Isobelle Molhoek received an astounding eight 9s and four 8s. She commented, “All the teachers have been so supportive, and I know that I can go to them at any moment and they will help. I’m looking forward to studying A Level Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Biology with the aim of going to university.”

Sophie Bartlett, who achieved seven 9s, one 8, one 7 and one 6, said, “I’m really happy with my results, and the School has been so supportive in helping with revision. I’m staying at Claires Court for Sixth Form, and will study A Level Maths, Economics and History with the view to study History or Politics at university.” Her father, Paul Bartlett, added: “The School is very pupil focused and the small classes give Sophie tailored help and the support she needs. We’re delighted with her results.”

Former Head Boy Matthew Allen, excelled with five 9s, one 8, three 7s and one 6. He said, “I’ve put in a lot of work and revised hard, but I’m pleased I sacrificed so much!”

After opening his envelope to two 9s, six 8s and two 7s, David Shepherd said: “I worked really hard to get my grades but I felt well prepared and supported by my teachers. I’ve been at the School since Nursery and I’m looking forward to joining Claires Court Sixth Form. I’ll be taking A Levels in Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths and in the future I want to pursue a career in science or engineering.”

Sam John, national medallist rower achieved five 8s, two 7s, and three 6s, and said: “I’m so pleased about my grades and I’m excited about the future. I’d like to thank the rowing department, as I wouldn’t have done half as well without them, and they’ve showed me that hard work and dedication get results. I’m much more driven now than when I joined the School five years ago.”

Fellow sporting star, Jemma Lancaster, a regional tennis player, was delighted to receive one 9, three 8s, one 7, four 6s and one 5, and said, “I’m really pleased with my results, they were better than I was expecting. The School has small class sizes and the teachers are always available to help. The School and teachers have been incredibly supportive with helping me to balance my studies with training most days. I’m going on to study A Level PE, Psychology and Philosophy and Ethics.” Her mother, Sian Lancaster, added: “I’m immensely proud and pleased for Jemma. I love the ethos of the School; it’s all about making the child an innovator, decision maker and the complete package, not just about the grades. She’s really set up for the future and her confidence has really grown since she joined the School in Year 7.”

One of our camera shy pupils chose to open his envelope at home, and his mum emailed us after and said: "I would like to thank you for your belief, encouragement and support you have given to my son in his time at Claires Court. He would have loved to have opened the results in front of you this morning, but he had made his decision to wait until we were all at home together.
We are somewhat shocked amazed and hugely proud of his grades."

James Wilding, Academic Principal said, “Firstly I’d like to recognise in equal measure the hard work of the pupils and the staff in coming to terms with the new range of more challenging GCSEs and in achieving both the highest grades 9 now available to them and in raising more generally the number of top grades 7-9. Equally welcome has been the more general achievements of the cohort in gaining level 4 and above (C -A*) and seeing the very strong performance of the core subjects of English, Maths and Science.

“Some of our subjects are still reporting under the old A*-G arrangements, and we know we are under reporting the grade 5 and grade 9 outcomes as a result. Overall, the boys and girls have gained strong grades across a very wide range of subjects, successfully opening up a range of subjects and opportunities for them for their Sixth Form studies.

“It’s been particularly testing first time around with so many subjects having no coursework components, but full credit to school and families for navigating through this first major year of transformed examinations.”

Margaret Heywood, Head of Senior Girls, added, "GCSE results day can be a nerve-wracking time. It is the culmination of years of hard work and today is a day of celebration for all our students' fantastic achievements."

See the full gallery here.