Pupils and staff at Malet Lambert in East Hull are celebrating positive GCSE results today, with a 62% pass rate at grades 9-4 in the new combined basics measure for English and maths.
Notably, in English, pupils achieved 78% at the new ‘standard pass’ grade 9-4, with 63% of pupils achieving the new ‘strong pass’ with a 9-5 grade.
Several grade 9s were awarded to pupils in English and maths, an excellent achievement considering education officials have reported that only 3% of pupils nationally in maths and 2% of pupils in English are likely to achieve this.
There were other excellent subject performances across the board, including physical education, art, textiles, music, performing arts, engineering & creative iMedia.
Head of Malet Lambert, Mr Sprakes, is delighted with their achievements.
He said; "I am extremely proud of the achievements of our pupils this year.
"As a cohort, their starting points were significantly lower than the national average, so to look at the amazing achievements today, shows how much progress they have made as a result of their hard work.
"Rarely have I seen such a hard working year group. The staff have worked exceptionally hard once again this year; their dedication to the pupils has been immense."
Mia Weymes, 16, hit the top mark twice with grade 9 in both English literature and English language.
She said, "I’m so pleased with these results, especially with the 9s. I also did well in science, geography and RE.
"I’m heading to Wyke College in September to study drama, English literature, English language and an extended project qualification, which I’ll focus on drama.
"I revised a lot! Eight hours a day, plus coming in early and staying late at school.
"My teachers have been really helpful - if I needed any extra help, they were right on hand."
Former Head Girl Ellie Holmes, 16, also scored the top grade of 9 for her English language exam.
She said, "I’ve done an unbelievable amount of revision over the last few months but it’s been worth it.
"If there is any advice I could give to someone about to start their GCSEs, it’s to revise as much as you can.
"I hope to be a police officer in the future, but right now I’m going to study German, psychology, biology and English literature at Wyke.
"I also got a Distinction* in Drama, and I’ll be carrying on with that at Hull Truck Youth Theatre group."
Another pupil who achieved excellent results was Victoria Byelova, 16, who scored 9, 8, A* and A grades across the board.
She commented, "The grade 9 in English language is unexpected. I’d hoped for it, but I wasn’t sure I’d achieve it.
"I revised as much as I could, but I didn’t want to push myself too hard, so I’ve kept a good balance which has paid off.
"My aim is to enter a career in astrophysics in the future so I’m going to study chemistry, physics, maths and philosophy at Wilberforce College in September."