GCSE results: the smiles, the hugs – and the relief

Photo: Twins James and Emily Knowles, received their results on Thursday morning

There was a lot resting on this year’s results for Headteacher Peter Rowland, who is retiring after 12 years in charge of the school. But he said the pupils had done themselves proud by matching Severn Vale School’s best-ever results last year.

Students we spoke to seemed relatively unfazed by the recent changes to the GCSE system, not least a move away from modular assessment and coursework to final exams that have provoked much debate.

For most, it was a picture of big grins, hugs with friends (and parents) and – in some cases – relief that they would be able to go on to the further study they’d planned.

It’s very moving. I’m very proud of what the young people have achieved Headteacher Peter Rowland

Twins James and Emily Knowles (pictured above) opened their results sitting side-by-side in one of the academy’s classrooms, a teacher on hand to give advice and proud mum Linda watching over their shoulders.

Both got the grades they’d hoped for. For James, who achieved 3As, 4Bs and a D, it means going on to sixth form to study maths, business, economics and physics.

His sister was only really worried about one result. “I’m really relieved about science,” Emily told us. Her B grades in the subject mean she’ll be able to study science at A-Level.

Read more on this year’s GCSE results: A* to C grades rise, but English scores fall

Photo: Severn Vale School Headteacher Peter Rowland (left) and James Jones, 16, who is doing an engineering apprenticeship (right)

‘I’m still shaking’

We watched too as 16-year-old James Jones got his results. He had turned up at school wearing the uniform of the company which has given him a four-year mechanical engineering apprenticeship.

He appeared quietly euphoric as he read down the sheet of paper confirming his one A grade, two Bs, 10 Cs and a D.

“I’m still shaking,” he said, after ringing his mum with the good news. And although his apprenticeship, which includes a year at college, is secure, today’s results still mattered. “They mean if I didn’t get a job at the end of the apprenticeship I could still go on to college or sixth form if I needed to. It’s brilliant.”

James and other students finishing their GCSEs this year are the first who will be required to remain in some form of education or training, at least part-time, until the age of 18.

Sixty-five per cent of the students at Severn Vale achieved five or more A* to C grades, including English and Maths.

Coming into the school to watch his pupils collect the results will be one of Peter Rowland’s final acts as headteacher. And at a time of “increased rigour” being brought to bear in the exam system, he said he was delighted the school had maintained its levels of achievement from last year.

“It’s very moving,” he told us. “I’m very proud of what the young people have achieved.”