GCSE Exam Report 2018

This summer was the first in which GCSE pupils at Bradfield received numerical grades, including the new Grade 9 (equivalent to A** or a ‘super’ A*). Almost 85% of all GCSEs sat by our pupils were the new reformed courses, with the remainder being primarily IGCSEs, which currently still yield alphabetical grades.

The College is delighted to report excellent results in the new world of GCSE assessment. 17% of our pupils’ new GCSE entries were graded 9, 38% graded 9/8, and 61% of all GCSEs sat graded 9-7 or A*/A. In all, almost a third of the cohort secured 5 or more 9/8/A* grades. Government reforms have resulted in GCSEs that are a more rigorous academic challenge than ever before. As such, it is pleasing to see very strong performances in the core subjects: mathematics sees 17% of papers graded 9, similarly 24% in English and an average of 26% across the three sciences. This is vastly different from the national picture.

A number of individuals have returned some remarkable results. Samuel achieved 999999998A*A* and Robert 99999998A*A* while James and Poppy scored 999999998B and 99999999A* respectively. Special mention must also go to Tom, Isabella, Holly, Tabby, Isabelle and Olivia who all achieved 6 or more Grade 9s.

Headmaster, Dr Chris Stevens was delighted for the pupils and staff at the College, “Teachers and pupils have worked really hard getting to grips with new syllabuses and papers this year but there was understandable nervousness over how pupils would fare in the light of the changes. These record-breaking results are therefore especially pleasing and a great achievement. The new Grade 9 has been good for our pupils, providing an opportunity to reward those performing at the very highest level.”

Neil Burch, Deputy Head (Academic)