GCSE results day 2024: Live updates as Suffolk students receive grades
As students across Suffolk celebrate their GCSE results, we bring you live updates and photos from schools across the county.
This year, the passrate across England, Wales and Northern Ireland has fallen for a third year running – with 67.6 per cent of all grades at 4 and above
The rollout of the 9-1 grading system began in 2017 with three subjects - English language, English literature and maths – and by 2020, all subjects were using the new system. The highest grade is 9, while 1 is the lowest.
County High School, Bury St Edmunds
At County High School, in Bury St Edmunds, 187 students took GCSEs with 70 per cent achieving a grade 4 (standard pass) in English and Maths and 45 per cent achieving a strong pass in English and Maths.
Also, 20 per cent of grades were 7 or above.
Headteacher Sally Kennedy said: "I am very proud of our students who have worked hard in their studies as well as contributing so positively to school life and the positive community of our school. They have demonstrated our school values of ambition and determination in their examinations."
Of particular note, Umeno Newland demonstrated academic excellence in securing six grade 9s alongside three grade 8s and an A in additional maths.
A number of school students also made exceptional progress from the point at which progress is measured in Year 6.
Mason Blake, Milly Sowerby, Amelia Collins, Annabel Ransome, Liam Brown and Ilias Zachariou all achieved in the top 5 per cent of students nationally in terms of the progress they have made during their secondary school journey.
Ms Kennedy paid tribute to these students, describing them as ‘role models to students in our community’ and added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff who worked so hard to support every student achieve their potential and we wish all our alumnae the very best in their next steps.”
For more coverage from the Bury area, see here.
St Benedict’s Catholic School, Bury St Edmunds
At St Benedict’s Catholic School, in Bury St Edmunds, 161 students took GCSEs and 76 per cent achieved grade 4 or above in English and maths.
Notable academic successes included Amy John, 16, of Bury St Edmunds, who scored 11 9s and one 8 – she thinks she was one mark off a 9.
She said: “I’m happy with most of them. I’m quite pleased with chemistry and further maths specifically because I didn’t lose a lot of marks in them and I’m quite happy I managed a 9 in art. But I’m really annoyed about English language especially because it was just one mark.”
Sybil Andrews Academy, Bury St Edmunds
At Sybil Andrews, 71 per cent of pupils achieved a grade 4 or higher in English and maths, while 50 per cent scored a grade 5 or higher.
One fifth of the class of 2024 cohort also averaged a grade 7 or higher across the board.
Nathan Hope, the class of 2024’s head of year since they started in year seven, said: “It’s a fantastic set of results.
“They’ve worked incredibly hard over five years, overcome some real challenges with Covid, and I’m just incredibly proud of every single one of them.”
Notable achievers include Annabel Burden, who achieved five 9s, five 8s and an M2, as well as William Matthews, who scored six 9s and five 8s.
Annabel and William are going on to Abbeygate Sixth Form and St Benedict’s respectively for the next phase of their education.
King Edward VI School, Bury St Edmunds
Staff at King Edward VI have been celebrating with their Year 11 students, who have been praised for attaining ‘impressive’ results in their GCSEs.
A total of 228 pupils in the Bury St Edmunds school took their exams this year, with 66 per cent achieving grade 4 or above in English and maths.
Thirty per cent were also awarded grade 6 or above.
The school’s top achiever was Elodie Barnard, 16, whose results tally included seven grade 9s, two grade 8s and one 7. She said she was really happy with her results.
“I didn’t really know what to expect,” she said. “I looked at my results and got quite emotional.”
Other students who have done well were Matilda Miller, of Culford, who attained eight grades from 7 to 9, with two 9s, two 8s and four 7s as well as Tommy Parfitt, of Moreton Hall, who was proud of passing maths and English with grade 4 in both.
He will now be able to study electronic music production at West Suffolk College.
Headteacher Deri O’Regan said he was exceptionally proud of all the students who worked really hard to make strong progress across their subjects.
He added: “We believe that everyone of our students has a bright future ahead of them next year.
The achievements of our students are all the more impressive as this cohort have had to put up with significant challenges during their five years at secondary school.
Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill
At Castle Manor Academy, 56 per cent of pupils gained grades 4 or above in English and maths.
Headteacher Vanessa Whitcombe said: “The students should be so proud of their results. Our congratulations go to all of them, along with best wishes for their next steps.”
Shilpa Karumathil will be studying biology, chemistry and psychology at Hills Road after four 8s, four 7s and one 6, while Poppy Moore will also be at Hills Road after her one 9, one 8, five 7s, one 6 and one 5. Poppy will be studying English, environmental science and geography.
Samuel Ward Academy, Haverhill
More than 220 students from Samuel Ward Academy collected their results, with 65 per cent achieving 4 or higher in both English and maths.
Dr Kev Geall, head of school, said: "It's a pleasure and a privilege to see so many students delighted that their hard work has paid off.”
Top achievers included Gabriella Rundle-Shahzad with six 9s and three 8s, Josh Cijo who achieved six 9s and three 8s, Misha Kiselev with six 9s, two 8s and one 7 and Nanda Sajith with six 9s, two 8s and one distinction.
For more Haverhill coverage, see here.
Felixstowe School, Felixstowe
Students at Felixstowe School were praised for their ‘remarkable determination and resilience’ as they celebrated their GCSE results.
Its leaders paid tribute to their class of 2024’s achievements through their time at the school, with 48 per cent of pupils scoring a grade 4 or above and English and maths and many choosing to stay on for sixth form.
Headteacher Emma Wilson-Downes said: “This year, our students have been incredible in rising to the challenges they have been presented with.
“The work ethic they have built and continually demonstrated will serve them well in future, and the grit and determination they have shown throughout has been nothing short of inspirational.”
Some of its top achievers included Kate Golden, who scored two 9s, three s and four 7s, and Ruby Davies, who achieved one 9, two 8s and four 7s.
For full coverage, click here.
Thurston Community College
Pupils from Thurston Community College, near Bury St Edmunds, have collected their GCSE results this morning, with 65 per cent achieving grades 4 - 9 in English and Maths.
Maéve Taylor, school principal, said: “Not only have they performed strongly academically but contributed to the wider community of the school in winning sports teams, showcasing drama, music and dance talents as well as establishing a legacy for student leadership over the coming years.”
Among the 265 pupils collecting results was James Bouttell,16, of Pakenham.
James achieved 12 grade 9s and is heading to Cambridge Maths School to study for his A-levels and continue studying his favourite subject.
Collecting his results alongside his mum, James said: “I am very relieved my results were the same as in my mocks but I wasn’t sure I would get the same so I am very happy.”
Stowupland High School
At Stowupland High School, a total of 186 students took GCSE exams at the school this summer, with many now set to go on to take A-levels or start apprenticeships.
Principal Lee Walker said: “Congratulations to all our students picking up their exam results today.
“As a school community, we are very proud of all the hard work and effort you have put into your studies.”
Twins Matilda and Hermoine Johnson, who celebrate their 16th birthday next week, achieved impressive results – including both getting a Level 2 Distinction Stars in food tech and health and social care.
Stowmarket High School
Lucie Hernandez, the headteacher of Stowmarket High School, said: “I am very pleased with the results and proud of the students.
“We are rightly celebrating their hard work and efforts that went into the past five years of their studies. I also would like to thank our dedicated staff; it is their continued diligence that has enabled so many of our students to attain such positive outcomes.
“A special mention to Izzy Manning who achieved the highest grades possible across all subjects.”
For more coverage from the Stowmarket area, see here.
Ormiston Sudbury Academy
GCSE students at Ormiston Sudbury Academy (OSA) celebrated the fruits of their labour this morning, as the school enjoyed a big boost in overall performance.
The school in Tudor Road – which is part of the Ormiston Academies Trust – reported a ‘very significant increase’ in the number of students achieving good passing results (grade 5 and up), as well as the highest marks (grades 7-9).
Sally Morris, OSA principal, said: “Our Year 11 students are a wonderful group of young people who have worked exceptionally hard to get great results.
“They are now able to take up their first choices courses at sixth forms and colleges in Suffolk and Essex.
For more Sudbury coverage, see here.
Mildenhall College Academy
Out of Mildenhall College Academy’s cohort of 201 students in Year 11, 65 per cent of students achieved a grade 4 or above in maths and English.
A total of 86 per cent of pupils in the academy achieved a grade 4 or above in their subjects with 39 per cent of grades above a grade 4, a grade 7 or higher.
Nicola Hood, principal at Mildenhall College Academy, said that students’ hard work and dedication was to be commended and it has now been reflected in their achievements.
“Students at MCA have matched the excellent achievement of their peers last year with some impressive results,” she said.
For more Mildenhall coverage, see here.
Stour Valley Community School
At Stour Valley Community School, in Clare, 114 students took GCSEs with 69 per cent achieving a grade 4 (standard pass) in English and maths and 49 per cent achieving a strong pass (grade 5 or above) in English and maths.
Nineteen per cent of grades were 7 or above.
Headteacher Rachel Kelly said: “We are delighted to see hard work and resilience recognised and we are particularly pleased to see that so many of them made such good progress from their individual starting points, at every level.
“This year group has been through some challenging times, the year group that was most impacted by the school closures during the pandemic.”
Sir John Leman High School, Beccles
Pupils at Beccles’ Sir John Leman High School have been praised after their ‘drive resilience and passion to succeed’ came to fruition on GCSE results day.
Sarah Hartshorn, who joined Sir John Leman as headteacher in Easter, said: “I have only had the pleasure of knowing this cohort of students for a term, but it has been such a delight getting to know them.”
Among the top achievers was Emily Taylor, who scored seven 9s, three 8s and an A in additional maths.
She said: “I am so unbelievably ecstatic about my grades. I owe such a large proportion of this joy to my amazing teachers who have never failed to push me to my limits and support me always.”
Emily Ruddock was also among the school’s best, with six 9s, three 8, one 7 and a B in additional maths.
“I have achieved higher than I think would have been possible without my teachers and the amazing pastoral team at Sir John Leman, who accommodated all the other aspects of school life,” she said.
For full coverage, click here.
Kesgrave High School
Pupils at Kesgrave High School has secured ‘super results’, the school’s headteacher said.
Their hard work and determination paid off as 75 per cent of pupils gained at least a grade 5 in maths and English, while 24 per cent secured all grades between 7 and 9.
Headteacher Julia Upton said: “We’re really thrilled with the GCSE results this year. It’s always a nervous day, with both parents and pupils are worried about receiving those results.
For full coverage of Kesgrave, click here.
Breckland School
Breckland School in Brandon said it was thrilled with the performance of its pupils.
It highlighted the number of students who excelled across a range of subjects including Alex Harris (9 maths, 8 English and 7 science) Leeia Harrington (9 history and 7s in English, maths and science), Annabel Chandler (8s in English, history and PE and 7s in maths and science) and Evie Bland (9 in art and 8 in English).
For full coverage, click here.
Linton Village College
Linton Village College (LVC) reported several exceptional GCSE performances.
Head student, Will Moss, is amongst a group of LVC students that picked up their GCSE results having just returned from a World Challenge expedition in Morocco over the summer.
Will secured eight grade 9s, two grade 8s and an A grade for his Level 3 Free Standing Maths Qualification.
LVC principal, Helena Marsh, said: “Many LVC students demonstrated great resilience and commitment to their learning in their GCSE studies; they should be very proud of their achievements. I wish the Class of 2024 all the very best in the next steps of their education and futures.”
Eastern Education Group
Across the group, a total of 212 gained a level four or above in English this academic year and 140 did the same in maths.
In addition to this, a total of 56 adult learners achieved a 100 per cent pass rate when studying on English, maths, biology, psychology and sociology GCSEs at the Personal and Professional Learning centres in Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury. Both of these facilities are run by West Suffolk College and the Eastern Education Group.
Deborah Barton, the group’s assistant principal for Personal and Professional Learning, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to support a large number of adult learners get the grades they need in terms of GCSEs.
“Some took these qualifications to help progress their careers. Others are continuing their learning journey and will move into further or higher education, and a few took them just for pleasure.
“However their learning came about, our tutors have supported everyone to ensure they received the positive outcomes they desired - and we are incredibly proud of everyone’s efforts.”
Newmarket Academy
Pupils and staff at Newmarket Academy have been celebrating a raft of good GCSE results this morning.
Headteacher Martin Witter, who was with students as they opened their results, has praised the hard work of his pupils and his staff.
Among the notable achievements were 16-year-old Beth Ferrie from Gazeley who achieved nine grade 9s and a grade 8 and is heading to Hills Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge where she plans to study A levels in maths, biology and chemistry and eventually hopes to pursue a career in medicine. Fighting back the tears as she opened her results Beth said she was delighted and relieved to have achieved such good grades.
For full coverage, click here.
East Point Academy, Lowestoft
Pupils at Lowestoft’s East Point Academy are celebrating their GCSE results today, with their principal saying she ‘couldn’t be more proud.
Of the 150-student cohort at the Kirkley Run school, 63 per cent achieved a grade 4 or above in English and maths, while 45 per cent scored grade 5 or above in the same subjects.
Principal Lucy Austin said: “We couldn’t be more proud of our students, who have worked so hard, supported by their families and our dedicated staff, to achieve a truly fantastic set of results. We’re excited to see their next steps and wish them all the very best.”
One of the top East Point achievers was Sophie. She got four 9s, three 8s, a 7 and a 6, and she hopes to go on to study maths and the sciences at East Norfolk College.
She said: “I’m very happy with my results. Everyone has been so supportive, especially in revision sessions, and have pushed me to get the best outcomes I could have achieved.”
For full coverage, click here.
Suffolk New College
Hundreds of pupils secured their GCSE results at Suffolk New College today.
A total of 216 learners across its four campuses in Suffolk secured at least a grade 4 in English – 51 more than last year.
A further 123 people gained a grade 4 or above in maths.
One stand-out pupils was a 73-year-old great-grandad, who returned to school after nearly six decades to secure a GCSE in English.
For full coverage for Ipswich, click here.
Ormiston Endeavour Academy, Ipswich
Pupils at Ormiston Endeavour Academy have taken the next step in their education after picking up their GCSE results.
Jamie Daniels, principal of the school, said students worked exceptionally hard to secure these grades over the past couple of years.
Jamie said: "The whole academy community is beyond proud to be able to celebrate together, with an improved set of results for Year 11 students, particularly with the number of students achieving pass grades in English and mathematics increasing.”
Stoke High School, Ipswich
Students at Stoke High School were among those who collected their GCSE results today.
Principal Karen Baldwin said: “We are pleased to see that students have worked hard, and this has allowed them to reach their full potential and receive grades that will open up doors for their future courses, study and employment opportunities in the future.”
One top earner was Olayemi Olufemi–Bada, who has ambitions to become a doctor after achieving grade 9 in mathematics, and grades 9 in combined science.
In addition, friends Bayley Oakes and Shannon Vidler said they were pleased with their results.
Shannon received grades 8 in English and history with a level 2 distinction in BTEC travel and tourism and hopes to go onto study her A-levels at Suffolk One.
Bayley gained a distinction in travel and tourism and a grade 8 in photography.
Royal Hospital School, Holbrook
Royal Hospital School, in Holbrook, is celebrating its highest ever GCSE results.
Over half the exams taken – 50. 4 per cent – received the highest possible grades, the school has said.
This included 159 grade 9s being awarded to pupils across Year 11.
Headmaster Irfan Latif said he was absolutely delighted with the year of 2024.
Thetford Academy
At Thetford Academy, 190 students sat GCSEs, with 53 per cent gaining at least a grade 4 in English and maths (38 per cent at grades 9-5).
Principal Michael Fordham said: “Students at Thetford have had another good year of GCSE results, coming at the end of a challenging journey created by the pandemic.
“Despite this, students have worked exceptionally hard to get the grades they did and we look forward to welcoming many of our Year 11s into the Thomas Paine Sixth Form to study A-levels, and we wish the best of luck to those heading to college.
“A special mention must go to four students who will begin apprenticeships with Warren Services in Thetford, a partnership that has been growing for some years.”
Farlingaye High School, Woodbridge
At Farlingaye High School, 45 per cent of pupils achieved a grade 5 or above in English and maths and 70 per cent gained grade 4 or above in English and maths, both of which are an increase on last year.
Headteacher Peter Smith said: “We are delighted for all of our Year 11 students.
“They built momentum during their final academic year and I feel have risen to the challenge that their examinations posed.
“This is a cohort of students who have overcome the legacy of the Covid 19 pandemic and now significant disruption to their education through RAAC to achieve brilliant things and on behalf of all the staff here at Farlingaye we would like to congratulate each and every one of them, for their hard work and positive attitude throughout the year.”
Thomas Mills High School & Sixth Form
Staff at Thomas Mills High School & Sixth Form have been celebrating with their Year 11 students at they collected their GCSE results this morning.
A total of 168 students at the Framlingham school took their exams this year, with 74 per cent achieving grade 4 or above in English and maths.
Seventy-seven per cent of all grades were grade four or higher.
Among those celebrating was Oliver Downes, who attained four grade 9s and four grade 8s. He said he was delighted with the results.
“I’m looking forward to studying A-Levels at Thomas Mills,” he added.
Georgia Ingold, head of year, said: “I am so proud of the cohort.
“Their results are testament to their hard work and dedication.”
For full coverage, click here.
Hartismere School
Year 11 students at Hartismere School, in Eye, have been praised for achieving ‘impressive’ results.
Eight per cent of pupils attained grade 4 or above in English and maths.
Headteachers Geoff Luxton and Sarah Gray said: “These results are a testimony to the hard work of all our staff, governors and students and to the support given to them by their families.”
This story will be updated throughout the day.
