Garibaldi school proud of pupils GCSE success

This years' year 11 was the smallest in the schools recent history, with only 99 pupils in the year.

Mr Hawley, Head of school said: "Today is about our students, we are all pleased for them. They have worked extremely hard and been supported for caring staff at the school. It is important that we all reflect on the students efforts and celebrate their achievements."

Traditional A* to G grades were replaced with 9 to 1 grades under the new GCSE grading system in England.

A grade 9 – the new top grade – was harder to get than an A.

Pupil Jack Manifold picked up his results today, found out that he has achieved five grade nines, three grade sixes and an A grade.

Jack plans to go to sixth form to study history, physics, maths and computer science.

He said: "I was only as nervous as you are going into any exams. I feel pretty good about my results. I'm not sure what i'll do after A-levels, but university is an option."

Anna Bettey, who achieved three A* grades amongst her results, came to pick them up with mum, Kelly Wilson, and great grandma Olive.

Kelly said: "I'm completely proud of her, she did so well, especially as she started the year coming from a different school with different exams."

Olive added: "We're all very proud."

Anna will go on to study Maths, English and Geography at A-Level.

Wiktoria Malota another stand out performer on the day, achieving eight grade nines and a grade eight.

Wiktoria said “All the hard work has paid off. I was hoping for some good grades and I am thrilled with my results. I really appreciate the teachers’ support”. Wiktoria will now study at the school’s sixth form.

John Lane, Head of the English department said: "The exams have changed, there has been no coursework and it's all exam based. They're more like old-school O-Levels, with no safety net of coursework to fall back on. The pupils have worked really hard and done very well. It's a new generation."