Cranleigh makes the grade at GCSE

Cranleigh School has maintained last year’s record GCSE results, with 26% of all grades a 9, and 55% of all grades being 9/8. In addition, 68% of all grades were 9-7 (equivalent to A*–A) and 99% of students gained 5 GCSEs at 9 to 4 grade.

The overall pass rate was 97%, with 50% of pupils achieving 8 or more A*-A (or equivalent). A quarter of the cohort achieved 10 or more A*-A (or equivalent). English grades were exceptional, with more than 80% of pupils achieving 9-7 (equivalent to A*/A).

This year is the first which sees the new grading system adopted across almost all subjects. The change from letters to numbers, with more options for the grades, was designed to coincide with the upgrading of GCSEs to make them more rigorous. Although the two marks schema cannot really be compared directly, there are now three number grades corresponding to A*-A, 9,8 and 7, designed to give more differentiation at the top end.

Deputy Head Academic, Mr David Boggitt, said: “We are delighted with these results, particularly given that staff and pupils have been working towards significant changes to the exams and the grading schema. We’d like to offer congratulations to all of our Year 11 pupils and to the Common Room who have worked so hard to help them achieve their goals.”

Three pupils achieved all top grades (Ollie Corbett, Ella Job and Jess McCormack), and a further 10 pupils achieved all A*/9/8: Zoe Bickenson; Hebe Bodmer; Ross Kiely; Maya Magee; Peter Moor; Josh Moore; Archie O’Neil; Leila Slade; Katie St Johnston; and Aimee Williamson.

Headmaster, Mr Martin Reader, said: “Each year Cranleigh pupils prove it is possible to succeed without a narrow focus. Our Year 11s have already succeeded at the highest levels in sports, music and performance, and through clubs, activities, house life and charity work have developed into rounded and confident young people. We wish them all the best in their academic futures and are delighted that most have chosen to stay on to complete A Levels with us as well.”

The majority of students will remain at Cranleigh to join the Sixth Form and continue their studies to A Level.