Students at Sheldon School are celebrating another strong set of GCSE results, with attainment at grades 9–5 rising again and results remaining significantly above the national average.
Overall, 74% of GCSE entries achieved grades 9–4, compared with a national average of 67.3%, while 60% achieved grades 9–5, ahead of the national figure of 55%.
The Chippenham school said the results reflected the hard work, resilience and determination of students throughout their secondary education, alongside the support of families and staff. There were particularly strong performances across a number of subjects. Chemistry, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Statistics and Bengali all achieved a 100% pass rate at grades 9–4, while Biology recorded 98% and Physics 96%.
Film Studies achieved 94% at grades 9–4, French and Spanish both recorded 91%, Food achieved 88% and Dance 82%. Sports Studies and GCSE PE also achieved 82%, while 72% of entries in both English and Maths were awarded grades 9–4.
Headteacher Peter Lynch said, “We are immensely proud of this year’s GCSE students and the results they have achieved. Behind every grade is a huge amount of hard work, determination and resilience and today is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their individual successes.
“We are particularly pleased to have once again closed the gap between our Free School Meals and non-Free School Meals students. This is something that matters enormously to us as a school and is testament to the strength of the support, care and high expectations we provide for all our young people, particularly those who face the greatest barriers to success. To see that work continuing to have a positive impact is a real source of pride.
“We are also delighted to see an increase in the number of students achieving the highest grades. These results reflect the ambition of our students and the dedication of our staff, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.”
Mr Lynch added that the school was also celebrating the many individual success stories behind the overall figures.
He said, “There are so many stories of individual achievement that we are proud to celebrate today. We are delighted that a significant number of our students will be continuing their journey with us into Sheldon Sixth Form and we look forward to seeing them build on this success. For those moving on to new challenges, we wish them every happiness and success for the future.
“Above all, today is about celebrating all our students. They have all worked incredibly hard and should be very proud of what they have achieved. For those students who are leaving us to take their next steps, we wish them every success and want them to know that, wherever their journey takes them, they will always remain a valued part of the Sheldon family.”
