Celebrating GCSE results day in Swindon

Many pupils celebrated top grades in schools throughout Swindon, with many choosing to continue their education in sixth form or college, while others have chosen to begin an apprenticeship or head straight into the world of employment instead.

Councillor Adorabelle Amaral Shaikh, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, and Annette Perrington, Director of Inclusion and Achievement, visited St. Joseph's Catholic College on Ocotal Way to meet students collecting their GCSE results this morning.

The school reported that students had excelled this year, achieving its best ever GCSE results overall, with a provisional Progress 8 score of 0.3. Significant improvements were made in all subjects and at all levels, with 33 per cent of all grades 9 to 7, and with 69 per cent of students achieving a grade 4 or higher in both English and Maths.

Councillor Adorabelle Amaral Shaikh, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “I’d like to say a huge well done to all students who took GCSE and other exams this year, I hope their hard work is reflected in the results. There are many options open as they transition into post-16 education and training, but there is plenty of support available for anyone having to rethink their next steps.

“Every single student should be proud of their achievements, as should all the Swindon schools, teachers, parents and carers who have helped students fulfil their potential.”

Annette Perrington, Swindon Borough Council’s Director of Inclusion and Achievement, said: “GCSE results day is a milestone in young people’s lives so I would like to thank students for all their hard work and congratulate them on their results.

“Swindon has a great range of sixth forms and colleges for students to choose from, so I wish all students well with their next steps for their future and hope that they go on to achieve their goals.

“If students do not achieve the results they were hoping for, there is plenty of help and support available to help them get to find the right path for them. Students can speak to their schools as staff will be able to discuss the various options available to them.”

Jerry Giles, Principal at St. Joseph’s Catholic College, said: “We're so proud of all our students. They have achieved by far and away the most successful GCSE results the school has seen. This is a fantastic achievement and we always take particular pride in the progress made by each and every student – our progress eight score has leapt up to 0.3. This is the best ever for St Joseph’s, putting us in the top 30 per cent of all secondary schools nationally, including grammar schools.

“As always, the individual successes seen today make us all proud to be part of the St Joseph’s community, with these fantastic results reflecting all the hard work by students, teachers, and parents. “We wish each and every student every success in the future.”