Excellent GCSE results at St Thomas More Catholic High School
Staff and students from St Thomas More Catholic High School in North Shields are celebrating another year of impressive GCSE results.
More than half of the cohort achieved higher than a Grade 5 in English, while more than 70 per cent attained a Grade 4 or more in Maths.
In addition, 27 per cent of students received greater than a Grade 5, and 39 per cent more than a Grade 4 in Ebacc; while a quarter of the students were awarded Grades 8 and 9.
Among the top performers was Ava McAnulty, who secured nine Grade 9s to beat both her brothers.
“I just wanted to beat my brothers,” she said after opening her results. “Because I’ve got nine 9s, I’m just the best out of them, basically.”
She was particularly pleased with her English results, saying: “I was well chuffed when I got 9s in English, because I’ve never really gotten 9s in English before. So I was buzzing.”
Her advice to her pre-exam self would be simple: “Stop stressing about it, because it’s not that deep, and you’ll do well, no matter what.”
Fellow high achiever Harry Carter attained five Grade 9s, three Grade 8s, and two Grade 7s, after initially setting himself the target of three Grade 9s.
“I set high standards for myself because I know I can reach them,” he said. “But to be honest, I just wanted three 9s, and I’ve ended up with five. So I’m absolutely over the moon. It just means so much.”
His GCSE preparation was made more difficult after undergoing an operation on his right shoulder in September, which left him unable to write properly for several months.
He continued: “I definitely adapted. I didn’t stop revising. Had I not had the sling on, I would have revised a lot more. But it didn’t really seem to affect us too much.”
He also stopped playing rugby for five months to concentrate on his revision, and was particularly proud of improving his Biology grade to an 8. He now plans to study Maths, Further Maths and Physics at sixth form.
Also celebrating was Max Milburn, with a clutch of three Grade 9s and six Grade 8s, along with a Merit in Music.
“I’m really happy, but a few of them I’m just really shocked because I feel like after the exam I just panicked,” he said.
Alongside his studies, he had been balancing his GCSE revision with musical theatre, dance and an amateur dramatic show, and he now plans to study Performing Arts, Maths, Biology and Further Maths in Sixth Form.
He continued: “GCSE’s have taught me that I have a lot more confidence in myself than I’ve realised, and I’m a lot more dedicated to my work than I thought I was.”
Eve Bullock also had cause to celebrate with ten Grade 9s, a Grade 8, and a Distinction, securing her a place to study English Literature, Chemistry, Maths, and Further Maths at A-Level.
She credited her teachers and family for supporting her throughout her GCSEs, saying: “My teachers have all had engaging lessons with what I’ve been learning, and my parents have always just been very supportive.
“It’s really relieving. I am very happy.”
David Watson is Headteacher at the school, which is part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, and was delighted with the students’ performance.
“Our Year 11 students had a lovely morning collecting their exam results, enjoying great success in both their GCSEs and vocational courses,” he said. “Once again, our students achieved excellent grades, which means that they are able to progress to the next stage of their education or training.
“Most are returning in September to join the St Thomas More Sixth Form, where they are looking forward to continuing their studies. For other students, it was a time to say goodbye, as they left us for college courses and apprenticeships.”
He added: “Our students and staff have worked so hard, and they have been rightly rewarded for their great efforts.
“It’s been a real team effort again, so thanks to the wonderful teachers and pastoral team who have supported our students during their time at St Thomas More, and particularly the past two years of Key Stage 4.”
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