Ipswich GCSE results: Stoke High School, Suffolk New College, Royal Hospital School, Ormiston Endeavour Academy
Students in Ipswich arrived at their schools with a sense of excitement to pick up their GCSE results today.
Here are all the results from the Ipswich area:
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.
Deputy principal Marianne Flack said: “These GCSE results build on the efforts of our brilliant apprenticeship, T-level and vocational results last week, so we are really proud of how hard our students have worked to gain these qualifications.
“We would like to congratulate everyone for all their hard work and and we look forward to helping new and current students achieve great things with us in the coming weeks, months and years.”
One stand-out student was a great-grandad in his 70s, who left school at 14, but returned to sit a GCSE in English.
Danny Davey, 73, from Ipswich, said he never wrote before returning to school after nearly six decades.
He worked as a roofer before his retirement.
Mr Davey said: “Growing up, I went to about 15 different schools, left school at 14, got a holiday job and never went back [to school].
“I’ve always wanted to learn and improve myself – you should never stop learning – personal development is everyone’s responsibility.”
You can read his story here.
The head chef of an Ipswich hotel also collected his results today.
Luke Bailey, 47, of Trimley, who works at Salthouse Harbour Hotel, gained his maths GCSE today.
His next move is to study teacher training.
Mr Bailey said: “I’ve been a chef for 30 years and I’ve always wanted to teach the next generation of chefs (at some point in my career).
“Suffolk New College is one of the best catering colleges around, I live around the corner from it, so I thought it was a good opportunity to work with them and study teacher training.
“My message to others about going back into education in later life is that it’s good to have something else to focus on other than work. It’s not as daunting as you think. It doesn’t matter how old you are – go and do it.”
A mum and daughter from Ipswich also passed their GCSEs at the same time.
Emma Parker-Barber, 46, passed a grade 5 GCSE in English, while Faith Parker-Barber, earned a grade 4.
Emma said: “I didn’t think I was going to get it so I’m really happy. I was ecstatic when I found out my grade.”
Faith said: “I was happy when I got the grade I wanted. The college is really good – they help and support you.”
You can read their full story here.
Ormiston Endeavour Academy
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.
“We’re so proud of the dedication and commitment of our students and staff across the past two years. We have seen numerous examples of individual students whose hard work has resulted in impressive qualifications being obtained, and ensuring bright future career progression.
“Congratulations to all our students on their achievements - I would like to thank all the staff at Endeavour for their continued dedication in supporting our young people.”
Stoke High School
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.
Ana Maria Balan was delighted with grades 8 in English, French and art.
This will allow her to pursue her dreams of further study to become a dentist, she said.
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.
She is excited to also study A levels in history, law and sociology.
Royal Hospital School
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.
This, alongside last week’s A-level results, resulted in staff and pupils celebrating back-to-back record breakers.
He said: “ I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the dedicated team of teachers and wider colleagues at RHS, whose unwavering dedication and commitment has provided pupils the opportunity not only to achieve their academic potential, but to explore their passions through a wide range of co-curricular achievements.
I’d like to provide particular recognition to the exceptional leadership of Headmaster Simon Lockyer, and Deputy Head (Academic) Catherine Stevens, who have left a lasting legacy at RHS and provided firm foundations for the continued success and growth of the school.”
He said he looked forward to welcoming back many GCSE pupils to Sixth Form in September as it ‘sailed into an ever-changing and challenging world.
He added: It [RHS] remains steadfast in its mission to provide an education that prepares pupils not just for exams but for life.
“The school's blend of tradition and 21st century innovation creates an environment where pupils can thrive academically, socially and emotionally, and I am excited to navigate RHS through this exciting new chapter.”
For the latest results across Suffolk, click here.
