GCSEs: ‘Strong’ results for Tanbridge House School

Pupils across the ability range exceeded their personal targets. Some 81 per cent achieved five or more A* to C grades including English and Maths and 67 per cent achieved at least one A* or A grade.

Year 8 student Ana Lanzon, 13, sat her GCSE Spanish three years early and achieved an A* grade. She said: “I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I’m glad all the hard work paid off.”

Head of modern languages Mark Osmond said: “She is not a native (Spanish) speaker. This represents a lot of hard work and commitment on her part. We’re really proud of her. She’s done fantastically well.”

Thea Elvin, 16, was one of 11 students who achieved 11 or more A to A* grades.

She said: “I didn’t know what to expect really. I’m pleased and relieved it’s over.”

She will start her A-Levels at the College of Richard Collyer next month studying physics, chemistry, maths, further maths and French.

Evelyn Turner, 16, got ten A*s and one A. She said: “I’m so surprised. I thought one of the exams went badly. I came out really sad. I want to thank all the staff.

“It’s been really great. I’m sad to leave now.”

She is going to The Weald School in Billingshurst where she will study A-Levels in chemistry, biology, psychology and maths.

Also opening her results was Ninea Gemmell, 16, who received a distinction* in a BTEC and three A*s, four As, a B and a D in her GCSEs.

She said: “It was more than I was expecting. I thought the exams went really badly. I’m glad it all paid off in the end.”

Her plan now is to study psychology, health and social care, biology and maths at Collyer’s.

Euan Thomas, 16, who achieved two A*s, six As, one B and one C, said: “I’m very pleased. Some exceed expectations and others were what I expected.”

Hayden Lowen, 16, achieved an A*, five As, three Bs and one C. He said: “I’m really happy with my results. There are no disappointments.”

Friends Kimberley Lucas and Alana Smith were opening their results together. Kimberley achieved one A, six Bs and four Cs and Alana got an A*, five As, three Bs, one C and one D.

They will now both be going to Collyer’s to study their A-Levels.

Headteacher Jules White said: “I would like congratulate all of our students for their hard work and determination, which has led to another exceptionally strong set of results.

“The support that they have received from my colleagues and from their families should also be emphasised.

“As always, however, I believe that it is important to note that schools should not be wholly judged upon a ‘snapshot’ of examination data. A school’s culture and ability to provide opportunity and support to youngsters is of primary importance.”

Some of the subjects have changed this year so students are judged wholly on their exam performance.

Mr White felt it was not a fair way of marking students.

He said: “Currently, the data and other systems used to measure schools’ achievement and quality are fundamentally flawed and it is to be hoped that this will improve in the future.”

He added: “We have matched our performance on the previous year and I think that’s through the dint of students’ preparation and the real professionalism of colleagues. We have prepared for this thoroughly and the students have been rewarded.

“We need to be careful. It’s absolutely right students need to perform well in exams, but we must make sure that they reach their full potential.

“Having the ability to do coursework is important. At university you have to be good at dissertations. It’s not all about the final exams.”