Ipswich High School pupils celebrate strong GCSE results

Why it matters: The school, based in Woolverstone, says the results continue a three-year upward trend in individual pupil Value Added, with strong performances also recorded at A-level last week.

The details: The school says particularly strong performances were seen in Latin, Classics, French, Spanish, Art, Food Studies and History.

Among this year's individual successes were:

• Astrid, who achieved seven grade 9s and two grade 8s, which the school says places her among the country's highest-achieving GCSE pupils. She said: "I'm really happy with my results. I'm so pleased I got a 9 in History, as I doubted myself and thought I was going to get a 6! I'm so relieved that all the hard work has paid off. I'm now going to study Maths, Chemistry, Biology and History."
• Myla, who achieved seven grade 9s, one grade 8 and one grade 7. She said: "Getting 9's in subjects is amazing, so improving from my mocks, I wasn't expecting it. I'm going to study History, Politics, Economic and Religious Studies. I'm really looking forward to Sixth Form at Ipswich High School."
• Ariella, who achieved seven grade 9s, three grade 8s and one grade 7
• Oliver, who achieved three grade 9s, one grade 8 and five grade 7s. He said: "I think everyone lowers their expectations, then I opened the results and did so much better than expected, and others have too. I'm doing history A level as one of my subjects next year, and I got a 9 in History, so I am really happy."

What they're saying: Dan Browning, Head of Ipswich High School, said: "Results Day is an important moment and there is so much for our Year 11 pupils to be proud of today. These grades represent years of work, perseverance and encouragement from their teachers, families and friends, but they are also only one part of each young person's story."

"What makes me particularly proud is seeing how much these pupils have grown – academically, personally and in confidence. They have challenged themselves, supported one another and developed interests and ambitions that will take them in all sorts of exciting directions."

"We are delighted that so many will continue their journey with us in our growing Sixth Form, but whatever route each pupil chooses, we want them to leave Year 11 knowing that success does not look the same for everyone. Today is about being proud of how far they have come and excited about what comes next."

The bigger picture: Many of this year's GCSE pupils will continue at the school's Sixth Form, which the school says is growing and broadening its offer. Alongside traditional A-levels, this includes the BGA programme, which the school says allows pupils to work towards a degree while balancing significant sporting, performing arts or other extracurricular commitments.

Last week's A-level results showed one in three grades were awarded A*-A, while the Extended Project Qualification saw 90% of pupils achieve A*-A. The school also reported 100% success for its Oxbridge applicants, with 94% offered their first or second choice, and 100% success for pupils pursuing degree apprenticeships.

A-level leavers are progressing to universities including Cambridge and other Russell Group institutions, as well as degree apprenticeships with employers including EDF at Sizewell C and OCS, the school says.

Mr Browning added: "Our Sixth Form is flourishing because it increasingly reflects the different ambitions of the young people within it. For some, the destination will be Oxbridge or another leading university; for others it may be a degree apprenticeship, a degree pathway, or a more flexible BGA programme that enables them to combine their education with exceptional commitments outside the classroom. What matters is giving pupils the confidence, support and freedom to find the route on which they can flourish."

For context: Founded in 1878, Ipswich High School is an independent day and boarding school for children aged three to 18, located on the banks of the River Orwell at Woolverstone. The school is recognised across the region for its academic ambition, pastoral care and extensive enrichment programme, and is approaching its 150th anniversary.

The bottom line: Ipswich High School says this year's GCSE results, coming alongside strong A-level outcomes, reflect the hard work of pupils and the strength of the teaching and support around them, as the school approaches a significant milestone in its history.

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