The Diocese of Guildford joined in celebrating the GCSE achievements of pupils at the three Church of England secondary schools: Esher Church of England High School, Christ’s College, Guildford and The Priory School in Dorking.
Among the results, 74% of students at Esher High School achieved grade 4 or above in English and mathematics. There were also strong results among those who took vocational examinations.
At The Priory School, Dorking, 61% of pupils achieved a grade 4 or above overall. 100% of pupils achieved a grade 4 or above in the science subjects, and there was an impressive 20% increase in the number of pupils scoring a grade 4 or above in English Literature (75%).
In Christ’s College, significantly more students achieved grade 4 and above in both English and Mathematics than in previous years, with further improvements also seen at grade 5 and above.
Many of the pupils of the three schools will go on to study at colleges and sixth forms including Reigate College, College of Richard Collyer, Woking College and Godalming College, as well as undertaking apprenticeships.
The Diocesan Board of Education is responsible for 81 Church of England schools, three of which are secondary schools.
Canon Alex Tear, Diocesan Director of Education said:
"I’d like to congratulate all the students on their results and the hard work and commitment they have shown throughout their school journey. I’d also like to thank the teachers, parents and carers for their unwavering support over the years.
“Whatever the results, I want to encourage the young people to look ahead with confidence. Success is not defined by a single set of results and there are many varied routes for them to make the most of their unique gifts and talents.”
The Rt Revd Paul Davies, Acting Bishop of Guildford added:
“I am delighted to join in celebrating the achievements of the students across our Church schools today, as well as the dedication of staff who work so hard to provide an excellent and inclusive education helping young people to thrive.
“I will be praying for all our young people as they take the next steps into education, employment or training.”
Andy King, Headteacher of Esher Church of England School said:
“While we are delighted to celebrate these exceptional academic performances, today is about every student. For some young people, achieving a grade 4 represents just as significant a personal triumph as achieving the very highest grades. Behind every result is an individual story of effort, perseverance and progress. These achievements are also a testament to the expertise and dedication of our staff and to the unwavering support provided by our students’ families. Together, we have created a school community in which young people can belong, achieve more than they imagined possible and look to the future with confidence.”
Jo Trimnell, Headteacher of The Priory School, Dorking said:
“I’m really pleased today. We’ve been on an exciting journey with continued improvement in results over the years. We are a fully inclusive school with pupils going off to do A-levels in colleges and sixth forms, or going on to do apprenticeships. All have worked hard to get to where they want to be, and we are supporting them all the way.”
Matthew Goulborn, Headteacher at Christ’s College Guildford said:
"We have worked incredibly hard this year to ensure our students are equipped with the key qualifications needed to access their next steps. I am delighted by the improvements in English and mathematics, particularly the significant progress in mathematics. We know how important these qualifications are in opening doors for young people. However, our students are not defined by their grades alone. Since joining Christ's, they have demonstrated remarkable growth in character, resilience and confidence, and it is this of which we are most proud."
Alex Goodwin, a pupil from Esher High who achieved seven grade 9s and four grade 8s said:
“I’m really happy with my results. I got consistent eights and nines, and what helped me the most was the amazing people I had around me who supported me every step of the way. I couldn’t have done this without them.”