Hard work pays off for Tupton Hall School's GCSE students

The percentage of students who achieved the new key measure of gaining A*-C grades in English and maths was 57 per cent - an impressive increase of 8 per cent on last year. The measure also shows that students’ progress in these key subjects has significantly improved and now surpasses last year’s national average.

Many youngsters will continue their studies at Tupton Hall Sixth Form, which last week achieved a 99 per cent A Level pass rate.

Headteacher Andrew Knowles said: “We are pleased that the vast majority of our students have achieved the necessary qualifications to enhance their life chances. We are very proud of their achievements and wish them the best success as they embark on further education at sixth form, college and in apprenticeships.”

“Young people are not statistics and so we are delighted that so many of them have excellent results that reflect their ability, effort and commitment. I am grateful for the conscientious hard work of our teaching and support staff who have taught, supported and nurtured our students with genuine care and attention throughout their time at the school.”

One of the highest achievers, Olivia Heardman, achieved 7 A*s, 2 As and a distinction at GCSE and will go on to study biology, chemistry, history and maths at Tupton Hall Sixth Form.

She put her success down to years of hard work and attending revision sessions.

“I’m ecstatic,” said Olivia, whose ambition is to work as a vet. “It has been a lot of hard work, especially doing extra revision sessions.”

“My advice to next year’s GCSE students is to revise everything. And don’t leave it all to the last minute! The support in school is brilliant. Me and my friends went to revision sessions that were on offer right the way through the year – not just the ones closest to the exams.”

Olivia’s success reflects the advice of the school’s expert staff who encourage students to work hard from the very start of the GCSE course to give themselves the best chance of passing, and surpassing, their predicted grades.

Oliver Wilby is another high achieving student, gaining 3 A*s, 5 As, one B and a distinction.

Oliver said: “I was expecting to do well because I’ve worked really hard, but it’s such a relief to see these grades on the results slip.” Oliver balanced his GCSE studies with captaining the Tupton Hall Year 11 football team and competing in athletics for Chesterfield and District Athletics Club. He will study maths, further maths, physics and chemistry at Tupton Hall Sixth Form.

Ashley Cullum has also balanced GCSEs with a passion for sport, having played for Matlock Baileans Rugby Club.

Like his friend Oliver, he will pursue maths, further maths, chemistry and physics at Tupton Hall Sixth Form having gained 2 A*s, 5As, 2Bs and a distinction at GCSE.

Said Ashley: “I’m so happy but also relieved. I just got my head down, worked hard and went to revision sessions. I want to go to university after Sixth Form but I’m not sure what I want to do yet.”

A selection of outstanding students’ GCSE results:

Olivia Heardman (7 A* grades, 2 A grades, 1 distinction)

Rebecca Gerard (4 A* grades, 4 A grades, 1 B grade, 1 distinction*)

Jasmine Thirkell (3 A* grades, 5 A grades, 1 B grade, 1 distinction)

Oliver Wilby (3 A* grades, 5 A grades, 1 B grade, 1 distinction*)

Ashley Cullum (2 A* grades, 5 A grades, 1 B grade, 1 distinction*)

Outstanding results by subject:

86 per cent of students made expected progress in Art with 68 per cent making better than expected progress.

80 per cent of students made expected progress in French with 60 per cent making better than expected progress.

79 per cent of students made expected progress in Leisure and Tourism with 63 per cent making better than expected progress.

75 per cent of students made expected progress in Geography with 52 per cent making better than expected progress.

73 per cent of students made expected progress in English Literature with 32 per cent making better than expected progress.