Students at The Urswick School have made huge progress in their maths and English GCSE exams in the year in which both subjects are graded differently.
Just over half of students picking up their results this morning achieved grade 4 in the core disciplines, the equivalent of a C, which is a nine per cent increase on last year.
This year English and maths have been graded between one and nine, with nine being the highest. Other subjects will use the same numerical grading system over the coming years.
Headteacher Richard Brownsaid: “I am delighted. Our results are up on last year, yet in many ways this is a completely different exam just with the same name.
“The papers are more difficult and in some subjects there was real uncertainty amongst teachers and students as to what the exams would look like.
“Urswick students have overcome these obstacles and achieved success. This is a tribute to their hard work and dedication and the skill and professionalism of our teachers.
“This is my 10th year of GCSE results at the school. We have made so much progress at Urswick in that time and I am delighted for everybody.”
One of the highest performing students was Begum Karakus, who achieved 11 GCSEs either at A* to B, with grade 9s in English and English literature and grade 8 in maths.
The 16-year-old said: “I never thought I’d get a 9 in English literature. I’m overwhelmed with my results and looking forward to starting my studies to become a doctor.”
Former headgirl Melissa Hussain, 16, achieved 11 GCSEs, including A*s in RE, additional science, computing and history with grade 8s in maths and English literature. She said: “I’m so surprised at my results but relieved that my hard work has paid off and I’m so thankful for to the teachers here at The Urswick that have helped me achieve my wonderful results.”
Kacper Filar already the school’s chess champion, netted an A* in history and computing and a grade 8 in maths.
The 16-year-old, who arrived in the country from Poland at the age of nine, said: “I really wasn’t expecting to have done so well. The teachers here have really helped me over the last 5 years and I’m very grateful for all they have done.
“I’m not sure what career I will go into, but being able to speak English, Polish and French, that will be something I continue with.”
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