GCSE results for Kirklees are expected to remain above the national average despite changes in the exam system.
Last year 56% of Kirklees students achieved five or more A* to C grades – including English and maths – compared with 53.4% across England with pass rates for all subjects around 69% nationally.
And early indications are that this year’s figures will be similar.
Over the last two years schools have had to cope with a number of changes, including greater emphasis on final exams (rather than course work and modular units), resits not counting in the statistics and speaking and listening no longer part of the English exam.
Within the statistics there have been some outstanding individual results locally. Shelley College had 16 pupils who gained 11 A* or A grades, including George O’Leary with 11 A*s and James Vautrey with 10. Top student at Batley Grammar was Patrick Masso Walsh with 10 A*s, an A, a B and an A distinction in additional maths.
Holmfirth High School had 16 pupils with 10 or more A* and A grades – including Eve Pennington with11 A*s – and, along with Colne Valley, was among several local secondary schools to see a slight improvement.
See pictures from Holmfirth below.
Holmfirth headteacher Dr Andy Williams said the pass rate for all subjects was 80% – way above the national average.
He said: “We have had a very good set of results this year, not just for our high achievers, but in progress for pupils of all abilities, which is particularly pleasing.
“In every respect Holmfirth is above average across the board. I think this is because we have not played the league tables game, but steered a steady ship. Teaching is outstanding, we have a broad curriculum and have stuck to the same principles to maintain steady progress.”
GCSE results: See the full list pupil-by-pupil from the schools in our area
According to Colne Valley High principal Christian Wilcocks, his school’s results were marginally higher than last year with numerous A* and A grades and 19 subjects showing improved grades, particularly maths and languages.
He said that this was quite an achievement following many changes within the school over the past year.
See pictures from Colne Valley below.
“The foundations have been laid for a significant and sustained improvement,” he said. “The staff have worked their socks off – I could not have asked for more. The students have worked hard and there is a new culture of openness and honesty with parents.”
Rastrick High School has maintained its above average record for GCSEs and rates of pupil progress. Headteacher Steve Evans said: “I am chuffed to bits and incredibly proud of the kids.
See pictures from Rastrick below.
“The staff have worked incredibly hard, not only during lessons, but before and after schools and during lunchtimes as well, and parents are the unsung heroes whose support for the school has been unwavering and a key part of our success this year.”
