Colchester schools and students celebrate GCSE results

Dozens of schools in the area welcomed students to collect their results which will ultimately help shape their future as they head towards the next chapter of their education.

Colchester Royal Grammar School announced its best ever GCSE results, with a third of students having achieved at least eight grade 9s.

Headmaster John Russell said: "We are very proud of our Year 11 students, they have worked hard and have been supported by a very talented, experienced and dedicated staff.

“Education is not just about results and, although exceptionally successful academically, this cohort have benefitted from a very broad extra-curricular programme and have contributed much to our very positive ethos and work on equalities.”

Student - Frank Porter (Image: Newsquest)

Student Frank Porter achieved, six grade 9s and five grade 8s in his studies.

Luca Farruggio was feeling "apprehensive" but achieved grade 9s in the science subjects he studied and was very happy given he would like to go into medicine in the future.

At Colchester County High School for Girls there was plenty to celebrate as ten students achieved ten grade 9s, six students achieved nine grade 9s, and 12 other students gained eight grade 9s.

Executive Principal Colchester County High School for Girls, Gillian Marshall, was full of praise for students.

She said: “We congratulate all our students on their outstanding GCSE results and join with their families in commending and celebrating their achievements, which represent the culmination of many years of their dedication to their education at CCHSG. 

Impressive students - (left to right) Rebecca Balanescu and Ranita Ariyibu (Image: Newsquest)

“We wholeheartedly thank our dedicated and hardworking staff.  

“We look forward to welcoming the majority of Year 11 back in the Sixth Form in September.

Students Rebecca Balanescu and Ranita Ariyibu, who previously won young engineer of the year, both achieved straight grade 9s.

Lyla Belshaw, student and gold medal athlete, also achieved eight grade 9 results.

The Stanway School also saw a number of students receiving grade 9s, particularly in English, mathematics, French & history.

Executive headteacher Jonathan Bland said: “The Stanway School is delighted to announce very pleasing examination results, reflecting the hard work and dedication of our students and staff.

“We are particularly proud of all the achievements, especially across the core subjects and the arts.

Results day - (left to right) Eoin Foran and Lain Vearer at Stanway School (Image: Seana Hughes)

“We know that this year group was affected by Covid closures early in their secondary school journey, so these achievements are particularly special, showing huge determination and resilience.

“We would like to pass our congratulations on to all our students on their achievements, we wish them every success as they embark on the next chapter of their educational journeys.”

High performers at the school included the likes of Matilda Steel with six grade 9s and four grade 8s, and Nathaniel Oza achieved one grade 9, three grade 8s, and six grade 7s.

Philip Morant School and College, in Rembrandt Way, was another left thrilled for all its pupils' achievements.

Headteacher Stephanie Neill said: "We are very proud of every individual's achievement today. 

“They have worked hard to provide themselves a great foundation for exciting futures ahead. 

“We look forward to welcoming back all those registering with Sigma Sixth today and for those starting new journeys, we look forward to hearing of all they have achieved.”

Thrilled - student Calvin Vu (Image: Phillip Morant School and College)

Peter Kitchen and Calvin Vu were the school’s top performers -with Peter achieving six grade 9s and securing the De Neumann mathematics scholarship at the Royal Hospital School.

Calvin also achieved six grade 9s, losing just one mark in total on his maths GCSE. 

St Helena School, in Sheepen Road, celebrated “strong results across the board”.

Executive headteacher Fiona Pierson said: “We can be secure in the knowledge that this year group are well prepared for the next stage in their education.

Pupils - St Helena School GCSE students Katherine Thompson, Lilly Dennis and Krista Markevica (Image: St Helena School)

“Their results overall reflect that they are successful learners with the character, knowledge, skills, ability to think and imagination that they need to achieve amazing things, well done year 11.”

Emma Keenan achieved two grade 9s, five grade 8s and two distinction*s.

Olivia Sanecka earned three grade 9s, three grade 8s, one grade 7, and one distinction* and one Distinction.

Elsewhere, Thomas Lord Audley School saw some students surpass national expectations.

Simon Essex, the school’s headteacher, said: “I am incredibly proud of the overall improvement in outcomes for our young people again this year. 

Headteacher - Simon Essex (Image: Newsquest)

“I praise the hard work and achievements of the students and I am grateful to our teachers who have worked relentlessly to ensure students are all able to progress onto the next stage of their lives.

“I would like to thank my staff, the students and their families for all that they have done to achieve these outcomes.”

Freya Clout and Jessica Rolls both achieved three grade 9s and Naomi Jonas and Josh Stenning achieved two grade 9s, within their collection of grades.

In addition, Sofia Bellomo achieved more than three grades above what would be expected of her nationally.

Felix Capon, Esme Appleyard, Jeevan Sagoo, Rossie Appleby and Yusuf Erkul all also achieved two grades higher on average than would be expected nationally.