GCSE results day: Derby school celebrates ‘record breaking’ results and praises pupils’ hard work
One student who smashed 10 Grade 9s, has set her sights on Oxford or Cambridge University
A Derby school is celebrating its students’ achievements on GCSE results day (Thursday August 22, 2024), with ‘record breaking’ increases in all key measures.
The Mickleover school has seen improvements in grades 4, 5 and 7 for both English and Maths.
One pupil also smashed top grades by getting 100% in every single paper.
Riddhima Varshney, 16, received 10 Grade 9s and didn’t drop a single mark in any subject. She now intends to go to sixth form to study maths, further maths, economics and history.
She said: “I am hoping to go to university eventually, possibly Oxford or Cambridge. I am incredibly pleased with these results, and I know my mum is too. My dad is out of town at the minute, but I will be celebrating with all the family when he is home.”
Improvements in maths and English
In maths 21% of pupils achieved a grade 7 or above. This is an increase of 5% on last year.
Over half (51%) gained a grade 5 or above, an increase of 10% on 2023.
In English, 17% of students gained a grade 7 or above.
This is an increase of 3% on last year, while 54% achieved a grade 5 or above, an increase of 1% on 2023.
Poppy Smeeton, 16, received nine grade 9s, a grade 8 and a grade 7, while Archie Hand achieved six grade 9s, two grade 8s and two grade 7s.
Poppy said: “I worked really hard – I did lots and lots of studying and was always busy and school was really supportive too.
“I’m going to have a Chinese takeaway to celebrate tonight and then I’m off to Littleover School in September.”
Archie added: “I had a lot of sleepless nights preparing for my exams but I’m so pleased it has all paid off. I’m going to go to Woodlands for A-Levels and then a top university I hope.”
Headteacher, Nicola Caley, was delighted with results and said: “Staff and students have worked tremendously hard this year to gain fantastic results.
“These results have deservingly been achieved, through the partnership and hard work between our students and staff.
“We wish our pupils all the best as they move onto their post-16 destinations.”