ACROSS Shropshire, students are rejoicing as they finally lay hands on their long-anticipated GCSE results, with grades that have left them beaming with pride.
At the Marches School, the outcome has left headteacher Alison Pearson thrilled.
Alongside praises for students, teachers and parents, Mrs Pearson also acknowledged that the pandemic had significantly impacted these students, leading to increased mental health challenges.
However, despite these hurdles, she was pleased to report that the students have excelled.
She said: "We had every single student take their exams, which is unheard of."
Among the successful students is Lucy Garton, who expressed her delight at her results and her plans to continue her education in the school's Sixth Form.
Lucy acknowledges the challenges faced in the past two years but attributes her success to hard work and perseverance.
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Freya also has an exciting reward awaiting her, as she shared: "Last year my mum promised she'd give me £100 if I get a top grade in French, and I did, so I am going home to that today."
Chloe Beddows celebrated her results with great satisfaction and revealed her plan to continue her education at the school's Sixth Form.
Chloe is now eagerly anticipating a well-deserved reward—a trip to London with her family to enjoy a show.
Meanwhile, at Oswestry School, Head Peter Middleton expressed his pride in this year's results.
He added: “Hard work pays off and we can definitely see that.
“Undoubtedly across all different age groups everyone has been impacted by Covid but they don’t fail to impress us with their resilience.”
The majority of students plan to stay at Oswestry School for the Sixth Form, while other pupils from local schools and international students will join their ranks.
Jools Coadey, a student at Oswestry School, shared her happiness with her grades and her plan to stay on for the Sixth Form.
She intends to study sports science, biology, and chemistry.
She said: “Trying to stay focused and motivated to revise was the hardest part, especially subjects I don’t like.”
Ellesmere College is also basking in the joy of success, with students celebrating an impressive GCSE pass rate of 80 percent.
Outstanding performances were notably seen in students like Shinil Balakrishnan, who secured seven grade 9s and three grade 8s, and Joshua Norris, a local student from Ellesmere, who achieved five grade 9s, three grade 8s, and a grade 6.
James Gannicott, who made the journey from Zug, Switzerland, to study at Ellesmere College, attained one grade 9, seven grade 8s, one grade 7, and a grade 6.
Brendan Wignall, the Headmaster at Ellesmere College, expressed his delight at the students' accomplishments, commending their positive approach to the exams.
Additionally, some younger pupils at Ellesmere College challenged themselves by sitting a GCSE mathematics exam early.
Ellesmere's Lakelands Academy shared in the celebration, congratulating its students on their remarkable achievements.
Headteacher Sophy Bellis praised the "Class of 2023" for their hard work, resilience, and maturity, especially in light of the challenges posed by the pandemic.
High-performing students at Lakelands Academy, including Chloe Lewis, Josh Martin, Tegan Haskell, Morn Williams, Stela Shishkova, Darcey Cullen, and Olivia Sekunda, achieved impressive results across various subjects.
Dewi Owen, headteacher at Llanfyllin High School, praised the remarkable achievements of students in their GCSE and BTEC results, following last week's outstanding A-level outcomes.
He added: “These results not only reflect the excellent effort and attitude of the students but also the hard work and diligence shown by our highly committed staff, supported and encouraged by parents and governors.”
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Councillor Kirstie Hurst-Knight, cabinet member for children and education at Shropshire Council, extended her congratulations to the students.
She said: “This is such an important period for young people as they move on from school to continued education at school or college or as they enter further training and employment.
“We wish all of Shropshire’s pupils every success in the future.”
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