PUPILS at Katharine Lady Berkeley's School collected their GCSE results yesterday.

One of the students collecting results was Jack Blakey who achieved eight grade 9s and two grade 7s. 

He said: “I am so happy everything went really well. I’m really pleased to be staying.”

Gazette Series: Jack Blakey (left) and Ollie Brown (right)Jack Blakey (left) and Ollie Brown (right)

Jack will study biology, geography, French and chemistry and will carry on at KLB in September. 

His friend Ollie Brown is excited to be starting product design, maths and physics A levels at KLB.

Acting headteacher, Hannah Khan said that their students have faced many ‘challenges’ and the results showed determination. 

She said: “The nerves evaporated and delight filled the students’ faces as they opened their envelopes this morning.

“As with our A level results last week, our students bucked the national trend of falling results and achieved the best results in the school’s history, including the last two years of teacher assessments. 

“All previous scores for all key measures have been exceeded. 

“We were pleased that our boys have performed as well as the girls, closing the gender gap, which still dominates the national picture.

“To have achieved success at this level, in spite of the many challenges our students faced, is testament to their determination and consistent effort. 

“They welcomed the advice and structure offered by the school and developed excellent working habits in the face of changing circumstances. 

“Success lounge, a space offered to students for independent study after school, was busier than ever this year and many students attended additional sessions offered by staff. 

“The staff team at KLB has been superb. In addition to supporting the students with preparation for these examinations, they have looked for opportunities to bring the community together and create fun opportunities to provide some welcome light relief. 

“After two years overshadowed by Covid, the future looks bright for these students.”