LIVE: GCSE Results Day On The Isle Of Wight

Students across the Isle of Wight get their GCSE results today (Thursday), after sitting exams for the first time since the pandemic.

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Grades are expected to follow a similar pattern to last-week's A-levels, with marks dropping below the last two years - but above those from 2019.

Schools returned to timed exams this year, instead of teacher assessments used in 2020 and 2021.

An education expert has predicted that there could be around 230,000 fewer top grades compared to last year, but more than 2019.

We'll be hearing from the Island's schools throughout the day.

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Well Done To Isle of Wight GCSE Students - Isle of Wight Council

As the collective class of 2022 gets set to receive the results of their GCSEs and other level 2 qualifications, Councillor Debbie Andre, Cabinet Member for Education, is sending all students her congratulations in anticipation of their achievements.

Councillor Andre said: 

“While this year has seen a return to classroom based, face-to-face learning, I’m acutely aware that Island pupils have had to cope with learning in challenging circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"However, a return to sitting formal GCSE exams is an important milestone for education in the pandemic recovery. Whatever their results, I wish to congratulate our Year 11 and post-16 students and commend them for working so hard ahead of sitting these exams, after what has undoubtedly been a disruptive period in their learning.”

The Isle of Wight Council expects to have the full picture of GCSE and other level 2 qualification outcomes in October, when the data is first released by the Department for Education.

For the past two years, public examinations were cancelled due to the pandemic and pupils were therefore awarded results based on teacher assessments.

Councillor Andre added:

“It is important to understand that it is not possible, and would be wrong therefore, to make any direct comparisons with the results in previous years, in particular the last two years, as these have been based on an entirely different style of assessment.

"Our headteachers, class teachers and school support staff are to be praised for working so tirelessly to ensure our children and young people continue to benefit from a high-quality education under these challenging circumstances.

"Our thanks must also go to the school governors and parents for all they do to support our young people and help them to achieve.”

Any young person who needs help or advice about their next options, having received their results, can speak to their school’s careers advisor or contact Island Futures, the council’s career service.

All contact details for Island Futures can be accessed through the Island Futures website, and this also contains a wealth of information and links to websites such as Flying Starts, which is an additional resource to support young people across the Isle of Wight transitioning from Year 11 to the next stage of their adventure. Island Futures - Service Details (iow.gov.uk)

There is also an extensive range of careers information available online via the council’s Youth Tube site at www.iow.gov.uk/youthtube Information on apprenticeships available in each area can be found on the council’s site or at via www.apprenticeships.gov.uk

Students who may be feeling uncertain, anxious or stressed about the future as they move on to college, employment or training can seek support from Young Minds who will help to encourage them to look after their mental health and identify when to ask for help.

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Cowes Enterprise College Celebrates Excellent GCSE Results

Students at Cowes Enterprise College are celebrating today after receiving their GCSE results, as they get ready to take their next steps in their educational journey.

Staff and students have come together to mark the achievements of all the students, who have worked exceptionally hard through incredibly challenging circumstances, to secure these grades.

Alongside the continued success of the academy, which is sponsored by Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), some particular individual highlights include:

• Ella Brown successfully achieved nine Grade 9s

• Freya Thomas successfully achieved seven Grade 9s, one Grade 8 and one Grade 7

• Trinity Holbrook successfully achieved four Grade 9s and five Grade 8s

• Sky Savill successfully achieved three Grade 9s, four Grade 8s and two Grade 7s

• Jack Jenner successfully achieved four Grade 9s, two Grade 8s, one Grade 7, one Grade 6 and one Grade 5

• Joe Cobden successfully achieved two Grade 9s, five Grade 8s, one Grade 7 and a Merit

• Alfie Green successfully achieved six Grade 8s and three Grade 7s

 Rachel Kitley, Principal at Cowes Enterprise College, said:

 “Our students have done exceptionally well, and I know I speak for all staff and their friends and families when I say how proud of them we all are. As they continue on their education journeys, I’m excited to see what the future holds for each of them.”

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CHRIST THE KING COLLEGE CELEBRATES EXCEPTIONAL GCSE RESULTS

Many students were celebrating today as they received their GCSE results at Christ the King College.

Headteacher, Mr. McDermott, said:

“These GCSE results are a testimony to the hard work and resilience of a wonderful group of students who worked enthusiastically right through to the final exam.

"They also demonstrate how the College is on a journey of continuous improvement in spite of COVID and the challenges the past two years have brought."

The school said:

"Overall, students made very good progress and there were some exceptional performances from individual students.

"Peter Abbott, got a 9 and 8 in science, 9 in geography, 9 in maths, 6 in RE, 7 in French, 8 in English language, 6 in English literature and 8 in computer science. He will be studying sociology, English language and geography A-level.

"Phoebe Barry was very happy with her GCSE results - 9s in geography, English language, English literature, maths, RE and history, 8 and 7 in combined science, 7 in art and design, 6 in maths. She will start her A-levels at Christ the King College, in history, classics and English literature.

"Edward Joynes achieved 9s in computer science, business, geography, maths, and English. He will be attending Christ the King College Sixth Form, to study computer science, maths and economics.

"Christ the King College continues to provide a huge offer of GCSE and BTEC subjects with outstanding results across the full range of subjects. We have seen really good results and student progress across a range of subjects including Fine Art, Graphics and Media as well as Business Studies, Dance and Computer Science.

"We are also incredibly proud of further results in Geography, English and the separate Sciences.

"Like all secondary schools, Christ the King’s results come amidst delays to the awarding of some BTECs, which is disappointing for a small number of students and we hope that this matter will be resolved quickly and we are confident that these will also be strong results."

Mr McDermott added:

“I would like to thank senior staff in the school and our Exams Officer, who have managed changes in arrangements with great professionalism.

"My hope for our students and their families is that they can step away from the media noise of this exam season, and that they can appreciate that the results they have achieved are a demonstration of the potential success ahead for each of them.

"Staff at Christ the King are grateful that we have had the gift of working with our students during their GCSE journey. We look forward to welcoming most of our students back in September to continue their studies with us. Christ the King is a community where there are no barriers to students fulfilling their potential.”

Ryde Academy Celebrates Students' Achievements

Staff and students from Ryde Academy, are celebrating the school's best ever set of GCSE results.

To support the Year 11 students, staff at Ryde Academy, which is part of AET – a national network of schools -  laid on additional interventions and bespoke support for the students including extended school day, holiday revision sessions, masterclasses and specialist support events. 

Isaac Wynn and Lewis Blackwell

All these efforts paid off, with students securing some brilliant results, including:

• Pip Johnson - 2 9s, 4 8s, 4 7s - Ryde Academy 6th Form

• Benson Hardy - 3 9s, 1 8, and 4 7s  Ryde Academy 6th Form

Benson Hardy

• William Elliot - 2 grade 9s and 6 grade 7s  - Ryde Academy 6th Form

• Carla Harrison - 1 grade 9, 5 grade 8s, and 3 grade 7s - Ryde Academy 6th Form

(L) Carla Harrison and (R) Rebecca Aspden

• Hannah Howard - 2 grade 9s, 5 grade 8s. and 2 grade 7s  - 6th Form

• Molly Mackie - 1 grade 9, 5 grade 8, 2 grade 7s. - Ryde Academy 6th Form

• Rosie Johnson - 2 grade 8s and 2 grade 6s,- 6th Form

Joy Ballard, Principal of the Academy, said:  

"Our students should be so very proud of themselves.

"Not only have they demonstrated great potential in terms of their academic capabilities but shown huge resilience, giving incredible support to one another through all of the challenges they have faced.

Joy Ballard

"The Academy has such a warm family ethos to it that combined with the incredible support given to the students by the staff, and of course their parents, this has enabled them to do so well.

"A massive congratulations to them all."

Priory School Celebrates 100% Pass Rate

This is the first year since 2019 that externally assessed GCSEs have been held, and it has been a year of signal success for Priory students and tutors.   

125 GCSEs taken over 18 subjects by 16 students.

91% of ALL GCSEs at grade 9-4 or A*-C.

100% grade 9-4 or A*-C in following 15 subjects:

• English Language          

• English Literature

• Biology       )                 

• Chemistry   )   Triple Science

• Physics       )

• Combined Science

• Computer Science

• History

• French

• Spanish

• German

• Drama

• Film Studies         

• Art & Design

• Photography

Particular mention to exceptional individual performances:

• Elizabeth Senior — 10 GCSEs all grade 9-7 or A*-A
• Ruby Elliott — 10 GCSEs all grade 9-5 with 7 grade 9-7 or A*-A
• Reena Syeda — 9 GCSEs all grade 9-5 with 7 grade 9-7 or A*-A

Principal, Mr E Matyjaszek, said:

“We are absolutely delighted that in this first year since 2019 of externally assessed exams – a full and proper exam system – and with this year’s candidates having had to negotiate two years of lock down and seriously interrupted education, we have seen Priory’s results equal if not better 2019 and earlier. 

"A signal achievement for both the students and for their Tutors who have supported them throughout the last three years.”

The Bay CE School, Sandown "So Proud" Of Pupils

Sandown's the Bay CE School has said this cohort of young people have risen to the extraordinary challenges posed by the pandemic during their examination years.

Despite these unprecedented times, students have demonstrated an incredible work ethic, displaying high levels of maturity and resilience during their studies; qualities that will stand them in good stead for their future studies and lives.

A school spokesperson said:

"We are all so pleased that their results reflect the hard work that they put in.

"We would like to congratulate all of our students at The Bay who have worked extremely hard throughout the course of their time with us and especially over the past unprecedented 2 years. We would also like to thank the dedication and commitment of our Year 11 parents and  all staff who have worked tirelessly to support both individuals and the whole of Year 11, ensuring the best life chances for our students."

A special mention goes out to the following students:

Edan Coe 

Nicodem Bieganek 

Grace King

Finley Youle

Maisie Pettifer

Lucy Evans

Medina College Praises "Resilience, Dedication And Commitment" Of Pupils

Governors, staff and students have been celebrating at Medina College today as students received a fantastic set of GCSE results across all subject areas.

Despite the challenges presented over the last few years, students have demonstrated their resilience, dedication and commitment to their studies.

Governors would like to pay tribute to the hard work and determination of teaching and support staff who have provided outstanding support to students. The majority of students are remaining within the Isle of Wight Education Federation community, by moving on to take A Level and vocational Level 3 courses at The Island VI Form.

However, students are also progressing into a range of apprenticeships and other further education studies both on and off the Island.

Matthew Parr-Burman, Executive Headteacher for the Isle of Wight Education Federation and Head of School for Medina College, said:

“The students at Medina College approached their exams with maturity and determination this year. The skills and qualities they have
needed to master and demonstrate over the last couple of years, stands them in very good stead for the future.”

“I am extremely proud of our school and would like to thank the staff and parents for their support. I wish each and every student all the best for the future.”

If any student across the Island is still undecided about their next step, The Island VI Form is operating a drop-in session on Friday August 26, between 9.30am and 2.00pm.

Pop in to find out more about the unique and dedicated post-16 campus and the widest range of Level 3 courses on the Island.

Alternatively, you can email [email protected] for more information.

Carisbrooke College Celebrates "Amazing" Results

Carisbrooke College students and staff are celebrating what they've described as "an amazing set of GCSE results" after a few challenging years in education.

Students have shown determination, strength and resilience to arrive at their results this year.

Staff say their hard work has paid off, with students receiving impressive results which will set them up for ongoing future success.

The Governors and staff are very proud that the majority of students are remaining within the Isle of Wight Education Federation community, by moving on to take A Level and vocational Level 3 courses at The Island VI Form.

However, students are also progressing into a range of apprenticeships and other further education studies both on and off the Island.

Head of School at Carisbrooke College, Karen Begley, said:

“I am immensely proud of each and every one of our year 11 students. They remained motivated throughout the year and worked really hard to make sure that they achieved their full potential.

"My sincere thanks go to staff and parents alike who have supported our students to ensure their success. I wish all of the students the very best as they take the next step in their journey.”

If any student across the Island is still undecided about their next step, The Island VI Form is operating a drop-in session on Friday August 29 between 9.30am and 2.00pm.

Pop in to find out more about the unique and dedicated post-16 campus and the widest range of Level 3 courses on the Island. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] for more information.

"Best Results Ever" At Ryde School 

Ryde School pupils are celebrating their GCSE results today with 26.6% of all grades at 9 or 8 (the equivalent to the old A*), which represents the best results in the School’s history at this top level of grade.

An impressive 43.4% of grades achieved were at 9 to 7 with 91% of grades at 9 to 4.

Pupils are therefore justifiably celebrating these results after two challenging years of hard work. There are also some fantastic individual achievements to note.

All of Charlotte Andrews’ ten GCSEs were at grade 9 - a perfect score.

Hugh Wilson achieved nine GCSEs at grade 9 with one subject at grade 7.

Max Davison, Sophia Dutton, Noah Evans, Tess Leyland attained grades 9 or 8 in all their subjects.

Over a third of pupils achieved five or more GCSEs at grade 7 or higher and 61.6% of pupils achieved five or more GCSEs at grade 6 or higher.

Head Master, Will Turner, said:

“The pupils collecting their exams today do so at the end of two very challenging years that have been disrupted significantly by the pandemic. These excellent results are therefore a real credit to them, their ambition and their resilience.

"It is also important to take this opportunity to acknowledge the teaching staff at the School who have taught the pupils so well despite the disruptions of the pandemic.

"Following on from the impressive A Level and IB results, these GCSE grades reflect the strong academic legacy my predecessor Mark Waldron leaves after his nine years as Head Master.”