As the predictors have estimated doom and gloom across the country when teenagers open their GCSE results, early indications point towards Sussex’s schools holding their own when it comes to grades.
Of the schools The Argus contacted yesterday, none of them had seen the slump predicted by the exams watchdog Ofqual, and some have reported marked improvements on last year.
Brighton College is set to celebrate a record-breaking year as it is crowned the top co-educational school ever, with 95.3% of all GCSE grades achieved at A* or A.
Headteacher Richard Cairns said: “I think it is a proud moment for the city that a Brighton school can outperformmuch more selective schools in London and elsewhere in the south east. The boys and girls have obviously worked hard but they have never lost their sense of perspective.”
Both Brighton and Portslade AldridgeCommunity Academies registered significant improvements on last year in terms of students gaining five A* to C grades.
James Fox has asked the public to judge him on his results at PACA and pupils achieving 5 A* to C grades including English and maths is up to 60% from 39% last year.
He said: “This is the best set of GCSEs ever for the school – not just as an academy, but for Portslade Community College too I believe.
“I and our governors would like to thank the teachers who have worked tirelessly – not just this year but over several years – to contribute to today’s fantastic news.
“Young people in Portslade deserve an outstanding school – and we are determined to provide it for them, with fantastic new facilities, the best teaching and learning and behaviour. Today’s results are a clear demonstration of that commitment.’’ Sir Robert Woodard Academy and Lancing College, both in Lancing, reported an increase in pass rates from last year with the former registering its highest ever percentage at 56%.
Lancing College registered 90.2% of students achieving five A* to B grades this year and headteacher Jonathan Gillespie said: “The years culminating in GCSE provide our pupils with an excellent foundation from which to embark confidently on the next stage of their academic careers.”
Dorothy Stringer School in Brighton’s 71% of students achieving five A* to C grades is the second highest in its history and a four percentage point improvement on last year.
Headteacher Richard Bradford said: “I am very proud of the Dorothy Stringer Class of 2013. They have worked hard and challenged themselves to do their best.
“Many will be celebrating excellent personal academic achievements today. We wish them all well as they go on to another phase in their lives.
“I would also like to thank the staff and parents who have worked hard to support them over the last few years.”
Blatchington Mill School in Hove saw similar improvements in students attaining 5 A* to C grades including English and maths, up to 72% from 61% in 2012.
Deupty headteacher Ashley Harrold said: “These results represent a huge amount of work from staff and students, but also reflect our absolute priority on the quality of teaching and learning and our belief that every student can achieve – a belief shared and promoted within our Secondary Schools Partnership of Brighton and Hove schools.”
Visit theargus.co.uk today for the latest news, pictures and results. And don’t miss Friday’s Argus for our GSCE special with the most comprehensive coverage of the big day from across the county.
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