Students from Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form are once again celebrating some excellent GCSE results this summer, at every level.

This summer has seen reforms and changes to the exam system in English, English Literature and Mathematics, with new exam syllabuses and a new grading system (9-1) replacing the old A*-G grades in these subjects, with different boundaries for each new grade.

Students have risen to the challenge of the changes and their results have shown strong improvements this year, with 64% of students gaining 9-4 (the old A* to C equivalent) in both English and Maths this year.  More than two thirds of all results were graded at A*-C (or equivalent).

Among the school’s top performers are Joe Bennett, Hannah Bilboe, William Bolton, James Conway, Alex Deith, Emily Heissig, Daniel Hicks, Jasmine Horsham, Emily Hynes, James Knock, Edward Leggett, Katie Murray, Emily Neate, Isobel Parkes, Eleanor Potter, Megan Ranger-Green, Renee Specketer and Polly Temple. Between them these students amassed a truly impressive 76 A* and 82 A grades (or their equivalents).

The year’s top performer was Head Girl Hannah Bilboe, who has gained 9 GCSEs at the equivalent of A* as well as a further A grade. Daniel Hicks and Isobel Parkes achieved grade 9s in both English and Mathematics – a superb achievement given the changes to exams which mean that far fewer 9s are awarded now in comparison to the A* grade.

We congratulate all students on their hard work and persistence in working towards their grades and wish them the very best for their futures.