Celebrating Success
Here at St Margaret's, just like up and down the country, Year 11 are receiving their GCSE and BTEC results today. Nationally, the results are lower than last year's – not because this year's cohort have done less well, but because the powers that be have 'pegged' this year's results to be half-way in between 2019 (the last year of GCSE exams), and 2021 (when grades were awarded by teachers, and were much higher). Stephen Brierley, Principal here at St Margaret's, feels this is the right decision. He said: "I've been involved in many discussions about what should happen this year, and I support the decision that's been made about the grades. We have to remember this year's Year 11 have had a more disrupted time in school than any other year-group since the Second World War.
"And that makes their achievements today all the more remarkable," he continued. "St Margaret's Year 11 this year have been exemplary – I've lost count of the number of times colleagues and I have remarked on their resilience, their forbearance, and the way they have retained a sunny, compassionate disposition despite everything they've been through. That, to me, is even more of an achievement than the GCSE grades they are rightly celebrating today."
These GCSE grades certainly have been a cause for celebration. At SMA, 79% of students have achieved a standard pass in both English and Maths, up 6% from 2019; and 65% of students have achieved strong passes in at least five subjects, including English and Maths – up from 52% in 2019. "Whichever way you look at these results, there are many, many young people who have achieved very highly this year. We are so proud of them!" said Mr Brierley.
"With so many students doing so well, we're expecting a bumper year for Sixth Form recruitment – especially given the excellent results our Year 13s were celebrating last week," said Mr Lawton, St Margaret's Director of Sixth Form. "But happily, we have plenty of space! I'd urge anyone who's interested in part of our burgeoning success story, to get in touch as soon as possible". The school's telephone number is 0151 427 1825.
Mr Brierley was keen to pay tribute to the staff who had worked so hard throughout the pandemic to ensure our young people achieved so highly. "My deepest thanks to all the teachers and support staff who have helped make these results possible," he said. "But pride of place must go to our students. They have made all of us so proud – a vintage year, in every way!".
