Posted: Thu 20th Aug 2020

Updated: Hundreds of students across Wrexham receive their GCSE results

Wrexham.com for people living in or visiting the Wrexham area
This article is old - Published: Thursday, Aug 20th, 2020

Hundreds of students across Wrexham are waking up this morning to discover the results of their GCSEs.

It’s a results day like no other for students, who had their exams cancelled at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

It is hoped the chaos of last week’s A Level results will be avoided after Education Minister Kirsty Williams confirmed this week that A level, AS, GCSE, Skills Challenge Certificate and Welsh Baccalaureate students will be awarded their Centre Assessment Grades.

Commenting on today’s results Cllr Phil Wynn, lead member for education at Wrexham Council, said: “I am very proud of our young people today who will be receiving their GCSE results based on Centre Assessed Grades.

“It’s been a very difficult year for them all and they are to be commended for their resilience as we continue with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I would like to pass on my congratulations to them all but I also recognise that some may now have difficult decisions to make and they should all be re-assured that their schools and parents will be able to advise them on the best way forward as they enter further education, work or training.

“Well done to everyone and best wishes for your future.”

Ysgol Rhosnesni

Headteacher, Andy Brant, Rhosnesni High School, added: “We are exceptionally proud of our Year 11 students.

“Whilst they were unable to sit GCSE examinations during the summer, they have achieved so much over a five year period.

“Unquestionably, this year group embodied our school values of respect, honesty and success. We know that the fabulous results they have received today are fair, accurate and well deserved.

“I would like to thank Rhosnesni staff, parents and students for their hard work and support.”

Rhosnesni Chair of Governors, Cllr Paul Jones, said, “Today, Governors and I would like to congratulate our students.

“They have done exceptionally well and their achievements should be celebrated.

“A huge thank you and well done must also go to our excellent staff team and our Rhosnesni parents.

Ysgol Rhiwabon.

– Every student is leaving compulsory education with a minimum of 5 qualifications.
– Excellent results in the core and non-core subjects, which builds on the success of last year and recent school records.
– A significant increase in the number of the cohort achieving the upper grades A* – B across their subjects, with some outstanding individual performances.
– Excellent skills development, evidenced through the Skills Challenge Certificate.

Students at Ysgol Rhiwabon celebrating their results

Mrs Melanie Ferron-Evans, headteacher said: “This is a year group which has worked very hard to secure success in challenging circumstances and we are so proud of them.

“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 calculated by our teachers provide certainty and opportunity for the future, based on dedicated and sound professional judgement.

“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.”

The Maelor School Penley

The Maelor School welcomed its year 11’s back some five months since they last left due to the lockdown.

Headteacher Simon Ellis said: “What a fantastic day, much has been said over the last few weeks and these young people have had to deal with much uncertainty and worry about their futures.

Jacob Oftidal-Jones:  6A* 3A 1B

“I’m so pleased to see that their hard work and dedication has been rewarded with these fantastic results.

“Many of our pupils plus a good number from other schools are joining our Sixth form next year so we are delighted to be continuing to work with them. For the others that are taking courses at college or exciting apprenticeship opportunities we wish them the very best of luck.

“After such a disrupted few months it’s great to see the school full of enthusiastic young learners again.”

Hannah Kassim – 10A* 1A

Deputy Headteacher Lynn Lloyd commented: “I am so proud of our pupils, this has been an extremely difficult time for them but they have shown great determination and commitment to their studies.

“I wish them well and every success for their futures.

Beth Edwards: 5A* 6As Distinction, Mia Iles: 2A* 4A 2B. Ellie Jones: 9A* 2 A, Caitlin Edwards: 7A* 4A, Holly Swale: 8A* 3A and Aniela Purcell: 1A* 3A 6B

“We were able to given them their leavers hoodies and photographs today and we will be arranging a leavers prom over the next few months, I look forward to seeing them then.”

Ysgol y Grango

Students at Ysgol y Grango in Rhosllanerchrugog celebrated receiving their GCSE results today.

After an extraordinary final year which was cut short by the coronavirus lockdown, the students were rewarded for their hard work at the school over the past five years.

The school has given a special mention to Simu Umama and Helin Topal, who both achieved straight A*/A grades across all their subjects.

After picking up her results, Simu said: “I’m feeling ecstatic! I feel relieved and I’m proud of myself. I’m grateful for the results I’ve got. I’m now going to do my A’ levels in History, Biology, Government & Politics at Coleg Cambria.

“Then hopefully I’ll go to university. This last five months I’ve been hopeful because I was happy with my predicted grades but then obviously I got quite nervous with what was happening with the algorithm, but it all turned out great in the end.”

Ysgol y Grango students Simu Umama and Helin Topal collecting their GCSE results.

Helin said: “I’m feeling really proud of my results. I did better than I thought I would. Obviously we didn’t get chance to sit the exams so I didn’t really know what I would get.

“I’m glad I did get these results though. I’m going to sixth form next to do A’ levels in Psychology, Criminology, Health & Social Care and Public Services.”

Headteacher, Stephen Garthwaite, said: “This has been a final year unlike any other for the students.

“They have missed out on so many things at school this year – final examinations, saying a proper goodbye to their teachers, leavers’ day celebrations and the school prom – but it is great to see them pick up their results today, which are fully deserved.

“They have been a real credit to the school and it is wonderful to see them rewarded for all their efforts over the years. Their results have been achieved through hard work, a great attitude to school life and a strong community spirit throughout their time with us.

“All our students are now able to take up their places at college or sixth form and we wish them every success for the future.”

Darland High School

Assistant Headteacher Stewart Roberts said: “Our students have worked extremely hard over the past five years to attain the GCSE grades they have picked up today, and we have seen a number of incredible sets of results by individuals.

“Just a few of these include (pictured below with Cllr Rob Walsh- Chair of Governors and Headteacher Joanne Lee) Jessica Owen 8A*, 2A; Sasha Aldridge 6A*, 4A, 1B; Rachel Mclean with 7A*, 2A, 2B; Anabelle Bailey 9A*, 2 A; Abi Povey 7A*, 3A, 1C; Bethan Jones 7A*, 3A, 1B; Joe Baines 10 A*, 1C and James Mann 8A*, 1A, 1B.

“I am so pleased for them, they deserve these successes. Anabelle, Jessica and Bethan will now be moving on to the Maelor School in Penley to study A Levels and Joe, Sasha, James, Abi and Rachel will be studying A-Levels at Coleg Cambria.”

Students celebrating with Cllr Rob Walsh- Chair of Governors and Headteacher Joanne Lee

Deputy Headteacher Simon Corner said: “I am very proud of the work ethic this year group has shown since they joined us in Year 7 and the way in which they have handled the recent difficult situation. It is testimony to their maturity and the support provided by their families”.

Headteacher Joanne Lee added: “Today has been a very special occasion, a chance for students to smile, see their teachers and friends and celebrate their hard work.

“Many are taking different routes with the majority going on to further studies in local A-Level schools and colleges, and a number starting local apprenticeships.

“Whichever path they have chosen we wish them every success, and staff have been on hand today to continue to support them with applications to college or 6th form.

“The last few months really have been a test of character for them all, with the uncertainty around exams and how grades were to be awarded.

“I am proud of the way they have conducted themselves. Regardless of the awarding systems in place, our students have worked exceptionally hard for these results and they deserve them.

“Whether they are going into education, training or employment we do hope they will pop back from time to time and let us know how they are getting on.

“I am also proud of the support I have been given from a wonderful team of staff who have worked together so effectively in what has been a uniquely challenging, but enjoyable first year as a head.”

Chair of Governors Cllr Rob Walsh said: “I am so proud. After everything that has happened this year with the Covid lockdown, so much could have gone wrong. However, our staff and pupils battled on regardless and have achieved great results. Well done one and all.”

Ysgol Clywedog

Mr Matt Vickery, headteacher said: “Everyone at Ysgol Clywedog is very proud of all the hard work that the year 11’s have put into their work and of their maturity, resilience and perseverance in the light of an unprecedented final year of education in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We know that this year group was set to continue the improvement shown in last year’s results; it is so disappointing that they were not able to do just that by sitting their exams.

“In putting together Centre Assessment Grades (CAGs), staff were well aware of how well we expected this year group to perform and this was reflected in the data submitted to the exam boards.

“I am delighted with their achievements and wish them all the best in their future pathways: college, higher education, apprenticeships or work.”

Students celebrating their results at Ysgol Clywedog

He added: “We know that their experiences at the school over the years have helped prepare them for the challenges and successes that lie ahead of them.

“I recognise the hard work of all our staff in preparing all the students and ensuring that this year’s very different assessment processes were met.

“I would also like to thank our parents, communities and governors for their support in ensuring the achievements and success of all of our students.

“Well-done, year 11, and all the best for your future successes.”

Ysgol Bryn Alyn

Despite the numerous and difficult challenges presented by the Coronavirus crisis, students and staff at Ysgol Bryn Alyn are celebrating after receiving another excellent set of results in this year’s GCSE examinations.

This year was, of course, a very different year as the Coronavirus crisis meant that all students were unable to complete their courses and take their exams.

Commenting on the situation, Headteacher, Adele Slinn, said: “After nearly two years of hard work and months of extensive studying, it was particularly upsetting for all of our Year 11 students to suddenly lose the final weeks of their teaching and learning and to end their time at Ysgol Bryn Alyn so suddenly.

“This year group have missed so many rites of passage and our hearts really do go out for them.

“However, we were extremely proud of the highly mature way in which they handled the situation and after weeks of nervous anticipation, today was a day of happiness, satisfaction and undoubted relief for many of our students.

“We are so proud of each and every one of them and we wish them every success in their future.”

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:

Megan Kocker (Head Girl) 13 A*, Melissa Fox 11 A-A*, Marnie Edwards 10 A-A*, Alliyah Purdie-Jones 9 A-A*, Andrew Robert (Head Boy) 9 A-A*, Chloe Ashton 6 A-A*, Sam Colley 6 A-A*, Joshua Lock 6 A-A*, Ben Phillips 6 A-A*, Joshua Phoenix 6 A-A*, Kimali Weeramunda 6 A-A*.

Students collecting their results at Ysgol Bryn Alyn

Head of Year 11 Mr William Beddoes was keen to praise the students for their achievements, stating: “As Head of Year 11 we had high hopes for this year group and I am so pleased to be able to say that this excellent set of results contains some outstanding individual results including that of our very own Head Boy and Girl!

“Despite not being achieved through exams, such a set of results could only have been gained as a result of those individuals putting in a great deal of hard work, having a strong positive mental attitude and regularly demonstrating real resilience, not least during the last few months.

“The results are totally representative of the outcomes they deserved and therefore it was fantastic to see so many happy faces as our students opened their envelopes.

“This has been another great year group and it has been fabulous to watch them grow and develop over the last five years. It has been a pleasure to work with them during their time with us.

“So many have really contributed to the everyday life of the school and today is a real and tangible reward for all of their efforts to be the very best they can be.”

Headteacher, Adele Slinn, added: “On behalf of all of us at the School, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate every one of our students on their fantastic achievements.

“I would also like to thank our teachers for their total commitment and professionalism and also, parents/carers, whose support and constant encouragement has meant so much.

“As a result, so many of our students have today achieved what they fully deserve.

“I really couldn’t be more proud and to see them dream, reach and achieve.”

Education Minister, Kirsty Williams said this morning: “I want to send my very best wishes to everyone who receives their results today.

“Due to the many changes we’ve had to make this year in exceptional circumstances, you’ve had to make many sacrifices.

“It has been a year like no other, and today will feel a bit different.

“These results are a reflection and reward for your hard work, prior attainment in exams, and school assessment, so you should be very proud of what you have achieved.

“I hope you get the grades you’d hoped for, and you can continue with your journey in the autumn, whether this is onto college, apprenticeship or staying on at school.

“Although many of you will be pleased with your results and excited for your next step, if you didn’t get what you’d hoped, there’s plenty of options & advice on Working Wales.

“Best of luck, and best wishes for the future.”

We will be updating this page with results from schools and comment from heads of education across Wrexham throughout the day.



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