Excellence and Progress despite GCSE Upheaval!

King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School has enjoyed an excellent set of GCSE results despite the national volatility and turmoil surrounding new courses and grading systems, with some outstanding individual results achieved by our hard working students. It is widely acknowledged that there has been much unpredictability this year (as last year!) in the light of major reforms and changes to the examination and assessment system. We are very pleased to report that the overall picture at HGS is again one of consistent and sustained progress overall as well as positive development. Approximately 50% of all entries were at 9-7 grades which is slightly lower than last year’s results although taking into account the change in the specifications it is not a valid comparison. The national figure is 20.6% for boys and girls and only 17.5% for boys, so our proportion of entries achieving the top grades is nearly 33% better for boys and is considerably higher than the national value. Overall 99% of all our entries were at 9-4 grades. National figures were 67% for boys and girls and 62.7% for boys, so our proportion of entries achieving a pass grade is 36.3% better for boys and is significantly higher than the national value.

Individually in Mathematics and English 99% of all entries were at 9 to 4 grade. This is an excellent achievement considering that the subject grades were no longer being proportionally matched to legacy pass rates. Our Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores are higher than last year’s figures demonstrating positive progress and development with both scores being well above the national averages.

This is a wonderful achievement overall bearing in mind the changes that have taken place.

45 students attained 8 or more 9 to 7 grades.

14 students attained 10 or more 9 to 7 grades.

7 students attained straight 9 to 7 grades – they were:

Niyaz Chowdhury who took 10 GCSE exams with an average grade of 8.1, Jay Keenan who took 10 GCSE exams with an average grade of 8.4, Anu Adeleye who took 11 GCSE exams with an average grade of 8.2, Ashrafkhan Akbari who took 11 GCSE exams with an average grade of 7.2, Harjap Bahra who took 11 GCSE exams with an average grade of 7.8, Muhammed Haseen Rehman who took 11 GCSE exams with an average grade of 8.3 and Jasbinderbir Singh who took 11 GCSE exams with an average grade of 8.9.

We congratulate all of our students for their hard work and dedication to their studies, and wish them every success as they embark upon their A Level courses. We also congratulate and thank our dedicated staff who have supported their students every step of the way.