Superb GCSE results for HCS pupils

Group

Hereford Cathedral School pupils celebrate another year of excellent GCSE results, with 58% of all exams awarded the highest grades of 9-7 (A*/A). This compares with 26% of grades 9-7 nationally. Nearly a quarter of all grades at HCS have been awarded the top grade 9. 

Results were impressive across the board, with excellent outcomes in all departments and the Sciences, English Language and Maths being of particular note. Twenty-one exceptional pupils achieved all 9-7 (A*/A) grades, with 8 pupils boasting all top grades 9-8.  

Noa S (below, left), one of the school’s top performers, achieved an incredible eleven grade 9s and is looking forward to studying Maths, Further Maths, Physics and English Literature in the sixth form. He said: “I’m looking forward to having more freedom [in HCS sixth form] and small classes where you can discuss things in depth with teachers and other people who are also interested in the subject.” 

Noa was one of nine pupils who gained a grade 9 in Further Maths. He also achieved an unheard-of 148 out of 150 in his challenging English Literature paper.

 

Noa
Anna and Sunaina

Anna-Maria D and Sunaina R (above, right) scooped 23 grade 9s and one grade 8 between them. Both girls were proud of their successes which they achieved despite the impact of the pandemic on their studies.

Anna said: “I’m insanely grateful for all the teachers at HCS because even in lockdown I think we had one of the best educations and it was honestly amazing. There are so many teachers that have put in so much effort and work for us.” Sunaina added: “All my teachers were really supportive and I could always go to them if I had anything that I needed.”

Music
Drama

Drama and Music departments have achieved great things again this year. In Drama, almost two thirds of students achieved grades 9-8, while in Music nine out of 12 pupils received a grade 9. 

For Amelia W (pictured second from left above), a member of the school’s internationally renowned girls’ choir Cantabile, music was just one of a fantastic set of results. She credits a combination of hard work and her teachers’ support with her success: "I’m definitely most proud of my Music that I tried really hard with. I’ve had lots of support from the Music staff and definitely my Form Tutor too.” 

Amelia is looking forward to staying on for sixth form to study Psychology alongside her other subjects.

Kemi A (below centre), another Cantabile vocalist, achieved ten grade 9s and two 8s in her GCSEs today and is looking forward to the next chapter: “I’m excited to go on to HCS Sixth Form to study Maths, Economics and History, and I’m also really looking forward to the development in the Sixth Form café.”

All 9-8

Keen linguist, Bronwen D (pictured above, second from left), is particularly proud of her French result, a subject she’d like to continue at A-Level. “I got ten 9s and two 8s. I’m planning to stay on at HCS Sixth Form to study Chemistry, Biology, French and hopefully Latin as well.” She was grateful to her teachers for putting her on the right path for the next stage of her studies, adding: “Our teachers were always on hand…they were really helpful, especially during the stressful exam periods.”

Dr Michael Gray, Headmaster, congratulated the students on their endeavours through what has been a challenging period: "Our pupils have achieved some really fantastic results and we are all absolutely delighted. These wonderful outcomes reflect the hard work that our Year 11 pupils have put into their studies; they have exhibited resolve and determination amidst the challenges of the pandemic. I would also like to say a huge thank you to all the teachers and staff who have supported them on their journey so far.

“Our record-breaking A-Level results and these tremendous GCSE outcomes are part of an exciting academic momentum full of opportunity and possibility; I know that this Year 11 cohort will thrive in our newly refurbished Sixth Form with our exciting new digital strategy and HCS Diploma, and we can’t wait for September.”