Keswick School pupils celebrate GCSE successes

Students at Keswick School are celebrating their GCSE results today.

icki Jackson, chair of Cumbria Association of Secondary Headteachers, said: “Students in all schools across Cumbria must be congratulated on achieving their exam results this year. They have worked tirelessly over the last two difficult years, with determination to fulfil their aspirations.

“Staff who work in schools also need to be congratulated for supporting students in our County. Without the dedication and commitment of teachers and support staff our students would not have been so successful.

“We thank parents and carers for their support for our young people and their schools in what have been unusual times in education since the onset of the Covid pandemic and the subsequent impacts.

Peter Blackburn, the association’s vice-chair, added: “We wish all the students the very best and whether they are remaining in their current school for sixth form or heading off to other providers, we hope that they have all got the grades they need for those next steps.

“Cumbrian schools have worked together and supported each other to ensure that of our young people receive a high quality education. As in previous years schools across Cumbria have agreed not to use the results to make comparisons between schools whose contexts are very different and this gives us an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our children.”

Councillor Sue Sanderson, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for schools and learning, said: “My congratulations go to all students in Cumbria who have received examination results today.

“Results day is always a day of excitement, high emotions and mixed feelings depending upon individual results. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate our young people on all their hard work, after which you can now focus on the future and the opportunities that lie ahead.

“I also want to say thank you to all the headteachers, teachers, parents and carers for their support to our young people over the last few months.”

Keswick School headteacher Simon Jackson said: “I am hugely proud of all our students. They have achieved exceptionally good results which are well deserved and remarkably exceed the grades awarded in 2021 and 2020.

“Many students have achieved top grades and others have achieved terrific success in the face of personal challenges. The excellent outcomes in English, Maths and Science highlight once again the high academic standards Keswick School is recognised for. There has also be outstanding success in all subject areas across the board. This includes some exceptional results in languages with over 91 per cent of students achieving a good grade in either French or German. Indeed, a class of Year 9 and 10 students who sat GCSE Latin achieved 100 per cent grades 7 to 9. That is a truly fantastic achievement for younger students who are only aged 14 and 15 and shows that the classics are very much alive at Keswick School!

“The GCSE grades awarded today reflect the tremendous hard work and dedication of our students. They have supported each other through challenging times and, despite everything, they have remained positive and proactive.

“They took a full part in everything that was on offer at school from sport, to music and performing arts. Their enthusiasm to be in school following each lockdown was reflected in their engagement in the curriculum and ultimately the grades that they have achieved. They have been a pleasure to have as part of our Keswick School community.

“I would also like to pay tribute to our exceptional teaching and support staff. They are an incredibly committed group of staff who always go the extra mile in support of our young people. It is through their care and encouragement that students at Keswick School blossom into confident and articulate young people.

“Our staff are so incredibly passionate about their own specialist subjects and it is no surprise that they pass this excitement onto their students. The result is inspirational teaching and high-quality learning, and those are the key ingredients for success.

The vast majority of Year 11 will be returning to our sixth form in September and we look forward to seeing them start the next stage of their academic journey as well as wishing the very best to those who are moving on to start an apprenticeship or attend college.”

Rachel Melling, head of Year 11, said: “I am so proud of everybody in Year 11 for completing their GCSE years successfully. There have been challenges along the way, but the support of family, friends and staff, together with their own resolve and motivation, has enabled our students to attain the successes they deserve. Not only have they been successful in their results, but they have been a fantastic year group in many other important ways too. I wish them all every success for the future!”

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