Students across Bedford have been celebrating as they collected their GCSE exam results today (Thursday).
There has been a return to pre-pandemic grading in England this summer, with grading protection in place to recognise the disruption that students have faced.
Exam Regulator Ofqual, says this means allowances have been made where national performance is weaker than before the pandemic.
Dr Jo Saxton, chief regulator, said: "Congratulations to over half a million students collecting GCSE results today. They can be very proud of their achievements, which are testament to their hard work and resilience over the past 2 years. As with A-level results last week, today’s GCSE results have returned to pre-pandemic levels, similar to those in 2019, and – as expected – lower than in 2022. Students have been at the forefront of our thinking at all times, which is why we built in grade protection to recognise the disruption that students have faced in recent years.”
Overall GCSE results are similar to 2019. Outcomes at grade 7 and above are 21.6% compared with 20.6% in 2019, and outcomes at grade 4 and above are 67.8% compared with 67.0% in 2019.
Here’s how Bedford students did:
Following on from last week’s great A-level results, the Year 11s at Biddenham have got results that reflect all their hard work over the past three years. Top performers were Rose Davison, Riyad Miah, Stan Taylor and Fakhir Ali Hussain. Rose achieved three grade 9s, five grade 8s and three grade 7s, with the other three close behind.
Principal David Bailey said: “We are proud of our students’ achievements this year especially as grades have been returned to 2019 levels nationally and they suffered significant disruption to their learning and they’ve still produced fantastic results. Congratulations to them all.”
Other outstanding performers at Biddenham posting top results are Arqam Armour, Saif Kiani, Hannah Hussain, Alisha Namakula, Haleema Sadia, Jonas Valinevicius, and Safa Sikander.
Mr Bailey went on to say that following on from the success of his son last week it was his nephew, Joe Dodson’s, turn to be the next family member to be successful at Biddenham achieving 11 strong GCSE passes. He added: “I’m proud of Joe… Biddenham really is a family school.”
Students and staff at Lincroft Academy were celebrating following the results of this year’s GCSE examinations, with the schools saying the grades “reflect the collective dedication of both students and staff, underscoring the school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who excel both academically and personally.”
Four students - Tomas Gudmonas, Maia Morris, Dylan Dominique, Jayden Nyenya - achieved or exceeded their aspirational target grades in all their subjects across the curriculum.
Principal, Emma Appadoo, praised the effort of students and staff, and the support of parents, carers and families. She said: “These GCSE results reflect our school’s ethos for students to be the best they can be, blending ambition and support.
“From target achievements to top grades, each student’s success embodies individual and collective effort. This success fuels our determination to foster an environment of excellence where potential thrives.
The following students were also singled out for their individual attainment. Ruby-Ann Dutch who achieved eight grade 9 and two grade 8; Maddy Dyer who attained eight grade 9, a grade 8 and a grade 7; Dahamsa Perera who achieved nine grades 7 to 9; Krzysztof Domarus who received nine grades 7 to 9; Elliott Barr who attained nine grades 7 to 9; Theo Reeson who achieved nine grades 7 to 9; Rachel Chen who took home nine grades 7 to 9; Isabel Boddington who attained nine grades 7 to 9; Mitchell Turner who received eight grades 7 to 9 and Chloe Nichols who attained eight grades 7 to 9.
Richard Spencer, executive principal at Meridian Trust, said: “Our students’ achievements in this year’s GCSE results stand as a testament to their diligence and the consistent support of our teaching staff. Through their hard work and commitment, they have demonstrated the values of achievement and excellence that are fundamental to Meridian Trust. As we celebrate this success, we look ahead with excitement to the continued growth and accomplishments of our students.”
Students at Daubeney Academy, part of The Chiltern Learning Trust, are celebrating fantastic GCSE results success.
Some of the students to achieve particular success included Lucy Richards, Camden Martin-Harris, Evelyn Copperwheat, Cameron Barnes, Charlotte Porter and Madeline Shaw.
Chris Carter, headteacher at Daubeney Academy, said: “We are extremely proud of our year 11 pupils and the hard work they have put into their GCSEs. We would like to say a huge thank you to all of the parents and carers of Daubeney Academy for your support over the last seven years. We would also like to thank all of our Daubeney Academy staff for the support and guidance they have given to the pupils. We are pleased to see that the continued improvements happening at the school are being maintained.”
Adrian Rogers, chief executive officer of The Chiltern Learning Trust, said: “Congratulations to the students of Daubeney Academy on their outstanding GCSE results.
Students at Sharnbrook Academy in Bedford are being congratulated today after receiving their hard earned and well-deserved GCSE results.
After a challenging start to their GCSE courses, it was fantastic for them to receive their grades and share their successes with staff over a celebration breakfast, kindly supported by Sainsbury’s Bedford.
Students’ results across the year group were excellent, and some of the stand-out performances include Saachi Joshi who achieved ten grade 9s, Miles Thompson who achieved eight grade 9s, one grade 7 and a distinction, Lauren Drage who achieved six grade 9s, three grade 8s and one grade 7, and Ethan Eremita who achieved five grade 9s, three grade 8s and two grade 7s.
Particular recognition also needs to be made for the following students, who achieved a fantastic set of results given that they only joined us at Sharnbrook from Ukraine towards the end of Year 10: Sofiia Yarema who achieved nine GCSEs at a grade 4 or above, including two grade 9s and Risa White who achieved nine GCSEs at a grade 4 or above, including one grade 9 and one grade 7.
Clare Raku, academy principal at Sharnbrook Academy, part of Meridian Trust, said, “We are incredibly proud of our students and delighted they have achieved the grades needed to move onto the next stage of their education, training or employment. We also look forward to welcoming back many of them to the Sharnbrook Sixth Form in September.”
Richard Spencer, executive principal at Meridian Trust, said: “Congratulations to all of the students securing results today. Huge congratulations to their families who have provided them with so much support over recent years. These results reflect a huge amount of hard work from the staff at Sharnbrook Academy and the students themselves.
“We wish all students the very best in their next steps post-16 and look forward to welcoming many of them back to the Sixth Form in September.”
The school is delighted to be celebrating this year's GCSE results.
Principal Ruth Wilkes said: “We are very proud of our students today as they collect their GCSE results. This group of young people have impressed us with their resilience and enthusiasm for learning in spite of their route to GCSE having been far less than straightforward.
"They were in Year 8 when the pandemic and lockdown struck and so almost their entire secondary education was impacted upon in some way.
“Nevertheless, there have been some stunning results for individuals as well as results which tell a story of determination in overcoming personal challenges.
“The vast majority of our pupils will now be able to access their first-choice post-16 destination and we wish every one of the class of 2023 all the very best on the next stage of their journey.”
Kempston Academy, part of Chiltern Learning Trust, is celebrating its achievements seen today after students received their GCSE results.
Karen Bateman, headteacher, said: “Our students’ GCSE results are a true reflection of their strong work ethic, perseverance and determination. I couldn’t be prouder of their achievements today.
“At Kempston Academy, we encourage our students to be accepting of themselves and foster an environment where they continually expand their knowledge. The set of results today are testament to just that, and we take immense pride in seeing our students grow into resilient young adults.
“Disruption from the pandemic shouldn’t be forgotten, which forced students to study remotely as the UK tussled with the challenges of Covid-19. Despite these hurdles, the outstanding achievements we have seen are reflective of the hard work they have put in over a tumultuous few years.
“A huge thank you is owed to our remarkable staff who have nurtured, supported and consistently challenged our students, ultimately leading to these superb results. We look forward to welcoming many of them on their return to our Sixth Form in September.”
Impressive results were secured across various subjects, with music in particular standing out and averaging at a Merit level.
Twins Amalie and Tamzin Young both achieved highly. Within their results, Amalie received a Distinction in performing arts and a grade 9 in English, whilst Tamzin received a Distinction* in media.
Khojesta Wafa achieved a Distinction in BTEC health and social care, a Distinction* in BTEC hospitality and catering, and a Distinction* in BTEC media, as well as two grade 8s in GCSE English and English literature within their results.
Hadi Alshwij Awda achieved a grade 9 in GCSE Arabic, a Merit in BTEC business and grade 7s in GCSE computer science, English and maths within their results.
Izzanny Zahid achieved a Distinction* in BTEC music, a Distinction in BTEC sports and a grade 8 in GCSE maths within their results.
Eric Grecea achieved three Distinctions across BTEC IT, BTEC media and BTEC sports.
Adrian Rogers, chief executive of Chiltern Learning Trust added: “I am thrilled that Kempston Academy has received such an excellent set of results, particularly as a new school. These results lay a strong foundation for students to access the career paths they choose to pursue.”
Bedford Girls’ School is pleased to announce its excellent GCSE results, with two-thirds of entries achieving grades 9 to 7 (equivalent of A and above) and 21% marked at grade 9. This achievement builds upon a summer of strong outcomes in A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, this cohort embarked on their crucial years of study with determination. They have demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication, culminating in impressive results that underscore their commitment. Moreover, their active involvement in various aspects of life at BGS has been commendable.
Mrs Gemma Gibson, headmistress of Bedford Girls’ School, said: “I am confident you will join me in congratulating this cohort, while also wishing them immense success as they transition to the opportunities presented by their Sixth Form studies.”
“I would like to thank all of their teachers and the wider team at BGS for supporting, guiding and mentoring them through their Sixth Form studies. I have no doubt that this cohort will make a difference to the world around them.”
Bedford Free School pupils achieved outstanding GCSE results today.
These results continue the very high standards achieved in GCSE exams over the last few years at Bedford Free School, which place the school amongst the top performing in the country.
Jane Herron, principal, said: “I am so very proud of the class of 2023 and the results they have achieved. Of particular note were Abi Benny, Lily-Anne Royston-white, Jack Myers and Riece Gibson, who were top attainers achieving 10 grade 9s and 22 grade 8s between them. Jack and Riece were also amongst a group of pupils including Priya Nath, Turrel Gitau and Milena Berisha who made astonishing progress. Well done to all pupils who should be proud of their achievements today and thank you to their teachers and families who have supported them along their journey”.
Bedford School
Bedford School Year 11 boys are celebrating an impressive set of GCSE results with almost half of all grades marked at 9 or 8 (the old A* grade); and an impressive 71% at 9-7 (A*- A), setting a new school record.
Head master James Hodgson said, “We are delighted for this year’s GCSE boys, who have navigated the Covid years through school admirably and achieved some wonderful results at the end of it.”
He added: “I congratulate them all, and the teachers and parents, who have inspired them on their way.”
Despite national declining numbers in the creative arts subjects, the school said it was wonderful to see so many boys excelling in art, music and drama, and combining these subjects with sciences and maths, and considerable sporting opportunities they have throughout school.
Top performers included Eric Breslin, who is currently ranked 20th in the UK for gymnastics in his age group and was delighted with nine grade 9s and one grade 8. Eric was also recognised by the exam board for his high-scoring mark in art, and added a rare note to say, “Eric was one of the highest performers”.
Alexander Olleson achieved eight grade 9s and two grade 8s, Fred Dickson was beaming with seven 9s and three 8s, and Reuben Jacob who was surprised and delighted with nine grade 9s and two grade 8s.
We will update this story as more results come in.
1. Biddenham International School & Sports College
Biddenham International School & Sports College principal David Bailey with nephew Joe Dodson Photo: Biddenham International School
2. Biddenham International School & Sports College
Huwaida Khamis and Harmony Alleyne Photo: Biddenham International School & Sports College
3. Biddenham International School & Sports College
Esther Mogaji Atundaolu and Alisha Namakula with principal David Bailey Photo: Biddenham International School & Sports College
4. Biddenham International School & Sports College
Principal David Bailey and Arqam Amour Photo: Biddenham International School & Sports College