Smiles behind masks of John Spendluffe Technology College GCSE students

The joy of watching Year 11 students receive their envelopes and see the grades awarded through teacher assessment this year made up for all of the uncertainly and worry..

Staff worked hard over the lockdown period to produce the grades through a clear and consistent process.

The analysis of student work produced prior to lockdown in addition to mock results and classwork were all scrutinised to ensure the grades awarded reflected the achievement and attainment of each student.

On arrival, students were able to pick up their results as well as their Leaver’s hoodies and a specially created Year 11 Yearbook

The school delayed sharing the results, like many other schools, until it received confirmation of the BTEC qualifications.

Results are reflective of the improvements that the school made in the summer of 2019. It is estimated around 60 percent of students gained passes at GCSE in English and Maths, with 76 percent achieving that grade in English and 65 percent achieving that standard in Maths.

Among notable performances by students are:

Rebecca Bonser – Six GCSE at grade 9 (English Language, Literature, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths), two grade 8s, one grade 7 and a grade 6 with a Level 2 Distinction in Business Studies.

Hayden Jones – Two grade 8s, three grade 7s, three grade 6s, two grade 5s and a Level 2 Distinction in Business Studies.

Ella May Nickson – Three grade 8s, one grade 7, three grade 6s and yjree grade 5s

Chloe Bradley – Two grade 8s, one grade 7, two grade 6s and three grade 5s.

There were also some fantastic student vocational qualifications to celebrate. Elisa Richards whose results included a grade 9 (for Food Technology) and Emily Summerland who gained a L2 Distinction* in Music.

A statement from Jon Treasure, Business Manager and Clerk to Governors, said: "We are hugely proud of all of our Year 11 students who worked so hard towards their target grades and benefited from the dedicated staff who guided them through their GCSE and vocational courses.

"We want to wish the class of 2020 all good wishes for the year ahead and hope that it brings not only continued success but also a more normal year of study within their chosen courses.

"Good luck and we look forward to hearing about their achievements beyond JSTC in the future."