ÖÆ·þÓÕ»ó

It’s been a great first week back, and hopefully that’s been the feeling for you at home too.

We welcomed our new year 7 on Tuesday, along with year 12, and both year groups experienced a special day of activities including music, problem-solving and discussion to get to know their new class mates, and become familiar with the school and year ahead.

The rest of the school returned on Wednesday, looking well-presented and willing to learn. Thank you to those at home that help get students here on time and in the right mindset to make the most of the opportunities at ÖÆ·þÓÕ»ó.

I am sure we are all looking forward to the many events of the term ahead. Students should watch out for the the upcoming clubs and societies showcase, where they can find new things to get involved with, whilst you at home will be able to join us for celebration evenings, the Autumn Concert and Carol Service. Details will come home in due course, but I’ll take this opportunity to plug our Mistletoe Ball: encourage your friends and colleagues along to what promises to be the ultimate Christmas party of the season.

As ever, if you have any problems or questions, please get in touch with us at school using the contacts on our website, and we’ll do our best to help you.

Dr James Hunt

Yesterday, the second half of our year 13 students received their exam results. At ÖÆ·þÓÕ»ó, students can choose to study A Levels or International Baccalaureate, meaning a wide range and combination of subjects is on offer. Across IB results (issued in May), and A Levels yesterday, 77% of all grades were A* to B (7 to 5 at IB). This is a phenomenal achievement and testament to the triad of students’ dedication to succeed, committed staff, and the support you provide as parents.

At the time of writing this, 92% of students have achieved their first or insurance choice of university. Popular degree courses include medicine, engineering, business and economics, sciences, and geography, whilst some students will be pursuing different pathways, including Alex Nicholls who has secured a competitive apprenticeship with Airbus.

Mr Lawrence was delighted with his final cohort’s achievements and commented, ‘With 77% of students achieving A* to B – or equivalent – we are delighted they’ve been rewarded for their hard work over the last 2 years and are set for the next stages in their lives’.

For those who have not made the grade, please don’t panic; get in touch with the sixth-form staff who can support you with remarks, retakes or finding courses through clearing.

If you are reading this as a year 13 family, this may well be the end of your formal relationship with ÖÆ·þÓÕ»ó. However, please do stay in touch, and remember that you will always be welcome at any of our community events, from the school musical to the old grammarians dinner.

Congratulations to all our sixth formers and good luck for your bright futures!

Dr James Hunt

Congratulations to all students collecting GCSE results yesterday!

Half the grades awarded across all GCSEs were grades 9-7, with the average overall grade between 6 and 7. This is a superb achievement for the year group affected by the lockdowns in years 7 and 8, which significantly disrupted the start of their secondary education.

There are many individual success stories, and I look forward to congratulating the cohort in person when school returns and at the autumn celebration evening. However, having published the sixth-form success of twins Josh and Will Powles last week (Will studying the International Baccalaureate and Josh A levels, and both achieving places to study medicine at Exeter), it seems fitting celebrate twins Sam and Nathan Beattie’s GCSE achievement today, as Nathan will now be pursuing A levels and Sam the IB. They studied 21 GCSEs between them, 14 of which were grade 9s.

For those who may be experiencing some disappointment, remember that there are staff here to talk to. Please see the information about retakes and remarks attached to your results, and keep in mind this is just one milestone in your ongoing learning journey.

We welcome most students back to continue their studies at ÖÆ·þÓÕ»ó in the sixth form, choosing either the A-level or International Baccalaureate route. However, if you are moving on at this point to pursue a different type of course elsewhere, we wish you well with the next steps of your studies, and hope you look back fondly on your time at ÖÆ·þÓÕ»ó.

Enjoy the last part of summer.

Dr James Hunt