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GCSE joy for our schools

There were smiles galore across the four West Norfolk Academies Trust secondary schools this morning as students collected their GCSE results.

At Springwood, high-performing students included Anoushka Chandrasekar and Merissa Lawrence who both achieved 11 grade 9s, Karishhma Srikantha who picked up 10 grades 9s and one grade 8, and Fatima Massawi who obtained nine grade 9s and two grade 8s as well as Alisha Gail Bedeser who was celebrating nine grade 9s, one Distinction, and one grade 8.

Executive Headteacher Andy Johnson said: “This has been an unprecedented two years for these students and today's results reflect the hard work by our students and the professionalism of our staff. The students have been through a rigorous internal assessment process to achieve the grades awarded. This has been an incredibly able year group and, as a school, we are immensely proud of all our students, who now have the opportunity to continue their first choice of post-16 future that we have prepared them for.”

Chairman of the Governors Roger Livesey added: “Our students, their families and our staff should feel proud of what has been achieved today and congratulated on coping with a unique and difficult set of circumstances. These GCSE students have worked incredibly hard, completed their courses and can look forward to their next step in education as a result."

Smithdon's high achievers included Jack Bolderstone, who attained eight grade 9s and three grade 8s; and Eleanor Paterson who achieved four grade 9s, four grade 8s, one grade 7.

Smithdon has been working hard to raise standards and aspirations in recent years, and today saw more students than ever going on to Springwood Sixth Form to study A Levels as a result of the continued efforts of the students and staff and the excellent progress being made by so many students.

Headteacher John Hirst said: “After receiving the good news at the end of term regarding the government investment into the school buildings, it is even more satisfying to see the rewards of so much hard work translated into outstanding grades and such promising futures. A big congratulations to all of our students who continue to impress me with their dedication and successes.”

Andy Gee, Chair of Governors, added: "I am delighted to see so many students celebrating their achievements and excited for their next step in education.”

Meanwhile high achievers at Marshland included Aiden Falkus whose results included four 9s, four 8s, and one 7, and Olivia Marshall whose results included four 9s, two 8s and three 7s. 

Head Teacher, Craig Jansen, expressed delight at the achievement of Marshland students after two "very challenging" years for all students, parents, carers and staff. 

"Students at Marshland High School have been faced with an unprecedented experience, studying through two years of a global pandemic. They have adapted to the challenges they have faced with great resilience and achieved highly as a result of their efforts and the dedication of Marshland staff. These impressive results are not only attributed to the efforts of our students but also due to the excellent care and support given by Marshland High School staff."

David Saunders, Assistant Head Teacher, said that all Marshland students should be incredibly proud of their achievements and efforts. 

"Knowing that we have strived to lay the foundations of a lifetime of happiness and success, we wish every student the best in their next steps," he said. "All students can now move confidently into their post-16 destinations. We look forward to welcoming back a large number of our students in September as they continue their education at our trust sixth form at Springwood High School."

Chair of Governors, Steve Cozens, added: “Although students did not sit exams this year there was a very rigorous assessment process in place for all Year 11 students so they can be absolutely confident that the grades they have received today wholly reflect their ability and achievements”  

And over St Clement's George Willingham, Gemma Rumsey, Charly Spurge, and Tracy Xue were amongst the school's top achievers.

Headteacher Nigel Willingham said “We are all very proud of our students, they have endured two years of disruption but their hard work and perseverance has been rewarded. Students across the year group are heading for a range of careers, including a high number hoping to study medicine and nursing which seems fitting after their recent experience."

Other top achievers were Matthew Harrison, Millicent Frost, Hermione Hammond, Charli Gibbs, Maddie Ryan, Lucas Hicks and Lucy Whitting.

Chair of Governors Malcolm Wood added: “It is great to see that the hard work of staff and students has resulted in such great achievement.”