AS IT HAPPENED: GCSE results day in Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead

It's a school results bonanza this week with GCSE students finding out their grades after an unprecedented two years of studying in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This year, GCSE grades will be calculated on teacher assessments of student performance in the absence of exams. 

But it is worth remembering that grades will continue to be ranked 1 to 9 as opposed to the old scale of A* to U. 

You can find out how the schools in your area got on below:

9.56am: Good morning. You wait all year for a results day and then two come along at once. It's a move that has left bedraggled local news reporters tearing their hair out across the country but these are the cards that have been dealt. 

We'll be keeping you updated throughout the day with reaction and photographs from our schools in Maidenhead, Windsor and Slough.

10.00am: A quick reminder on the current GCSE grading system (for my benefit as well as yours). GCSE results are now graded 1 to 9 with a Grade 4 now representing a standard pass.

Grade 9 is now the top mark that can be achieved and is set above the former A* which could be achieved pre-2019.

10.07am: 

Wexham School, Wexham: This year’s GCSE results represented a ‘continued trend of improvement’ at Wexham School, says headteacher Lawrence Smith.

The Norway Drive School has announced a 95 per cent pass rate with 56 per cent of students securing a grade 4 or above in English and maths.

A total of 67 per cent of grades were grade 4 or above in English with 62 per cent meeting that mark in maths.

Mr Smith said: “These are a well-deserved set of results that reflect the hard work and commitment of students during these exceptional times.

“These results also mark a continued trend over the last four years of increasing results at Wexham which I am very proud that my students and staff are achieving.”

10.15am:

Altwood School, Maidenhead: 75 per cent of students have achieved a grade 4 or above in Maths with 71 per cent achieving the same measure in English.

A total of 20 per cent of all grades were awarded at grade 7, 8 or 9, the top grades.

Notable student successes included Amelie Sauvage who secured nine grade 9s and one grade 8.

Harry Scrivens also reaped the rewards of his hard work by securing eight grade 9s and one grade 8.

Headteacher, Neil Dimbleby, said: “I am incredibly proud of our students for achieving a very strong set of results, reflecting the efforts they made across the two years of study, despite all the disruption they faced.

“The hard work and commitment of staff and students is continuing to deliver a learning environment where students can thrive and reach their full academic potential.

“My thanks and congratulations go to the students, parents and staff who have guided and supported our students throughout this important phase. We look forward to seeing these students flourish further in our sixth form.”

10.22am:

Beechwood School, Slough: An ‘excellent set of results’ have been reported at the Long Readings Lane school.

Executive head teacher Kathleen Higgins says that her Year 11 students’ outcomes are ‘well deserved’, adding there was a ‘great partnership’ between working from home and in the classroom.

Beechwood School has not provided percentages for its results totals.

The school has reported that many of its pupils have exceeded or achieved their target grades, with strong performances across a range of subjects.

“This is an excellent set of results and we are so proud of our young people, “ said Ms Higgins.

“Over time the young men and women of Year 11 have worked very hard and consequently these results have been earned and are very well deserved."

10.30am: Pictures are starting to drop in from schools across our area. Here's students at the independent Long Close School, in Upton Court Road, Slough, celebrating their results. 

 10.45am:

Long Close School, Slough: Every pupil at Slough’s independent Long Close School secured a grade 5 or above in English and Maths.

The school, in Upton Court Road, also reported 87 per cent of its GCSE cohort achieved a grade 6 or above with 68 per cent of grades achieved in the top 9 to 7 bracket.

Headteacher Kamaldeep Nijjar said: “We are delighted that our students have achieved such excellent outcomes as the culmination of their years of study with us.

“The results are a fitting reward for the sustained hard work and determination they have shown and the wonderful support they received from our staff.

“Despite the many challenges associated with the global pandemic, these exceptional outcomes will help to ensure that our pupils can proceed to their first choice sixth form with absolute confidence.”  

10.55am:

Desborough College, Maidenhead: The college has announced that it is ‘pleased to report some outstanding achievements’ in its GCSE results this year.

A spokesperson for the college said that the Year 11 cohort had achieved ‘pleasing results’ and added that it was ‘delighted’ to see many pupils planning to return for their sixth form studies.

The school confirmed that it would not be publishing performance data due to the ‘varying impact of the pandemic.’

Maggie Callaghan, the college’s principal said: “We are immensely proud of all the work and achievements of our students, especially after such a difficult and disrupted year.

“Our teachers have worked tirelessly with love and passion to ensure students are all able to progress onto further education and study, and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future.”

11.10am: 

What a summer its been for the Dean family. First Tom secured two memorable Gold medals in the pool at the Tokyo Olympics and now younger brother William has put in a performance deserving of the podium in his GCSEs. 

Here he is alongside Maya Jefferson at Burnham Grammar School after finding out he secured nine grade 9s and one grade 8. Congrats!

11.15am:

Furze Platt Senior School, Maidenhead: Furze Platt has congratulated its students’ ‘amazing results’ after ‘much uncertainty and disruption’.

The school said that the grades achieved had demonstrated ‘resilience, ambition and versatility’ following a year of lockdown and remote learning.

Like several schools in the town, Furze Platt has chosen not to release its pass rate information in the wake of the disruption of the previous academic year.

The school’s headteacher, Dr Andrew Morrison, said: “These fantastic results highlight the incredible way the Furze Platt Senior School community has worked together to support our young people.

“Staff, parents, carers and students have had to overcome many obstacles in the last eighteen months as the pandemic impacted upon all aspects of our lives, including education.

“These grades are the result of a fantastic, combined effort and I would like to thank all members of our community who have so ably contributed.

“Like Furze Platt Senior School staff, I hope that our students and their families are delighted with their achievements.”

11.38am:

Love this action shot from photographer Ian Longthorne at Windsor Girls' School this morning. Timing is everything. 

 11.45am:

Upton Court Grammar School, Slough: Almost half of the grades achieved by pupils at Upton Court Grammar School were either grade 8 or 9.

The school, in Lascelles Road, has reported that 45 per cent of grades were the equivalent of an A* with almost 70 per cent of grades between 7 and 9.

Every pupil secured a grade 5 or above in English and maths, the school added.

Nathanial Smith, Mohammaed Abbas and Srushti Valasang all achieved 11 grade 9s as well as the top grade in additional maths.

Headteacher Mark Pritchard said: "I am proud that, in addition to achieving top grades, Upton Court Grammar School ensures our young people develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values needed to be successful and engaged global citizens.”

11.55am:

St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School, Slough: An average grade of 7.5 was achieved at the school, with 99.2 per cent of students achieving a 9-5 in English and maths.

A total of 65.4 per cent of pupils got 9-7 in English and maths, with headteacher Paul Kassapian praising students and staff for their hard work during ‘uncertain times’.

Stand out youngsters include Krishan Sachdev and Sebastian Rohan, who both achieved a phenomenal 11 grade 9s; Nikola Christov and Ryan Valenzuela-Porta, who racked up 10 grade 9s and one grade 8;  Acsah Alex, who achieved nine grade 9s and two grade 8s, and Stephanie Parkes and Orla Treanor, who opened their results to find nine grade 9s and three grade 8s.

“We are very proud of how hard our students have worked to achieve these grades,” said Mr Kassapian. “Students at St Bernard’s always work hard, but this has especially been the case during these uncertain times and since the cancelation of public examinations.

“Congratulations to all our pupils. My thanks goes to our dedicated teaching and support staff. The support of our parents has been crucial too. They have worked closely with their children and the school during periods of lockdown, to ensure that high quality learning has continued”.

12.45pm:

Holyport College, Holyport: 40 per cent of students achieved an average grade of 7 or better across all of their GCSEs and nearly 90 per cent completed the full range of subjects which make up the English Baccalaureate.

Martha and Raghu both achieved grade 9 in all of their GCSEs, with Martha achieving a grade 9 in 11 subjects!

Headmaster, Ben McCarey, said: “These results are a rightful vindication of all of their learning and endeavours and the students should be hugely proud of them.

“This year especially, these results are about so much more than simply grades. So many of these young people have gone through incredible personal hardships over the past year and half.

“They have missed out on opportunities, experiences and rites of passage alongside losing friends and family members.

“Within this cohort of students, there are incredible stories of resilience, of the indomitable power of the human spirit and of the importance of friendship and community.

“I sincerely hope that these results represent a turning point as we emerge from the deprivations of the pandemic; that they represent hope and a brighter future.”

12.59pm:

St Joseph's Catholic High School, Slough: Nearly three quarters of students achieved at least five GCSEs at grade four or above, including English and maths, capping a high-performing year for the school.

St Joseph’s reported 72 per cent of this year’s cohort achieved the benchmark.

A total of 40 per cent gained the English Baccalaureate which covers English Language and Literature, maths, science, Spanish or French and either geography or history.

Headteacher Ciran Stapleton said: “The students had to work extremely hard to earn these grades and we are sure they are a true reflection and a rounded account of what they can achieve – which has been far greater than what the national expectation might have asked of them.”

1:05pm:

Langley Grammar School, Langley: A total of 98 per cent of students achieved five of more grade 5s including English and maths.

And overall, 78 per cent of grades awarded were 9-7.

Head teacher John Constable said:  “We think the grades awarded are a fair reflection of students’ ability and dedication. All our students deserve congratulations for their hard work and commitment to their studies through what has been a very difficult period for everyone – and with some particularly challenging circumstances for some.

“We are very proud of them and wish them well for the next stage of their education.”

1:09pm:

Advertiser photographer Nick Parford was at Altwood School in Maidenhead earlier to catch some smiling students.

Here is Toby Hind, 16, Zach Stow, 16, and Emily Costard, 16, proudly showing off their results. 

1.37pm:

Newlands Girls’ School, Maidenhead: Headteacher Dr Louise Ceska has paid tribute to the ‘superb efforts’ of students as well as the ‘amazing’ support of staff and parents.

The school is not releasing performance data for this year’s results.

Dr Ceska said: “Our Year 11 cohort have been a credit to themselves, their families and their school. They have demonstrated exceptional maturity and, in spite of the many challenges of studying during the pandemic, their academic progress remained outstanding.

“The excellent results of 2021 pay tribute to the students’ superb efforts together with the amazing support of staff and parents.

“We wish all our Year 11s every success as they start their A-Level and BTEC courses in September.”

1.45pm:

Herschel Grammar School, Slough: It’s been a very successful year for Herschel Grammar School with 100 per cent of results being above a grade 4.

53 per cent of all GCSEs were graded at an 8 or a 9, with 77 per cent being at least a grade 7.

Jo Rockall, headteacher, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the GCSE results. They are a very fair reflection of the students’ hard work.

“We are immensely proud of the way in which they have overcome so much challenge over the last two years. I also very much appreciate the support the students have received from staff and their families. Congratulations to our class of 2021.”

2.00pm:

Burnham Grammar School students Aleque Kakame and Simran Tiwana picking up their results and Class of 2021 yearbooks. 

Hold on to those girls. My Class of 2009 yearbook saw me rated 'most likely to be a car salesman'. Still waiting for my big break. 

2.03pm:

The Marist School, Sunninghill: 25 per cent of grades achieved were 9s, with 51 per cent grades 9-8 and 75 per cent grades 9-7.

Principal Jo Smith said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another year of outstanding GCSE results.

“Students have worked tirelessly; they have shown incredible determination and resilience and they should be very proud of their achievements.

“I look forward to welcoming students back into our Marist Sixth Form in September.”

2.10pm:

Baylis Court School, Slough: The adaptability of students to online learning and an unprecedented year of lockdowns has been praised by vice-principal Lisa Martin.

The school reported that 81 per cent of grades were grade 4 or above, including English and maths.

“As always, our students have been supported by our dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly and with relentless enthusiasm,” said Ms Martin.  

2.18pm: 

Langley Academy, Langley: Students have done ‘incredibly well’ in their GCSEs this year, head teacher Alison Lusuardi said.

The school added that it has seen improvements ‘across most measures’, with one student, Cristian Baluta, achieving 10 grade 9s.

“We are immensely proud of all that has been achieved through this very challenging period of time,” said Mrs Lusuardi.

“Students have shown resilience and determination and have been well supported both in school and at home.

“We were able to continue their education throughout the disruption caused by the pandemic and they have been rewarded with the results they deserve today.

“The majority are now progressing into our sixth form and we look forward to welcoming them back in September.”

2.29pm:

LVS Ascot: The school achieved a pass rate of 98 per cent this year.

Student Gauri Santhosh said: “I feel happy and surprised (by my results), actually. I’ve made friends from all over the world and we got to experience GCSEs together.”

Principal Christine Cunniffe said: “With diligence and hard work our pupils have been rewarded with an excellent set of results and can look forward  to their next steps with confidence. 

“Likewise, our staff went above and beyond to deliver realistic, earned and robust grades in line with JCQ requirements.”

“We’re looking forward to welcoming most of them back into the LVS Ascot sixth form where we hope they will be able to study their A-levels and vocational courses without further impact from COVID.”

2:57pm:

Bourne End Academy, Bourne End: Head teacher Louise Cowley says that she is 'incredibly proud' of her students after a tough 18 months. 

The school has not released a breakdown of its results. 

Two of the outstanding students in this year's cohort were Charlotte Cowlin and Esha Mansoor (pictured below with Mrs Cowley). 

“I am incredibly proud of our students here at Bourne End E-ACT Academy and the hard work and dedication that students and staff have put in during these unprecedented times," Mrs Cowley said.

"Even with exams being cancelled for a second year in a row, our students continued to work hard and this has paid off with outstanding results."

3:06pm:

Khalsa Secondary Academy, Stoke Poges: The South Bucks school is celebrating after another 'exceptional year', head teacher Chris Drew said. 

Outstanding students include Inderpreet Maan (nine grade 9s, one grade 8), Aashna Bhui (seven grade 9s, three grade 8s), Navleen Ghurman (five grade 9s, four grade 8s) and Baghael Singh Bal (four grade 9s, three grade 8s and two grade 7s).

“I am so proud of all our Year 11 students for their exceptional achievements this year, after eighteen months of major disruption for the country and all schools brought about by the pandemic," Mr Drew said.

"Year 11 have been rewarded for their hard work and perseverance, with a number of students achieving grades beyond expectations.  Most of our students will stay on in the Sixth From with a solid foundation upon which to build.

“My sincere thanks goes to the whole staff team who have worked incredibly hard in truly demanding and unique circumstances for all.”

3:14pm:

Berkshire College of Agriculture, Burchetts Green: Students have been congratulated for their performances in English and maths.

Students at the agricultural college are given the opportunity to retake the two subjects as part of their study programme, to support progression into employment. 

Interim principal Anne Entwistle said: "Our tutors have worked tirelessly to help all our students achieve their GCSEs and have worked immensely hard supporting all students throughout the pandemic, with continuous online teaching and resources to help them achieve their target grades.

"The cohort has achieved pleasing results, with increased pass rates."

3:25pm:

Picture time again. Here's Harleigh Sumner, 16, Joe Richards, 16 and Elliot Tomkins, 16, enjoying the occasion at Cox Green School. 

3:33pm:

Meanwhile, over at Furze Platt Senior School, Dylan Gardner, Ashvath Kumar, Connor Soden, Mustaali Kapasi and Ben Wilson, all 16, are jumping for joy. 

3:39pm:

Khalsa Secondary Academy's Baghael Singh Bal is pleased with his GCSE results.

He achieved three grade 9s, four grade 8s and two grade 7s. Well done, Baghael! 

4.12pm: 

Burnham Grammar School, Burnham: Year 11 students have been praised for embracing the ‘considerable’ challenges of COVID and two lockdown’s and supporting each other to achieve ‘fantastic’ GCSE results.

Headteacher, Dr Andy Gillespie said: “What a fantastic year group. There have been many individual journeys where students have truly epitomised the school motto of ‘Embracing Challenge’.

“I am also extremely proud of my staff who have provided exceptional academic and pastoral support to help students navigate their way through all of the potential hurdles they have faced.”

4.21pm:

Reading Blue Coat School, Sonning: The school is celebrating its best ever GCSE results with 85 per cent grades 7 to 9 and an overall 100 per cent pass rate.

A total of 94.9 per cent of grades were awarded at 9 to 6, while 99.4 percent were given at 9 to 5. 63.1 per cent at 9 to 8 and 37.5 per cent at 9.

The results also saw 25 of the school’s 99 candidates receive all 8/9 grades.

Thomas Heath, who achieved nine 9s and two 8s, said: “I’m very happy right now, I was expecting high results because I’ve been working hard this year, but I didn’t expect results this good.

“My sister is coming home from uni today, so we will probably have a curry at home to celebrate.”

Ruscombe resident Niam Popat, added: “I’m really happy. I was expecting to do fairly well, maybe not in German, but I didn’t expect to do as well as I did.

“I’m looking forward to starting A-levels in September, when I’ll study maths, further maths, economics and computing.”

Headmaster Pete Thomas said: “As well as being so grateful to our staff for the huge amount of work that they coped with, I am immensely proud of the boys; the majority of their GCSE courses have been disrupted, but they have coped maturely, worked diligently and their efforts and ability have been rewarded with many tremendous results.

“They have certainly shown how they can deal with difficulties and I am excited to see them throw themselves into life in and out of the classroom when they return in September.”

4:31pm:

The Piggott School, Twyford: Students and staff have been praised for their hard work as the school celebrates an ‘outstanding’ set of GCSE results.

A total of 91 per cent of students passed English language and 91 per cent passed maths at a grade 4 or above.

The pass rate for five or more GCSE’S at level 4 or above including English and maths was 86 per cent.

‘Exceptional’ results were also achieved over a variety of subjects with 100 per cent grade 4 or above pass rates in nine subjects including, biology, chemistry, Chinese, computer science, further maths, art and design, photography, physics and statistics.

Headteacher Derren Gray, said: “The vast majority of our students will be returning to study in our sixth form in September, together with a significant number of external candidates.

“I would like to thank all the teaching and support staff for their continued hard work, dedication and professionalism.

"Congratulations to all our students on their richly deserved success, and thank you to all of their parents for their unstinting support.”

4.47pm:

Claires Court, Maidenhead: Claires Court is celebrating a set of ‘very successful’ GCSE results with 98 per cent of students achieving at least five 4+ grades including English and maths.

Biology, chemistry, further maths, French, RE, and Spanish were the subjects with the highest percent of 9 and 8 grades this year.

47 per cent of grades achieved were at least a 7, which the school described as a ‘fantastic testament’ to the hard work of students in uncertain times.

James Wilding, academic principal said: “These excellent results emphasise just how well the students and teachers have managed to work together to make a really thorough success of their studies over the 2 years of their course, in particular over the first half of the summer term when public examinations were replaced by in school assessments and coursework.”

“For broad ability schools like Claires Court, we are thrilled that almost half of our students have demonstrated their capabilities at grades 7-9, but we are also very pleased that others with more modest capabilities have been able to succeed across the board, with everyone progressing to study A Levels or BTECs in September.”

4.59pm:

Cox Green School, Maidenhead: It’s been an exciting day for Cox Green’s students, many of whom have also had their sixth form interviews today.

Headteacher, Cathrin Thomas, said: “We are so proud of our amazing Year 11 who have excelled in their studies and achieved amazing results. It has been a busy morning seeing so many of them for their 6th Form interviews! 

“Our students have shown nothing but resilience and positivity, and we have every faith in them for their future endeavours.

“Congratulations to our Year 10 students also who sat GCSE RS - great achievements.

“As always, the support shown by our parents, carers, staff and governors has been overwhelming and we remain eternally grateful to them all.”

6.26pm: That's it for another year of results day coverage. Congratulations to everyone who received their results today, and we wish you all the very best for your future endeavours.

For our Slough and Windsor readers, we will have a full round-up of this year's GCSE and A-level results in tomorrow's Express, with even more pictures from what I hope has been a joyous couple of days for all of you.

For our Maidenhead readers, you will find full coverage from A-level results day in this week's edition of the Advertiser with GCSEs next week. Be sure to buy your copies so you don't miss out!

On behalf of David Lee, Kieran Bell, Adrian Williams and Jade Kidd, this is Shay Bottomley signing off on another successful year of academic achievement.

Have a wonderful evening, and we look forward to joining you for next year's results for the class of 2022.