The Grange School celebrates top-notch performances in GCSEs

Results Day brought another top-notch performance from Grange students. This set of results is one to be proud of, surpassing the 2019 cohort (the last pre-pandemic group) and mirroring the successes of A Level students last week.

Scholar Hannah Addiscott has much to celebrate having achieved a clean sweep of grade 9s at GCSE. “It’s a good day, I want to congratulate my friends on their results too, and wish them good luck for the future. I’ve got a really supportive friendship group here at The Grange and it has helped us all prepare for our exams. Although the remote learning [during COVID] was challenging our teachers were incredible and helped us adapt, in some ways I felt it was beneficial as it gave us freedom to work at our own pace and become more independent in our learning. I’m looking forward to starting my A levels now.” Hannah will go on to study Mathematics, Biology and Geography in The Grange Sixth Form.

The McKenzie family are amongst those celebrating with both India and Arthur collecting results today. Arthur achieved a fantastic 6 grade 9s and 4 grade 8s and will be studying Biology, Chemistry and Physics at The Grange Sixth Form. “I didn’t get much sleep last night, it’s pretty stressful, but I did better than I thought in the ones I was nervous about so that’s made me really happy. I’m taking the 3 sciences at A level, the end goal is to study medicine.”

Not to be outdone, India McKenzie achieved an equally impressive feat of 7 grade 9s and 3 grade 8s and will study 3D, Physics, Mathematics and Further Mathematics. “I’m pleased with my results, last night was a bit nerve-wracking. I’m staying on at The Grange to do my A levels and after that we’ll see.” These are amongst the many successes in the Sciences with two thirds of all entries at the top two grades (8 or 9), cementing The Grange’s strong tradition in these subjects. In a similar vein students matched the successes of their A Level peers in the Creative Arts with over a quarter of all grades at the grade 9 and nearly half of all Humanities grades at 8 or 9.

In true Grange spirit the GCSE class of 2023 have undertaken a vast array of enrichment alongside their studies including sporting competitions and delighted audiences in musical performances and the critically acclaimed ‘Ghost’ musical.  After a busy examination season, well over a quarter of the year group headed to the Peak District and the Lake District to complete their Silver Duke of Edinburgh expeditions to much praise from all members of staff. Head of Year Carrie Hughes has guided the year group through their Grange journey “This GCSE cohort have been a pleasure to work with embracing the opportunities that the Grange offers. Having seen them thrive in different situations, I am delighted with their performances today especially with so many stories of individual success”.

Amongst the many highlights for this year group has been rowing and, in particular, the Junior 16 crew of Gus Goode, Charlie Goodman, Abdelrahman Farag and Eamonn Timmons-Williams winning the Junior 16 coxless quadruple sculls title in the British Junior Rowing Championships in Scotland. Abdelrahman won Silver in the Single Sculls at the British Junior Rowing Championships and has further cause for celebration today as he achieved 6 grade 9s and 3 grade 8s. “I feel really good about the results, the real thing went better than my mocks, so I’m very happy.” When asked about his plans to celebrate Ab said “I’m off out for a meal tonight but first rowing training!”

The Rowing Club’s success on the water has been reflected with a superb haul from Year 11 today with three quarters of their grades at 7 to 9, testimony to the great dedication and time management.

Head Dr Lorraine Earps said “This group of students have shown great tenacity in their approach to their studies and they should be proud of all of their achievements. Their success today will give them very strong platform for their future endeavours and I know that they will be successful in their chosen next steps.”

Having had the curriculum choice to select their own unique pathways for GCSE, the cohort will be relishing the opportunity to make their experience bespoke to their interests at The Grange Sixth Form. Scholar Emily Hull gained 8 grade 9s and 2 grade 8s. “Receiving the Scholarship is very rewarding, it’s nice to have the hard work recognised. My ambition is to study engineering at university so I’m taking A levels in maths, further maths, physics and history, it’s nice to have mix of subjects between science and humanities. I’ll be celebrating with friends tonight, we’re having a meal out in Liverpool.”

Director of Post-16 Education Hannah Horsley said “We are all eagerly anticipating the arrival of the future class of 2025 into The Grange Sixth Form. Subject staff and the pastoral team are looking forward to supporting them with their ambitious goals. With such strength of character we know that they will work hard to achieve individual success whilst enhancing our school community through their leadership skills”.