Sidcot School GCSE students are Top of the Class
Spirits are running high at Sidcot with students celebrating an impressive range of top grade GCSE results that are significantly above the national average. Sidcot, which is a non-selective school, saw 98% of its students achieving five GCSEs grades A*/9 to C/4 with 84% achieving five GCSEs A*/9 to C/4 including the newly reformed Maths and English. Top grades increased by 4% on last year, with 37% achieving A*/A which is 17% above the national average.
Headmaster Iain Kilpatrick said: “I am extremely pleased with these outstanding results. As a school, we continue to perform significantly above national levels and there has been a pleasing uplift in results in all areas, particularly those students gaining top marks. In a year that has seen considerable changes to GCSE, particularly in English and Mathematics, our cohort of Year 11 students has performed extremely well, with more students gaining A* to A and 18% achieving top grades 8 and 9 in the new assessment framework.”
Sidcot prides itself on providing a broad education for students with opportunities and experiences beyond the confines of the classroom. The outcome of this approach are well-rounded individuals equipped to lead interesting and adventurous lives who naturally, confidently and without unnecessary stress, go on to achieve strong academic results. Mr Kilpatrick continued: “The success of our students is testament to their commitment to study and the support they have received from their teachers and families. However, success in the classroom has not come at the expense of their holistic experience. Sidcot prides itself on being a busy school where students develop skills and talents in a wide range of areas – not least a sense of care and service to others. Those who have recently received their results should be justifiably delighted of what they have achieved, but equally proud of the young people they have become.”
A number of curriculum areas delivered some outstanding grades with Further Maths achieving 89% A*/A and 67% A*/A distinction. The Textiles department achieved 83% A*/A, Photography 50% A*/A, Catering a flawless 100% A*/A (29% A*) and History 37% A*/A. The Sciences also excelled with Chemistry students achieving 41% A*/A, Biology 38% A*/A and Physics 38% A*/A.
A number of standout performances included Lucy Slingsby from Churchill who achieved an amazing array of A grade results gaining four A*s, four As, two 9s and a 7. Lucy will be continuing at Sidcot Sixth Form to study Maths, Biology, Psychology and Textiles.
Freddie Brasher who is a boarder at Sidcot from Plymouth, secured one A*, four As, two Bs, a 9 and two 6s. He is also continuing at Sidcot studying the International Baccalaureate. Freddie aspires to serve a nation of railway commuters and hopes to one day work as a train manager.
The majority of GCSE students from Sidcot will progress into the school’s Sixth Form where students are not only prepared for the challenges of A Levels and the International Baccalaureate, but also have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and to participate in innovative social and creative projects.
