Hundreds of secondary school students across Wrexham receive their 2022 GCSE Results

It’s been an anxious start to the the morning for hundreds of GCSE students across Wrexham this morning as they receive their exam results.

Also finding out they’ve done today are Welsh Baccalaureate and vocational qualification results.

This is the first time learners have returned to formal GCSE exams since 2019.

Ysgol Rhiwabon

The school has noted this year was the return to formal examinations for a cohort affected at the end of Key Stage 3, and throughout their examination years, by the disruption caused by the pandemic.

The school said despite these challenges, Year 11 students have achieved an “amazing set of results and we are delighted for them”.

Mrs Ferron-Evans, Headteacher, said: “This cohort has worked very hard to secure success in challenging circumstances and we are very proud of them. Staff deserve a special mention for working tirelessly to support and secure this success.

“On behalf of the school and the Governing Body, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff, students and parents for their contribution to the incredible amount of hard work and dedication shown across a wide range of studies.

“The grades achieved provide certainty and opportunity for the future.

“As Ysgol Rhiwabon students move forward, supported by the school, the results will enable our young people to further their studies, or to enter the world of work, as confident and successful individuals. We wish them continued success and happiness in the future.”

Aaliyah Saffy, Holy Simons, Lauren Slawson, Catrin Roberts, Kacey Jackson,Karys Jones, Jack Butterton, Shelby Evans, Abi Rush, Emily Killick, Sarae Williams, Ava Edwards

The Maelor School

The school is celebrating outstanding GCSE results which are amongst the best in Wales where record numbers of pupils achieved A*-C grades and there was a sizeable increase in the number of pupils achieving more than five A* and A grades.

Mr Simon Ellis Headteacher said: “We have always had a reputation for performing well, but these results are outstanding.

“Having battled through the difficulties of online learning and pandemic closures, this year group have shown tremendous dedication to their studies.

“I am so pleased to see them achieve their potential with record numbers joining our successful sixth form for a further two years.”

Deputy Headteacher Katherine Garratt-Smith said, “Throughout the pandemic we were pleased with the engagement we got from our pupils, these results demonstrate the skills of resilience and persistence that we have been working hard to embed.”

Assistant Headteacher Nicky Preston added “As a year group we were so pleased with their behaviour and motivation. I am not surprised they have done so well. I know many are staying on to join the sixth form, but I wish those that are leaving us for more vocational studies the best of luck for the future, they have all been a pleasure to work with”

Rhosnesni High School

Staff and students were also celebrating the school’s best ever results.

Headteacher, Andy Brant, said proudly, “Despite the disruption and uncertainty of the past two and a half years, our Year 11 cohort has achieved the highest outcomes we have ever witnessed.

“28 students gained at least 5 A* or A grades, with an unprecedented 31 A* in mathematics. More youngsters achieved an A*- C grade in English Language than at any point in our history.”

In addition to praising his students, Mr Brant thanked his colleagues and Rhosnesni parents for their hard work, commitment and belief, “Youngsters cannot earn results of this quality without exceptional teachers and incredibly supportive parents.

“We applaud our Year 11 learners and all those who have contributed to their record-breaking achievements.”

Chair of Governors, Elinor Doherty, added, “We would like to congratulate our students on these fantastic outcomes. Understandably, our parents and staff members are extremely proud. Today we will celebrate each and every success.

“These are incredible and well-deserved results.”

St Joseph’s Catholic and Anglican High School

The school said: “Today we pay tribute to our fantastic Year 11 students and celebrate the culmination of their time at school.

“The past few years have been exceptionally disruptive for them – yet, today they get to join with us in celebrating some of the best results ever achieved at St. Joseph’s.

“We are proud of the hard-work and determination that they have demonstrated throughout their examination years.

“They have shown a positive attitude, and a huge amount of resilience in their learning. These St. Joseph’s pupils are now ready to play their full part in society, and for whatever they move onto next.”

Headteacher, Mr Wilkinson says: “These Year 11 pupils’ can be really proud of what they have achieved.

“Like the two cohorts before them they have missed so much time over the past few years, but this particular cohort have had to contend with external examinations for the first time since 2019 – and they have done a stunning job!

“We had been cautious in our expectations for this summer because of the move to ensure that GCSE results would be lower – this hasn’t been the case for our students!

“In fact, in most performance measures there is considerable success, some the highest we have ever recorded. It is a fantastic day for these young people, and the staff and governors of St. Joseph’s wish each and everyone of them the very best for the next phase of their education. ’’

St Joseph’s is “delighted” that just under 40% of children in Year 11 achieved 5 or more A* or A grades, and a massive 34% of children achieved gained 10 or more GCSEs at A* or A grade. Six pupils were issued over 12 GCSEs at the highest possible A* grade, with one pupil achieving 16 A* grades!

The Headteacher also stated: “Yet again, over 50% of all of our Year 11 pupils attained either an A* or A grade in their GCSE Religious Education! This is of course a core and flagship subject for our school. We are delighted with the individual performances of all our pupils.

“However, there is particular commendation to Sara Frulloni (16 A*s), Vilas Lavan (14 A*s), Ahlam Jabir (13 A*s, 1 A), Daphne Pangilinan (13 A*s), Sophie Pemberton (13 A*s, 1 A), Victoria Szymala (13 A*s, 1 A), Lily Moore 13A* ‘s , Danny Manoj (10 A*s, 4 As), Melisha Gunasekera (10 A*s, 4 A), Grace Roberts (10 A*s, 1 A) all of whom thoroughly deserve these excellent grades! Of course, there a far too many examples of outstanding performances for me to mention them all!’’

This year the students of St. Joseph’s have been able to continue in the footsteps of those who have gone before them, accessing the next steps of their educational journey with a phenomenal track record of success.

Ellesmere College saw a 90% pass rate with 30% of grades in the top 9-7 range (A*/A equivalent).

Particularly notable performances include Cameron Davies from Wrexham who achieved four 9s and two 8s.

In addition, Oscar Dodds from St. Helier achieved  two 9s and five 8s, Wendy Tam from Shrewsbury achieved  four 9s and three 8s and Ewan Tulloch from Llanymynech achieved three 9s and four 8s.

Many of the current Ellesmere College students will now return back to the College in September to continue into Sixth Form and study their choice of A Levels, International Baccalaureate (IB) or BTEC courses for the next two years.

Further to these results, a number of younger pupils sat a GCSE early in Mathematics and a range of languages.

The youngest of the early year entrants, Natt Kritchanarat, currently in year nine, completed her GCSE Mathematics and was delighted to achieve a top score with a level 9, she will go on to study A level mathematics through year 10 and 11.

Headmaster Brendan Wignall said: “It is a pleasure to see how well pupils have achieved.  They are commended for their positive approach to the examinations this summer.

“With two years of disruption to their education their achievements are even more impressive.

“Our swift move to teaching online as soon as the country went into lockdown, delivering our full timetable using Microsoft Teams for remote learning, ensured that little time was lost but nevertheless, being online rather than in school has been a difficult experience to adjust to and it is a testament to our pupils determination and resilience that they have risen to the challenge, their results today have been hard earned.

“They are now very well prepared to embark on their Sixth Form programme with us and we look forward to seeing them in September.”

Ysgol Bryn Alyn

At Ysgol Bryn Alyn say they are delighted with yet another fantastic set of qualifications for the Class of 2022.

Despite the challenges of the last few years, the pupils and staff have reflected their resilience and effort in these results.

Over two thirds of pupils obtained higher-grade passes in Mathematics, English and Science qualifications with nearly a fifth of the pupils achieving the highest grades.

As a school they are particularly delighted with strong performances in Chemistry, Business Studies, Dance and Drama including exceptional performances in Spanish, Music and History.

Headteacher, Mrs Adele Slinn, said: “We are so very proud of all of our students.

“They deserve this fabulous set of results which is clear recognition of the phenomenal effort that they have put in.

“As usual, our dedicated staff at YBA have gone above and beyond to support our pupils to achieve the best that they can.

“Our continued focus on wellbeing has ensured that our pupils have been best placed for achieving their potential and this is clearly seen in our wonderful results today. Today will be a day of happiness and satisfaction for our students and we wish them every success in their futures.”

Mr William Beddoes, Head of Year 11 has been keen to praise his students for their achievements: “As Head of Year 11 I am so very proud of the Class of 2022.

“There has been a lot of hard work, care and support by all involved. Staff have gone the extra mile to ensure all pupils had the best opportunities to succeed but also it has been lovely to see that pupils have supported pupils too. We are indeed a community school.”

Many pupils have been delighted with their excellent results and many smiling faces were to be seen. Students enjoying exceptional success at GCSE level include without limitation:

Beau Williams 11 A-A*, Isabelle Watkiss-Thomas 11 A-A*, Robbie Greenough 10 A-A*, Lucie Davies 10 A-A*, Poppy Vaughan 9 A*-A, Erin Davies 9 A-A*, Sophie Kocker 9 A-A*, Lowri Stephenson-Jones 9 A-A*, Thomas Reeves 9 A-A*, Rhian Hughes 8 A-A*, Felix Napier 8 A-A*, William Gunning 8 A-A*, Morgan Whiteley 8 A-A*, Halle Brand-Smith 7 A-A*.

Darland High School in  Rossett say they have ‘smashed records’ as “as changes made over the last 3 years, pay off”. These are the first set of examination results under the new leadership of Joanne Lee.

Assistant Headteacher, Stewart Roberts said, “Our students have achieved incredible results, we are so proud of them. The obstacles and uncertainties of the last 2 years have put undue pressure on them. They are a credit to themselves and their families, the work and effort we have seen over the last two years means they thoroughly deserve these excellent results.”

Assistant Headteacher, Lisa Easton said, “Our staff have worked tirelessly supporting students through some tough times, the resilience of our students always amazes me. They have worked hard, supported by their families, I couldn’t be more proud. It is great to see them achieve what they need for the next step in their journey. We shall be sad to see them go, but are happy as they look forward to their exciting futures that lay ahead”

Students were supported throughout the year with afterschool and holiday revision sessions, which now have proved fruitful. Dewi Owens-Jones, Associate Assistant Headteacher and a member of the maths team, praised the commitment of students who turned up to these sessions week after week throughout the year. “The dedication shown by our students has impressed me, they have had so much to contend with yet they chose to spend hours in afterschool sessions to secure the grades they wanted. I take my hat off to them. They deserve the grades they have achieved”.

Olivia Prandle, Lottie Harrop, Sophie Roberts, Tilly Edwards, Eleanor Holland, Eve Wilde, Caitlin Chaloner

“We have been recognised as a school with outstanding results in Mathematics, Languages and PE for a number of years, our results in these areas have frequently been within the highest in Wales. Over the last 3 years we have made significant changes to our management structure and internal support systems. These changes have supported staff and students and what we are seeing today is the result of those changes. GCSE results across the faculties are now consistently at the same high level, with our English faculty reaching 75% A*- C and Science 76% A*- C, these are now on a par with our Maths faculty that performed at 77% A* – C and PE at 78%. Our Languages faculty performance reached 90% A*-C with Humanities at 77% and 71% for History and Geography respectively. Our Arts faculties not only provide the widest selection of option choices, but also provide high quality teaching and have produced stunning results this year with Music at 93%, Photography at 90%, Art at 88% and Textiles at 89%. The dedicated staff team have seen many challenges over the last 3 years, first a change in leadership, then shortly followed by the global pandemic. At each change they have risen to the challenge. I am very proud of the way they have supported our students and their families, and look forward to the year ahead.”

A range of some of the results have been shared by the school:
Adam Burnett 8A*, 3A; Caitlin Coulborn 7A*, 3A, 1B; Jamie Jones 5A*, 5A, 1B; Dylan Renouf 9A*, 2A; Lily Whitefoot 7A*, 3A; Abigail Wilson 5A*, 3A, 3B; Alannah Bellingham 1A*, 5A, 2B; Josh Bellis 5A, 5B; Nancy Done 6A, 5B; Rachel Elsworth 1A*, 8A, 2B; Lottie Harrop 1A*, 3A, 7B; Eleanor Holland 4A*, 6A; Owen Hughes 1A*, 6A, 3B; Emily Loudon 4A*, 6A, 1B; Rhiannon Mills 1A*, 6A, 4A; Evan Smith 3A*, 5A, 2B; Adrian Stefan 5A, 3B, 2C; Lewis Tansley 2A*, 6A, 2B; Bethany Thomas 6A, 4B; Martha Vaughan Griffiths 1A*, 6A, 3B; Rhys Walters 1A*, 6A, 4B;
On top of amazing results, the following students also achieved a distinction in the Additional Maths, an acceleration route for gifted Maths students Dylan Ellis-Jones 9A*, 2A, off to study Physics, Maths and Further Maths at Coleg Cambria; Daniel Hughes 8A*, 2A, 1B; Bob Lewis 7A*, 4A; Dylan McCann 8A*, 1A, 2B, off ; Dylan Moss 7A*, 2A, 2B; Matthew Smart 11A*; David Watkins 6A*, 4A, 1B; Josh Edwards 3A*, 5A, 3B; Isabel Watson 3A*, 6A, 2B. With Ben Selley 10A*, 1B and Jamie Jones 5A*, 5A, 1B achieving Merits on the same programme.

A special mention also has to go out to Harry Simon who achieved a C in his English and a B in his mathematics. Dr Edwards, Head of the Faculty of Mathematics, described it as “one of the best results from my 25 years of teaching. Harry has worked tirelessly on his Maths for the last 2 years, and this hard work has certainly paid off.” Congratulations Harry.

Cllr Rob Walsh (Chair of Governors), Dylan Renouf, Adam Burnett, Ben Selley, Jamie Jones, Dylan Moss, Matthew Tweedie, Dylan McCann, Joanne Lee Headteacher

Headteacher, Joanne Lee added  “I am so proud of the whole Darland team, as these results can only be achieved with this consistency when everyone works together, that includes staff, students, governors and parents. I wish to extend a huge thank you to all involved in supporting our students, and to send a congratulations to our year 11 students who now look forward to their next adventures. We wish them every success and encourage them to come back every once in a while to let us know how they are getting on.”

Cllr Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education led the praise today saying, “Every pupil receiving their GCSE results today should be proud of their achievements. I wish you all well as you head on to further education, work or training.”

Karen Evans, Wrexham’s Head of Education said: “On behalf of Wrexham Council I would like to congratulate all the students collecting their grades today and thank our teaching staff, parents and guardians in supporting them.”

The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, has congratulated young people across Wales as they receive their GCSE, Welsh Baccalaureate and vocational qualification results.

He said: “Congratulations to everyone receiving their results today. You should all be proud of your hard work through the disruption of the last two years.

“I welcome these results as we transition back to exams this year – it’s great to see what our learners have achieved.

“Don’t be too disappointed and don’t be too hard on yourself if things didn’t quite go to plan today.

“There are a range of options available to you, whether you’re unsure what to do next, or perhaps you didn’t sit your exams.

“Get in touch with Careers Wales or your school for support.

“Everyone under 25 has the opportunity to enrol in education or training, find work or become self-employed through our Young Person’s Guarantee. Take a look at Working Wales online to find out how to get involved.

“I hope you are pleased with your achievements and pob lwc on your next steps.”

Commenting on the results, Welsh Conservative Shadow Education Minister, Laura Anne Jones MS said: “Congratulations to students receiving GCSE results today and the teachers and support staff who have worked exceedingly hard and faced severe disruption over the last couple of years. I would like to wish everyone the best of luck with whatever they choose to do next. There are an abundance of options available to you, including A-levels, T-levels and apprenticeships.

“As was the case with A-levels, results are down on last year, but up on 2019 levels. However, it is a terrible shame that once again Wales lags behind the rest of the UK for the top grades and more worryingly that the pass rate was considerably lower than elsewhere.

“Nearly 5% fewer students passing their exams represents an atrocious deficit, stemming from the Labour Government’s failure to deliver satisfactory education standards. We already knew that our schooling system bottom of the UK league table, but these results mean fewer Welsh students will have the opportunity go on to sixth form and pursue academic subjects than elsewhere in the UK.”

GwE the North Wales regional school improvement service working alongside and on behalf of the North Wales local authorities said: “The 6 North Wales Local Authorities and GwE would like to congratulate all learners on their achievements in this year’s GCSE examinations.

“We would like to wish all young people the very best for the future and acknowledge the support they have received from their schools, families and local authorities through the challenges of the last few years which have been unprecedented.”

(Top pic: Daisy Richardson (1A*,6A,4B’s), Emily Jones (9A*,1A and 1 Distinction), Gracie Jones (4A*,4A,4B, Distinction) and Megan Bennion (2A*,4A,4B) )