GCSE results day: Eastbourne College achieves ‘strong’ results

Pupils at the Old Wish Road school received their results today (Thursday, August 20).

A school spokesperson said this year’s set of results reflect a combination of hard work from pupils, parental support, year-on-year improvements in teaching and learning strategies, and the integrity of grading.

Headmaster Tom Lawson said, “Year 11 pupils have worked their socks off under challenging, changing conditions, to achieve a set of results of which their parents and teachers can feel proud.

“Our continued exam success demonstrates that the targeted investments in teaching and learning we have made in recent years are paying dividends.

“Exam grades have risen across the board in line with expectations: a testament to an educational community dedicated to the pursuit of excellence.

“Amid all the hype and confusion surrounding this year’s exam season, pupils should be congratulated for the excellent outcomes they have to show for their diligent work.

“Our healthy, balanced approach leads to pupils fulfilling their academic potential while developing body and mind through community service, creativity, sport, and teamwork.”

Results Breakdown

The school said over one in five (22 per cent) grades awarded to pupils this year were at the highest grade available, grade 9.

Over 40 per cent of grades achieved were a 9 or 8 (equivalent to A*), according to the school.

Top grades, the school said, accounted for the vast majority of grades awarded, with almost two thirds of all results being a 7, 8 or 9 (equivalent to A-A*).

Over a quarter of all pupils taking GCSEs achieved ten or more grades at 7, 8 or 9, and 13 pupils received 10 or more grades at 8 or 9. Almost 70 per cent of pupils were awarded five or more grades at 7-9.

This year, the school said, the boys and girls did very well but it was the girls who stole the show: almost one in every three grades awarded to the girls was grade 9; over half of grades awarded to girls were 8 or 9 (A* equivalent); almost three quarters of grades awarded to girls were 7, 8 or 9 (A* or A equivalent); 90 per cent of grades awarded to the girls were 9-6 (A*, A or B equivalent).

The school said it also achieved close to a 100 per cent pass rate with 99.8 per cent of grades awarded 9-4.

Top performers included locals: Liv Reeves, with 12 9 grades, Sapphyre Mills Kennelly, with 11 9s, and Izzy Skarbek with ten 9s.

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