I’ve seen my results – I’m surprised but so happy. It’s just an amazing feeling – a reward for the hard work I put in over the past two years.”
Merissa added: “It was hard for us when we were off school but thanks to the support from our teachers, we’ve got through it and right now we are all feeling so good – like our hard work has really paid off.”
Executive Headteacher Andy Johnson said: “This has been an unprecedented two years for these students and today’s results reflect the hard work by our students and the professionalism of our staff.
“The students have been through a rigorous internal assessment process to achieve the grades awarded. This has been an incredibly able year group and, as a school, we are immensely proud of all our students, who now have the opportunity to continue their first choice of post-16 future that we have prepared them for.”