Folkestone schools reported a bumper year in GCSE results today despite a dip in the national pass rate and tougher exams.

Folkestone School for Girls (FSG) reported a 98% pass rate, the equivalent of the old 5A*-C including English and Maths.

Overall in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, passes (grades C/4 and above) dropped 0.6 percentage points to 66.3%.

Tracy Luke, headteacher, told of her pride on receiving the results.

She said: “I am very proud of the girls and the staff as they have coped admirably with great turbulence and change.

“The ability of the girls and the expertise of the teaching staff has won through.

“Despite the significant changes introduced this summer, FSG has performed brilliantly – as usual.”

Among the high achievers are Ellie Lilliott and Hannah Wain, both 16, who scored a smattering of A*s, 8s and 9s.

‘Chatterboxes’ Kelsie Woolocombe and Stephanie Collins, 16, exceeded teachers’ predictions by bagging a handful of As between them.

Stephanie said: “Opening the results was terrifying.

“We didn’t really pay a lot of attention in class, we did our own thing.

“We’d just sit at the back chattering and eating turkey dinosaurs.

“We’re so pleased with the results.”

Harvey Grammar School

Harvey Grammar School heaped praise on a number of its high achievers, including Laurie Smith, who took his GCSE exams when he was just 14.

He achieved level 9s in maths and English and straight A*s and As.

He said: “I’m the youngest in my year, it took lots of hard work and revision.”

Other high achievers include Louis McMullan who achieved grade 8 in English and 9 in Maths and Joe Smith.

He was awarded grade 9 in English and 7 in Maths.

Scott Norman, headteacher said: “I am delighted to see the hard work of our students and staff results in excellent GCSE outcomes once again.

“It brings enormous pleasure to both myself and all our staff to see so many individuals receive outstanding results that set them on a solid foundation for the post 16 study with us.”

Brockhill Park Performing Arts College

A total of 50%of Year-11 students achieved a pass in English and Maths at Brockhill Park Performing Arts College, while 65% achieved five “good passes” overall.

Mrs Schwartz, headteacher said: “We are immensely proud of the progress made and achievements of our year 11 students.

“These results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and staff as well as the support of parents.

“The governors and I would like to thank parents, staff and students for a superb year.”

Folkestone Academy

Pupils were celebrating an excellent year at the Folkestone Academy as the school’s results in maths and English improved this year despite the new harder style exams.

This was against the backdrop of falling results nationally for good grades in all subjects.
Grades in maths throughout England rose from 61.5% to 68.9% while in English it fell 2.5% to 72%.

Stand out achievements by pupils included:

• Maisy Brogan: English Language 7, English Literature 7, Maths 6, Science B, Additional Science A, French C, Geography A and Distinctions in Art NCFE and BTEC Business

• William Westcott: English Language 7, English Literature 8, Maths 7, Science B, Additional Science A, French C, History A, BTEC Hospitality and Catering Distinction* and BTEC ICT Distinction

• Malakai Triffitt: English Language 5, English Literature 7, Maths 7, Science A, Additional Science B, French B, Geography A, BTEC Music Distinction* and BTEC Drama Distinction*

Andrew Milliken, head of secondary school, praised the “strong results”, saying: “We are all delighted the hard work and dedication of our students has led to strong results that show clear improvement on the previous academic year.

“I am sure our students would wish to join me in thanking their staff for working so hard on their behalf.

“I would like to wish all students the best of luck in their future endeavours and look forward to welcoming many of our students back to the highly successful Folkestone Academy Sixth Form.”