There have been tears of joy and laughter across Knowsley as thousands of teenagers received their GCSE results today.
Students right across the borough have been praised for their ongoing hard work and determination, especially after the difficult last few years. But despite the challenges, Knowsley council confirmed that majority of Knowsley schools recorded better results this year than in 2019 which was a real "testament".
The number of Knowsley pupils gaining a Grade 4 and above in both English and Maths has increased and all schools have seen improvements in the percentage of students achieving a strong pass in both English and Maths (Grade 5 and above).
READ MORE: Students celebrate across Liverpool after GCSE success
Cllr Margaret Harvey, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said: “I’ve always known our young people were incredibly resilient, but the past couple of years have proven that beyond all doubt.
“These young people have experienced an unprecedented disruption to their lives and their learning and yet we are still seeing so many success stories. That’s very much thanks to their hard work and dedication and the support of their teachers and families. Everyone should be really proud of themselves today. I wish you all the very best of luck with your next steps.
“And whilst comparisons to previous years are really difficult at the moment given everything that’s happened, it’s really encouraging to see that the number of pupils gaining good passes is increasing across the board.”
Halewood Academy
Whilst the challenges of recent years made preparation for exams difficult, students at Halewood Academy have been rewarded with a thoroughly deserved set of GCSE grades, with many outstanding individual achievements.
Top achievers who were rewarded with excellent grades included, Harrison Zysiak-Tobin, Callum Klausen-Jones, Archie Coulthard, Holly Perrins; Phoebe Tasker and Isabella Heffron.
Harrison Zysiak-Tobin was the top performer with nine GCSEs with six Grade 9s in Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History and Geography, two 8s and a level 2 distinction. Harrison intends to continue his studies at Carmel College.
Callum Klausen-Jones achieved extremely well in his suite of subjects, receiving Grade 9s in Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography and Computer Science. Callum is now planning to continue his studies at Carmel College and plans to study a challenging combination of A Levels.
Holly Perrins achieved another excellent set of results, achieving three grade 9s in English Literature, Physics and History. In addition, she received three grade 8s, one 7 and a 6. Holly will continue her studies at Cronton College.
The new Principal, Ian Critchley said: "I am looking forward to building on these results so students at Halewood Academy achieve exceptionally well. These results follow a successful year for the school with another ‘Good’ judgement from OfSTED.
"I look forward to hearing of the continued success of the class of 2022; I wish them well for their next steps. Our whole school community are very proud of the achievements of the Class of 2022 and wish them the very best in all future ventures.
Lord Derby Academy
Headteacher Victoria Gowan said pupils have "truly risen to the additional challenges they have faced during the global pandemic" as she adds pupils should be "proud of what they have achieved and give themselves the credit they deserve."
There was much anticipation as students gathered at 10am for their results. Emily Shoroluwe was "made up" with her grades, to the point she "cried" upon opening her envelope". Her impressive results included a range of grades including an 8 for History and 6 for English.
Ben Rooney who wishes to travel abroad after college for an acting career, said: "I was absolutely made up, I can't put into words, all the hard work I've been doing has paid off. There's always light at the end of the tunnel. I've been through hell and back the last few years. With the lockdowns, we've all been blocked mentally, it's affected us all but it's great to have that relief over and go to my ideal college Carmel."
Ben's results included a range of grade 6's and 5 and a grade 7 for history. He added that he "surprised himself".
Blossom Greavey, 16, said her favourite subject was sports and she cannot wait to study a sport leadership course at St Helens College. During her time at high school she is most proud of making friends with everyone.
Saint Edmund Arrowsmith
Pupils and staff from Saint Edmund Arrowsmith are celebrating some "excellent achievements" today with students who have "faced more prolonged disruption to their education than any previous cohort". Headteacher Mr Peachey said: "I would like to congratulate pupils for their dedication, effort and attitude during the time that they have spent with us at Saint Edmund Arrowsmith (SEACA).
"GCSEs are more challenging than ever before and there are so many pressures on young people today. With this in mind, it is so pleasing to see hard work, resilience and perseverance rewarded. We are immensely proud of all of our pupils today as we celebrate some fantastic individual success stories."
He added: "You are all exceptional, inspiring, and talented young people who have lived our vales of Love, Inspiration, Empowerment and Joy daily and we couldn’t be any prouder of you. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank staff for the unlimited support they continually offer to all our young people to help prepare them for their next steps in life."
Top students included Isabella Cowley who received two grade 9's in Maths and Science and is headed to Carmel College to study biology, chemistry and maths. Patrick Schofield celebrated his grades which included several grade 7s and 8s and is now off to Cronton College to study maths, further maths and computer science.
The Prescot School
There were plenty of happy smiles this morning at The Prescot School as students received their GCSE results today. Over 42% of students achieved a pass in English and Maths, an increase of a third on the same results in 2019, the last time formal exams were taken.
The number of students securing a 5+ in both subjects also notably increased. The highest achiever at The Prescot School today was Frederico Bertamini who passed all subjects at grade 7-9. Frederico said he was hoping to have done well but was: "Very happy and proud of himself with these results."
Student Ben Taylor, was delighted to achieve 8s and 7s, including 8s in Chemistry, Biology and German. Ben said he was: "Shocked but so happy."
Grace Turner, who passed 8 GCSEs, including several 8s and 7s, described herself as: "Shocked, ecstatic, and speechless" with her results. Grace’s Mum was on hand to open the results and said: "It’s not often we find Grace silent, to say these are good results is an understatement."
Headteacher Gina Cousineau added: "It has been fantastic to see so many excellent results this morning. This is a year group that have worked extremely hard and overcome many obstacles throughout their GCSE studies.
"As a school, it is heartening to see the progress that we are making. These results really round off an excellent year, and we look forward to continuing on this trajectory."
David Donnelly, CEO at The Heath Family (NW) MAT, added his congratulations to all the students and staff at The Prescot School: "Well done to all for these fantastic results. This cohort of students have demonstrated true resilience and dedication to their work, which is happily reflected in their progression. I wish them every success in their next steps."
'Fantastic achievements'
Knowsley Council confirmed the borough’s top performing school this year was All Saints Catholic High School in Kirkby, where provisional results show that performance was up across the board. They were also the borough’s most improved school, compared with 2019.
This year’s cohort of students were the first to return to ‘normal’ exams following two years of teacher assessed grades during the pandemic. But like pupils across the country, they’ve had to endure a very disrupted couple of years whilst studying towards their GCSEs and other qualifications, with a mixture of in-person and virtual learning during lockdowns.
There were also fantastic achievements by pupils at Alt Bridge – an outstanding specialist provision. Here, more pupils than ever were entered for GCSE Maths and English this year. The majority of these entrants (98%) achieved a grade at GCSE and every student achieved a qualification.
What next for Knowsley pupils?
Students will now be finalising their choices for next year, with the majority expected to go on to study Level 2 or 3 qualifications in Colleges, Sixth Forms and other further education establishments. At present, further education in Knowsley is available at:
- Knowsley Community College offering a range of Level 1 to 3 vocational courses and apprenticeships as well as supported learning for Special Educational Needs and / or Disabilities (SEND) students and GCSEs English, Maths and Science
- All Saints Catholic High School Sixth Form offering a range of Level 3 vocational courses in Business, Health and Social care, Uniformed Public Services and Sport alongside A Level Art, Graphics and Textiles
- Bluebell Park – post 16 provision for young people with complex needs including independent living skills alongside creative, sports, horticulture and core curriculum
- Alt Bridge School – post-16 provision for young people with Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs) with qualifications in life and living skills, employability and Duke of Edinburgh as well as continuing with English and Maths GCSEs and functional skills
- Flourish Further Education – 19 to 25 provision for young people with very high and complex needs providing an individualised sensory curriculum and life skills
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