THE headteacher of Ilkley Grammar School, Carly Purnell, has said she is “immensely proud of year 11 IGS students this year” for their outstanding achievements in their GCSEs and other qualifications this summer, following what has been a very challenging academic year.

“All students have achieved in the uniquely challenging circumstances of the past 18 months," she said. "They have worked extremely hard, shown tremendous resilience and have secured an incredible set of GCSE and vocational results. They deserve full recognition and praise for their achievements and should celebrate their success.”

Overall, over 52 per cent of all GCSE entries achieved at IGS were grade 7+, with an impressive 34 per cent of entries at the grade 9-8 top attainment threshold. Four students, Joseph Leach, Harry Shaw, Will Spivey and Jonathan Wood achieved a staggering 10 grade 9s across the board and a further nine students achieved an astounding nine grade 9s/ Distinction*s including: Eddie Allister; Jessica Bragg; Esme Gutch; Erin Johnson; Aidan Lee-Wardell; Leo Lord-Cloke; Hayley Mitchell and Lara Woffindin. A further 7 students secured 8 grade 9s: Thomas Abel; Rosie Anderson; Harry Dhanak; Anna Fazackerley; Aphra Hicks; Daisy Prowse and Alfie Purnell.

Seventy-three per cent of all students achieved at least five ‘strong pass’ grades (at grade 5+), including English and maths, and over 87 per cent achieved at least five ‘standard pass’ grades (at grade 4+), including English and maths. Achievement at these key attainment thresholds will undoubtedly open doors for future success in their chosen further education or training.

The school is also celebrating the success of a large number of students who have made exceptional academic progress since joining IGS. Whilst there are far too many students to list, students include: Freya Nichols; Sophie Grech-Cini; Alice Leggetter; Ben Redman; Eleanor Riley; Madeleina Clark; Callum Edwards; Oliver Hayes; Aminah Aziz; Elise Abbott; Maddie Eccles; Eddie Eccles; George Grant; Hawa Kazi and Libby Gray.

Whilst national headlines appear to be fixated on grade inflation, the circumstances in which young people were assessed this year were very different and results are therefore not directly comparable to those previously based only on public terminal exams. However, students were still assessed on a wide range of evidence, including end of course assessments under controlled conditions using exam board material, and their grades are an accurate reflection of the knowledge, skills and understanding they have demonstrated based on what they have been taught. Teachers’ evidence-based judgements have also been subject to quality assurance processes to ensure that students, families, employers, colleges and universities can have full confidence in the grades awarded.

Mrs Purnell added: “It has been wonderful to be able to celebrate our students’ achievements as they have collected their results this morning. Whilst students nationally did not sit examinations this summer, they have faced an uncertain and ambiguous assessment landscape, have coped with two extended school closures and levels of disruption which are unprecedented, and have spent months unable to socialise normally. They deserve huge credit for how they have responded and for the exceptional results they have achieved which have allowed them to successfully progress onto their next steps, whether sixth form, college or other chosen pathways in education or training.

“I would also like to take the opportunity to again recognise the IGS staff who have continued to work with the highest levels of commitment, professionalism and care to support our students and assess them accurately to ensure this year’s grades and qualifications have integrity and are as credible as any other year. I am also grateful to our parents and carers for their ongoing support, encouragement and for positively working in partnership with the school.

“Whatever our students’ next steps, we would like to heartily wish them the best of luck for a bright future; we are certain that their grit and determination evidenced through this difficult year will stand them in very good stead for future success!”

The school now looks forward to welcoming record numbers of students into Post-16 including over 80 who are joining from other providers.