Despite the government’s resolve to ensure the number of top GCSE grades (7-9s) returns to pre-Covid levels, the tally of top grades has seen an impressive year-on-year increase at Rossall. Well over half the cohort achieved a grade 7-9 or A*/A grade in a number of subjects including Art, English, Food and Nutrition Science and German.
The number of top grades (7-9s or A*/As) achieved at Rossall is almost a staggering 70% higher than the national average – despite the fact that a good number of students within the cohort were taking examinations in their second, or even third language.
Headmaster Jeremy Quartermain observed:
These GCSE results follow on from an outstanding crop of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate Diploma results. Today, we are delighted to celebrate the hard work, resilience and determination of this outstanding group of young people. They have achieved superb outcomes despite the challenges of Covid and grade deflation. We are incredibly proud of them and it has been our privilege to support and encourage them over the years.
I should pay tribute to the dedication of our wonderful teachers. They motivate and inspire our children to fulfil their potential. At Rossall we strive to build children’s confidence and nurture their creative faculties. Our vision is holistic and so what happens outside the classroom is as important as what occurs within. Examination results such as these are reflective of an intellectually dynamic and culturally enriched learning environment.
Finally, I am incredibly grateful to the highly effective leadership of Richard Catterall who has served as our Head of Year 11 since September 2022. His ambitious and inclusive vision has served this year group extremely well.
Rossall is famed for its sporting achievements and prowess in the performing arts. However, the pursuit of academic excellence lies at the heart of School life. This summer, almost two thirds of Upper Sixth Formers will progress to Top 20 university destinations including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Warwick, Edinburgh, Manchester and Durham. Others head to the United States to take up 100% sports scholarships and, a growing number, have won places on prestigious degree-apprenticeship programmes such as Deloitte, PWC and BAE Systems.
Director of Sixth Form, Nick Crombie, is looking forward to welcoming this year’s incoming Year 12 cohort. He contends that, ‘the phenomenal success of Rossall Sixth Form is attributable to a remarkable body of staff who are completely invested in the lives of our students.’ He continues, ‘The superb quality of relationships between staff and students is an important part of the equation; we pride ourselves on knowing each student well and we tailor our provision to meet the needs of each individual.’
An impressive number of pupils achieved a clean sweep of top grades with Alina, Mia, Madhav and Louisa all amassing 10 or more grade 7 – 9s. A significant proportion of the cohort boast over half of their grades being nothing lower than a grade 7. Of course, it is the individual success stories that matter most; we are incredibly proud of our students who have shown exceptional resilience and courage in the face of challenging circumstances such as familial bereavement or the impact of war and nevertheless, have achieved excellent results. For many pupils these results sit alongside extensive commitments beyond the classroom, contributing to our rich co-curricular programme and taking part in the school’s signature programmes including the Piano Academy, the Broadway Performing Arts Academy, as well as Football and Golf.
Louisa Bradburn achieved an impressive eleven grades at grade 7 or above with 9s in Biology, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, Maths, Physical Education, Physics and the HPQ. Louisa is planning to study Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths at A-level – a combination that promises a wealth of pathways at university and beyond.
Louisa could not stop smiling as she reflected:
My teachers have been on hand to support me at any time, which has really helped me. The Rossall experience is more than exam results. I have been able to achieve my results, which I am very happy with, whilst also playing sports, and being part of CCF and the Rossall community.
Scarlett Knight, who celebrates having secured seven excellent GCSEs at grade 7 or above will be going on to pursue the IB Diploma programme and she will continue to develop her interests and develop her strengths across a wide range of subjects including English, Spanish, Psychology, Chemistry, Maths and Biology.
Mia Seed achieved superb results with an impressive ten grades at 7 and above whilst contributing to virtually all aspects of School life beyond the classroom. An excellent role model for her peers, Mia is excited to be pursuing a Sixth Form programme that will open doors to careers as diverse as Medicine, Neuroscience and Psychology.
Mia commented:
I am so proud of myself and my results. Rossall is like a second family to me. My teachers have supported, encouraged and helped me throughout my time in Senior School, which I really appreciate.
A small number of scholarships and bursaries are still available for outstanding students.
The School offers a number of scholarships and bursaries for pupils entering Years 7, 9 and 12 and welcomes enquiries from potential applicants with the scholarship application deadline set in late November of each year. If you would like to find out more about Rossall then please contact [email protected] or phone 01253 774267.
