Students across Knowsley have been picking up their GCSE results today – with even more of them achieving good passes than two years ago.
There were smiles, gasps and tears of joy as pupils across the borough found out how they had done.
The borough’s top performing school this year was All Saints Catholic High School in Kirkby, where provisional results show that performance was up across the board. They were also the borough’s most improved school, compared with 2019.
Students at All Saints Catholic High achieved the school’s best ever results.
This year’s cohort of students were the first to return to ‘normal’ exams following two years of teacher assessed grades during the pandemic. But like pupils across the country, they’ve had to endure a very disrupted couple of years whilst studying towards their GCSEs and other qualifications, with a mixture of in-person and virtual learning during lockdowns.
So it’s even more testament to their hard work that so many young people in Knowsley were celebrating today, and looking ahead to their next steps.
Students at All Saints Catholic High achieved the school’s best ever results.
In fact, the majority of Knowsley schools recorded better results this year than in 2019.
The number of Knowsley pupils gaining a Grade 4 and above in both English and Maths has increased.
In addition, all schools have also seen improvements in the percentage of students achieving a strong pass in both English and Maths (Grade 5 and above).
Students at All Saints Catholic High achieved the school’s best ever results.
There were also fantastic achievements by pupils at Alt Bridge – an outstanding specialist provision. Here, more pupils than ever were entered for GCSE Maths and English this year. The majority of these entrants (98%) achieved a grade at GCSE and every student achieved a qualification.
Cllr Margaret Harvey, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said: “I’ve always known our young people were incredibly resilient, but the past couple of years have proven that beyond all doubt.
Students at All Saints Catholic High achieved the school’s best ever results.
“These young people have experienced an unprecedented disruption to their lives and their learning and yet we are still seeing so many success stories. That’s very much thanks to their hard work and dedication and the support of their teachers and families. Everyone should be really proud of themselves today. I wish you all the very best of luck with your next steps.”
“And whilst comparisons to previous years are really difficult at the moment given everything that’s happened, it’s really encouraging to see that the number of pupils gaining good passes is increasing across the board.”
Students at All Saints Catholic High achieved the school’s best ever results.
What’s next for Knowsley pupils?
Students will now be finalising their choices for next year, with the majority expected to go on to study Level 2 or 3 qualifications in Colleges, Sixth Forms and other further education establishments.
At present, further education in Knowsley is available at:
- Knowsley Community College offering a range of Level 1 to 3 vocational courses and apprenticeships as well as supported learning for Special Educational Needs and / or Disabilities (SEND) students and GCSEs English, Maths and Science
- All Saints Catholic High School Sixth Form offering a range of Level 3 vocational courses in Business, Health and Social care, Uniformed Public Services and Sport alongside A Level Art, Graphics and Textiles
- Bluebell Park – post 16 provision for young people with complex needs including independent living skills alongside creative, sports, horticulture and core curriculum
- Alt Bridge School – post-16 provision for young people with Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs) with qualifications in life and living skills, employability and Duke of Edinburgh as well as continuing with English and Maths GCSEs and functional skills
- Flourish Further Education – 19 to 25 provision for young people with very high and complex needs providing an individualised sensory curriculum and life skills
Other popular choices which border Knowsley are:
- Carmel Sixth Form College
- Cronton and Riverside College
- Winstanley College
- Hugh Baird College
- St Helens College
There is more information and advice on next steps here on Knowsley News.