16-year-olds across the Isle of Wight are celebrating after picking up their GCSE results this morning (Thursday). Today marks the start of the next stage of many young people’s lives as they move on to new challenges. Many are choosing to continue to study at sixth form or college, while others are moving on to an apprenticeship or other work-based learning opportunities. GCSE exams are graded on a number scale which runs from 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest). This means a Grade 4 is a ‘standard pass’ with a Grade 5 or above a ‘good pass’. The bottom of a Grade 7 is comparable with the bottom of an old A grade. The results come against the backdrop of an interrupted and challenging landscape since the pandemic.
Christ the King College
On almost all metrics, and in the vast majority of the 20+ subjects offered at Key Stage 4, students did exceptionally well at Christ the King College. In terms of ‘pass’ grades (4+) in English and Maths, progress across all subjects, and improvement from last year’s results, the data is overwhelmingly positive. Headteacher Andrew Montrose has said:
“Whilst all students at Christ the King deserve credit, special mention must be made to those who have achieved some phenomenal top-end grades, and also those students who have made exceptional progress – too many to mention by name!” “Thanks, must be extended to the passionate and loyal teaching and support staff at Christ the King, for the help and the time they have devoted to this Year group. Thank you also to the parents and Governors who have shown compassion, belief, and commitment throughout a challenging few years for these young people. “Whatever the future holds for our out-going Year 11 students, the whole CtK family wishes them well. God bless them all as they take the next steps on their journey”.
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The Bay Secondary School
At The Bay Church of England School, students, parents and staff were together celebrating a wonderful set of GCSE and Vocational results this morning. Delighted Headteacher, Emma Bowden, has commented:
“We are extremely proud of our wonderful students and are so pleased that their results reflect the hard work and effort they have put into their studies. They have been a truly fantastic cohort who have in the main displayed levels of maturity and resilience”.
Special mention goes to the following students for their dedication and results which can only have been achieved through such hard work: Mason Stewart; Jacob Wray; Leo Robinson; Kelly Omwega; Ciarran Mulkerrins; Tommy Massey; Madison Eldridge; Evie Crew; Scarlett Chafla-Wicks and Ethan Brook 
Ryde Academy
Ryde Academy has gone above and beyond to make sure students were as prepared as possible for these important exams, laying on extra daily revision lessons, Saturday schools, holidays sessions, revision camps and evening master classes. Standout results include:
- Adriana Vado: 5x 9s in Maths, Biology, Physics, History and Spanish and five 8s in English Language, English Literature, Chemistry, Art and Music and also the highest progress in the cohort. Adriana has the offer of a place to study A levels.
- Isla Drake: 5x 9s in English Literature, Food, Art, Health and History. 3x 8s in Maths, English Language and Chemistry and 3x 7s in Biology, Chemistry and Statistics. Isla is going to study A-Levels.
- Felix Davies: 3x 9s in Maths, Further Maths and computer science, 3x 8s in Chemistry, Enterprise and statistics. 2x 7s in biology and physics 2x 4s in English language and Literature. Felix is planning to study A-Levels.
- Ellisa Gibbins: 2x 9s in English Literature and Enterprise, 5x 8s Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science and 4x 7s in Physics, Statistics and Citizenship. Elisa is planning to study A-Levels.
- Emily Ainsworth: 3x 9s in English Language, History, Child Development and Drama, 3x 8s in English Literature, Maths, Art, 2x 7s in Biology and Chemistry and 2x 6s in Physics and Statistics. Emily is planning to study A-Levels.
- Lenny Sadler: 2x 9s in Science and History, 5x 8s in English Language, Computer Science, Enterprise and Engineering and 3x 7s in English Literature, Maths and Statistics. Lenny has the offer to study for an apprenticeship with British Aerospace (BAE.)
- Joel Hodges: Highest achieving student for progress in all subjects. He has achieved 8s in Maths, Enterprise and Music, 7s in English Language, Sciences and History, 6s in English Literature, Sciences, Computer Science and Statistics. Joel is planning to study A levels.
Acting Principal Will Doyle has said:
“I am so proud of all our students. Our focus throughout their studies has been not just on exam performance, but also on equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the next stage of their lives. Whether they choose to pursue further academic studies, vocational training, or an apprenticeship, we are confident they have the tools to succeed. “We are committed to supporting every individual student to find the pathway that best suits their talents and aspirations. “We continue to strive for excellence in education, and we are confident that this year’s GCSE cohort will go on to achieve great things.”
Carisbrooke College
The school says it is incredibly proud of all students, who have shown determination, strength and resilience. Students have collectively and individually exceeded expectations. The majority of students are moving on to take A Level and vocational Level 3 courses at The Island VI Form. However, students are also progressing into a range of apprenticeships and other further education studies both on and off the Island. Karen Begley, Head of School at Carisbrooke College, has said:
“This group of young people have shown amazing levels of motivation over the last year and their results reflect the hard work that they have put in. Well done to them all! We can’t wait to see what they go on to achieve in the future. “I would like to thank our dedicated staff team and parent body who have guided and supported the students to ensure their success.”
Cowes Enterprise College
With excellent results across the academy, many of the students are now looking forward to progressing onto their A Levels at the academy. Alongside this, some of the individual standout achievements include:
- Evie Callard who successfully achieved 9 in Drama, Geography, Combined Science and Maths; 8 in PE and Spanish and 7 is English Language and English Literature. Evie plans to study A Levels at Cowes Enterprise College.
- Robert Cragg who achieved 9 in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Computer Science; 8 in English Literature and Spanish and 7 in English Language and Geography. Rob has been a popular student representative thoughout his time at Cowes Enterprise College, who is staying at the sixth form to study Further Maths, Maths, Biology and Chemistry.
- Joshua George achieved 9 in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Computer Science; 8 in English Literature and Geography and 7 in English Language and Spanish. Joshua will be taking A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry at Cowes Enterprise College 6th Form.
- Chloe Green successfully achieved 9 in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Food Preparation and Nutrition; 8 English Language and History and 7 in English Literature and Spanish. Chloe will be joining CEC 6th form to study Biology, Chemistry and Maths.
- Jay Sangha successfully achieved 9 in English Literature, Film Studies, Geography and Combined Science, 8 in English Language and Maths and 7 in Drama and Spanish. Jay will be staying at the 6th form to study Maths, Biology and Chemistry.
- Rithira Dominguarchichi successfully achieved grade 9 in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths: 8 in Geography and Film Studies, and 6 in English and French. Rithira will be studying Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths, and hopes to go to Cambridge to study natural sciences.
“I am incredibly proud of all the students who have received their GCSE results today. They have worked extremely hard over the last two years, and it is fantastic to see their dedication rewarded with an excellent suite of results. “We are excited to see what the future holds for them and look forward to welcoming many of them back in September. We would like to say a huge thank you to all our students, parents, carers, and whole community for your support and encouragement.”
Medina College
Teaching and support staff have provided outstanding support to students this year, providing additional revision sessions, resources and targeted intervention work. Their dedication to the students’ success is to be commended and has ensured that students achieved their full potential. Phil Pearce-Jones, Head of School for Medina College, says:
“It has been an absolute pleasure to celebrate with students today as they opened their results. Their hard work has paid off and they leave us with skills and qualities that will stand them in good stead for their futures. Our mantra has always been about students being the best version of themselves and today is all about celebrating this. My thanks go to the staff and parents for their unwavering support. I wish each and every student all the best as they progress on their chosen post-16 pathway.”
The Priory School
In total, 19 different subjects were taken and 175 grades recorded at The Priory School in Whippingham, both of which are an increase on last year with pupils achieving a 100% pass rate, 97% of grades at 9 – 4, and 32% of grades at 9 – 7 (the old A* – A grade). In English, Maths and Science, pupils achieved a 100% pass rate at grades 9 – 4, and we are incredibly proud of them as they reap the benefits of their strong work ethic and ambition to build excellent foundations for the future. Results day was a cause for great celebration and optimism, and the Principal, Mr David EJJ Lloyd, expressed his personal pride in the determination, maturity and teamwork of the class of 2024. He stated:
“The pupils have secured incredibly well-deserved results after two years of relentless endeavour, care for one another and pride in our school family. A strong focus on pastoral care and wellbeing have allowed pupils to be authentic, take risks, and push curricular and co-curricular boundaries in a safe and supportive environment. Their grades are marvellous, and we look forward to even more success as our pupils move into higher education or the workplace”.
Isle of Wight College
The Isle of Wight College has been celebrating the achievements of its students on a day filled with joy, relief, and anticipation as students received their results and began the next chapter of their educational journeys. The atmosphere at the College has been one of excitement and pride today. The determination and hard work demonstrated by these young people have truly paid off. Throughout the morning, stories of personal triumph and perseverance were shared, reflecting the diverse paths students are set to take. Principal Ros Parker expressed her heartfelt pride, stating:
“It is inspiring to see the students’ commitment to academic excellence and their resolve to overcome challenges. These achievements not only pave the way for further education, but also give our students the confidence to pursue their career goals.”
Ryde School
Over 1 in 5 GCSE results have been awarded a grade 9 or 8 and, in line with last year’s excellent results, almost 4 in every 10 grades are at 9, 8 or 7. Over a third of pupils have achieved 5 or more GCSEs at grade 7 or higher and over half of pupils achieved 5 or more GCSEs at grade 6 or higher. 87.8% of grades are at 9 to 4. There are some outstanding individual achievements the school would like to highlight. Oscar H achieved 7 GCSEs at grade 9 and 2 at grade 8, Nicholas L attained 6 GCSEs at grade 9 and 3 at grade 8 and Daralis R achieved 6 GCSEs at grade 9 and 2 at grade 8. Daisy E, Isaac G, Oliver H, Charlotte W and Harry W all achieved 6 or more grades 9 or 8 in their subjects. Head Master Will Turner has commented:
“Ryde School pupils can be delighted with the GCSE grades they have received today. Another year of excellent results is a reflection of our pupils’ ambition and the responsibility they take for their own achievements. It is also important to thank our dedicated staff for supporting them so well throughout their GCSE programme. We are all delighted to see such impressive results today following on from the strong A Level and IB results our Upper Sixth achieved.”
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education, has said:
“On behalf of the Isle of Wight Council I would like to congratulate every young person who has collected their GCSE exam results. A special thanks is also extended to all of the teachers, leaders and schools for their hard work, support and partnership in delivering these results.’’
The Isle of Wight Council expects to have the full picture of GCSE and other level 2 qualification results early in 2025, when the validated data set is released by the Department for Education.
Very well done to all of them.