GCSEs are now graded on a new ‘reformed’ scale of 9 to 1, with 9 the highest grade (rather than A* to G for the ‘unreformed’ GCSEs), to distinguish clearly between the reformed and unreformed qualifications. The government and Department for Education (DfE) specified that the new GCSE syllabuses will include more challenging and knowledge-based content, with exams only at the end of the course. English and maths were graded 9 to 1 in 2017, with most other subjects reformed in 2018 and the remainder following in 2019. During this transition, students will receive a mixture of letter and number grades. (See fact sheets below for further details on GCSE reforms.)

This summer 76% of students secured passes in both English and maths and one in five secured both subjects with a grade 7 (previously grade A) or better. Once again, the performances in English Language and Literature were particularly strong with close to 90% of students attaining a 'pass' grade 4 or better and 40% a grade 7 or better.

24 students attained an impressive batch of eight or more subject grades at the highest grades of 9 to 7 (A/A*) and over half of our students secured at least one of the top grades 9, 8 or A* amongst their results, many coming from subjects in the Arts, Humanities and Technology faculties.

Head of Year 11, Miss Berril, said. “I am so proud of the achievements of the students, they have faced an anxious wait for results after taking a series of new and challenging GCSEs. Their hard work in lessons and with revision has clearly paid off.”

Deputy Head, Mr Tuton, added, “The students and our staff have risen to the increased demands of the 2018 GCSEs and I am extremely impressed with the progress the students have made.”

 A Level and BTEC Results

Another set of excellent A Level results has helped our students leave Highlands with the qualifications needed to progress to university, work or apprenticeship.

This year half of grades achieved across the A Level and BTEC courses were graded A*/A or Distinction*/ Distinction.

80% of the year group are moving on to university including places at London (Imperial, UCL, Queen Mary and King's) Bristol, Manchester, Sheffield and Loughborough. Courses being studied include Acting (at the Central School of Speech and Drama), Dentistry, Engineering, Film Production, Pharmacy and Japanese.

Several students have secured apprenticeships in local or international companies including placements in finance and media.

Director of Sixth Form, Miss Husseyin, said, “Congratulations to the students. We are pleased that another set of strong results reflect the motivation and commitment of our staff, students, and parents. I wish them well as they begin the next stage of their education or employment.”