Plenty to celebrate for GCSE and A-level students in Borehamwood

There were no exams this year due to the coronavirus pandemic and it has been a very confusing time for students who have faced last minute U-turns from the government over how grades are awarded.

Today, GCSE students across the town received their results based on their own teacher’s predictions.

Here are some of the highlights from Hertswood Academy, Yavneh College, and Elstree UTC.

Hertswood Academy

It is nearly a year since Hertswood opened its new £32 million academy. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and it looks to be having an effect with the school producing a “strong set of results”.

The school’s top 5 students achieved 55 grade 9, 8, and 7’s between them, which is equivalent to A*’s and A’s.

Twins Justus and Nabrissa Badu were the top performers with Justus achieving 8 9’s and 4 8’s, while his sister Nabrissa secured 7 9’s and an 8.

They both said the results were a “massive relief” after a period of uncertainty.

Twins Justus and Nabrissa Badu achieved the best results in the school

Many more students also performed very well in their results with some staying on for sixth form or heading to other colleges.

Among the other top performing students were Adwoa Owusu, Nuala Watson, Victoria Armistead, Grace Arquero, Peter Appiah, James Hicks, A.J. Toohey, and Liam Bruce.

Grace Arquero, above, said countdown to results day had been 'stressful' but was delighted with her results which includes 3 9's

Four 9's and 5 8's for a relieved and very happy Victoria Armistead

Liam Bruce is staying on to study maths, further maths, and physics, while Ellie Longworth who achieved an 8 in art, maths, and statistics will also be continuing at Hertswood

Band member Harry Heard loves music and his passion shone through securing a 9 in the subject

Harrison Hodge has become the first Hertswood pupil to secure a place at a rugby college.

He will be heading to Hartpury College in Gloucester – described as the “best of the best”.

England internationals Johnny May and Ellis Genge are among those who have passed through the college doors and Harrison’s GCSE results mean he can follow his dream of becoming a professional rugby player.

Harrison Hodge is going to study at a rugby college

Head teacher at Hertswood Academy, Peter Gillett, said: "We are delighted to announce another strong set of GCSE results with a significant number of top grades and 72 per cent + achieving a grade 9 to 4 in English and Mathematics.

"We are looking forward to welcoming students into our Sixth Form and congratulate our students, staff and parents for their effort and determination during these unprecedented times."

Last week, A-level students received their results amid a backdrop of controversy nationally about the way in which the results were awarded.

Peter Gillett, pictured last year inside the new academy

But Mr Gillett was still a proud head teacher.

He said: “Even in these unusual times, Hertswood Academy is celebrating its year 13’s hard work and efforts which is leading many of them to great university courses and apprenticeships.

“It is wonderful to see the exam boards recognise the work of the students and many have been awarded A* across a variety of subjects.

“Students are planning to head to a selection of universities including Nottingham, Southampton, Edinburgh, and Leeds.”

Among the highlights were Millie Clive who received three A*'s, Daria Krymkowska who achieved an A* and three A’s, and Urse Bloxham and Hannah O’Sullivan who both got an A* and two A’s.

Urse, left, and Millie from Hertswood Academy

Yavneh College

Head teacher Spencer Lewis says he was “incredibly proud” of his year 11’s.

There were some stunning results for his GCSE pupils.

For example, Lila Chernick, Jonah Horne, Joshua Morris, and Matthew Zucker all received 10 9’s.

Natalie Hartog, Benjamin Moont, and Amelia San also performed impressively receiving 9 10’s.

Overall, 54 per cent of grades were between 9 and 7 and 87 per cent between 9 and 5.

Mr Lewis said: “After an incredibly difficult 6 months, pupils have finally received their GCSE results. The constant changes in government and exam board policies and approach over recent days have been very unfair on the pupils but today is a day to celebrate.

“Yavneh College pupils worked hard for their GCSEs, they completed mock exams, ongoing assessments and a huge amount of work all marked by their teachers who were then able to assess each and every student and assign them an appropriate grade.

“I am delighted to say how well our Year 11 pupils have done, they should be incredibly proud despite not sitting the final examinations.

“These results reflect their hard work and that of their dedicated teachers.”

Head teacher Spencer Lewis

Thirty-one per cent of all A-Level students at the college gained all A or A* grades, while 88 per cent of vocational students achieved at least three distinctions.

Mr Lewis said: "Students did not get the opportunity to sit their exams and show what they are capable of, they had worked so hard and they were very disappointed. Of course, Covid-19 has changed the way in which we all look at things and the students have accepted things with good grace and a smile.

"I am extremely proud of the grades Yavneh College pupils have been awarded. The students worked incredibly hard for a year and a half and they deserve these excellent grades."

Elstree Screen Arts, formerly Elstree UTC

Despite a "challenging and unprecedented" year for young people receiving GCSE and Level 2 qualifications, Elstree Screen Arts says it is proud to report some wonderful exam achievements for its students. 

There are special congratulations to Maya Nakajima who achieved 8 7-9's, Georgia Istrate, who achieved 9 7-9's, Michael Stanchev who received 8 7-9's and Tilly Rose Shepherd who secured 6 7-9's.

Maya Nakajima, above, received great results with 8 7-9 grades - including 5 grade 9s

Alfie Mear and his family celebrate his results. He will be going on to study performing arts subjects in sixth form.

The following students have made the most progress and exceeded their grades across all their subjects: Carly Shields, Naomi Hoy, Alex Rosewarn, Sky Soutar, and Jessica Kutock.

Principal Chris Mitchell said: "Even though we are proud of the outcomes our students have achieved, we are even more impressed by their resilience, professionalism and maturity during what has been a challenging lockdown and chaotic exam season.

"Our students have been a real credit to themselves, their families and our school."

Lucas Judd celebrates Distinction* in music technology, 8 in film studies, and 7 in drama

Maisie Kent was relieved and happy with her results as it means she is able to study her dream subject - forensic science in sixth form.

The college also says its A-level students achieved some "brilliant" results after completing two years of challenging level 3 study.

Across the board, 100 per cent of students have achieved passes and above in level 3 qualifications and A Levels, and over three quarters of all our students met or exceeded their targets.

Notable student successes included Sophie Herrick receiving a double distinction* in performing arts musical theatre, Distinction*, Jake Coltman got a double distinction in art and a distinction* in game design, while Lilie Corke secured an A in A level Art, distinction* in specialist production make-up and, distinction* in Level 3 music performance.