YEAR 11 pupils at Stanwell School have once again enjoyed exceptional achievements at GCSE level.

A best ever 87% secured five or more Level 2 passes (A*-C grades) including English and mathematics. A total of 58 pupils achieved 10 A grades or better, with the following 12 pupils being awarded ten A* grades or more:

Seren Marsh (13 A* grades & 2 A grades)

William Marsh (11 A* grades & 4 A grades)

Linda Saji (11 A* grades & 3 A grades)

Joseph Short (11 A* grades, 1 A grade, 1 B grade & 1 C grade)

William Gale (10 A* grades & 5 A grades)

Orla Emberson (10 A* grades & 4 A

Megan Jones (10 A* grades & 4 A grades)

Calum Wincott (10 A* grades & 4 A grades)

Jonathan Wright (10 A* grades, 3 A grades & 1 B grade)

Luke Pringle (10 A* grades, 3 A grades, 1 B grade & 1 C grade)

Alice Durham (10 A* grades & 3 A grades)

Emily Geen (10 A* grades & 3 A grades)

The success of pupils was widespread across the curriculum, with the A* to C grades exceeding 85% of the entry in art, biology, chemistry, child development, drama, digital applications (ICT), English language, English literature, food, geography, graphics, history, mathematics, media studies, music, performing arts, physics, religious studies, science and textiles.

Particularly pleasing was the students’ achievements in the mathematics and religious studies departments with 78 and 57 A* grades respectively.

Equally impressive were the achievements of pupils who studied vocational qualifications in partnership with Cardiff and the Vale College and the Military Preparation School.

The Penarth Times sampled some of the mood after the pupils received news of their accomplishments.

Emily Ross got nine A*s and five As and will be studying Biology, History, Economics and Politics.

Emily said: "I originally got given someone else's at first but I eventually got mine.

I was really nervous in the build up as everyone was asking me how I think I had done. There was a definite sense of relief when I got the results.

It is great to see all the hard work pay off." Emily along with many others will be staying on at Stanwell for sixth form.

Jess Martin achieved eight 8 A*s three As and a distinction in Maths.

She said: "It was a great feeling when I found out my results."

Jess will also be staying on to study Maths, Further Maths, Physics and either Biology or Chemistry.

Alfie Chambers is set to study Maths, Biology and Chemistry at AS-level after his eight A*s, three As and two Cs.

He described how he was: "delighted to have done better than expected and I am taking things one step at a time."

Lucy Sibert gained a distinction in additional maths along with her five A*s and eight As.

She feels like Maths is definitely her strongest subject and will be studying Biology, Chemistry and Geography next term in Sixth Form at Stanwell.

Like many others, she said: "I was so so nervous so I am really happy with what I got. I am interested in forensic science and so this gives me motivation in the long term."

William Gale got 10 A*s and four As along with a distinction in Additional Maths.

He said he was quite pleased with how he did and added: "My mum and dad are both teachers and my sister did well so there were expectations on me."

William said he will be staying on at Stanwell and is considering a career in aviation in the future.

Year 11 Tutor, Mr Barry Crompton, said: “It is a delight to see the hard work of the pupils and support given by parents and staff being rewarded with so many students achieving their potential and obtaining high grades.

The Key Stage 4 pastoral team have enjoyed working with this year group and wish them all continued success in the future.”

Assistant Headteacher, Mr James Mansfield, was especially pleased to see large numbers of pupils achieving the required grades to follow their chosen subjects in the sixth form and commented that “pupils worked with diligence and commitment in the lead up to the examinations and the excellent results are well deserved”.