GCSE results 2021: pupils of Catmose College in Oakham celebrate exceptional grades
A school principal has praised pupils and staff for their hard work during the lockdowns that helped produce some excellent GCSE results.
Stuart Williams, principal of Catmose College in Huntsman Drive, Oakham, said: "We are very proud of every Catmose pupil; they have all triumphed despite two years of disrupted study caused by the pandemic.
"They demonstrated extraordinary resilience and hard work during the lockdowns."
He added that staff also continued to go the extra mile to provide high-quality online teaching, which contributed to the final results.
"Our pupils should be very proud of what they achieved and leave us with the confidence that their grades were hard won, thoroughly deserved and will serve them well to guide their next steps whether that be A-levels, vocational courses or an apprenticeship," he added.
Seventy-seven per cent of pupils achieved grade 4 (pass) and above and 53 per cent achieved a grade 5 (strong pass) or above including English and maths.
Pupils achieving only grades 7, 8 and 9 - the equivalent of the old A and A* grades - were Philip Tradewell, Catherine Hinch, Richard Tomblin, Oliver Williams, Olivia Bowles, Alice Harries, Henry Harrison, Benjamin Atkinson, Alexandra Bateman, Oliver Pound, Patrick Denton, Abigail Lamb, Sienna Murphy, Ethan Rawden and Lucy Turley.
Bayley Mitchell, a 'head student' at the school, said she had enjoyed the range of activities at Catmose, with something new each year.
"I felt so supported by the teachers; they were so friendly and always there to guide me," she added.
"My next step is A-levels in chemistry, biology and geography at Harington School, and then I hope to become a wildlife biologist."
Fellow head student Oliver Williams said he was "incredibly proud of our year" because everyone had to adapt to new challenges in education over the past two years.
He added: "I'm grateful for all the opportunities that Catmose College has given me, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a battlefields trip to Belgium and being chosen as head student."
He will also join Harington School in Oakham in September, to study maths, economics and physics.
Philip Tradewell who gained nine grade 9s said: “I am thrilled with my results. I am now going to Harington School where I am looking forward to studying maths, physics and German.
"I then plan to go university to hopefully study engineering. I would like to say thank you to the teachers for all their hard work, help and support."
Excellent progress was made by Luke Adams, Rebekah Arthey, Benjamin Atkinson, Calum Davis, Eleanor Garfoot, Aleena Haider, Alice Harries, Thomas Harries, Marcie Hearth, Catherine Hinch, Lucy Hollywood, Abigail Lamb, William McCabe, Matilda Michelson, Theia Morgan, Jessica Newby, Lydia Orton, Tobias Page, Oliver Pound, Ethan Rawden, Hannah Thornley, Richard Tomblin, Lucy Turley, Lyanda Williams, Lara Woolhouse and Mateusz Zawadzki.
Catherine Hinch, who is going to Harington School next to study A-levels, thanked her teachers and said: “I am really pleased with my fantastic results.
"I support my family on our farm and these results will enable me to fulfil my dreams of becoming a vet."
Olivia Bowles said she had loved a GCSE German exchange trip, and her favourite teacher was Ms Collins because she really enjoyed the way all her lessons were taught. "If I had any queries I could go to a teacher and they would help me," she added. Olivia will go to Melton Vale to study A-level maths, history and psychology.
Lucy Turley said her next step is to go to college in Leicester where she will study film, politics and history. "After this I plan to go to university in Canada as my family are there," she added.
Meanwhile, Abigail Lamb is off to Hartpury College in Gloucester to study rugby, and then hopes to play rugby and go into sports management.
For GCSE results and photos from other schools in the area, click here.
