Bristol school students receive GCSE results
Over three thousand students received their results today.
Thousands of students across the city are collecting their GCSE results today (22 August).
Provisional results for Bristol show that around 60% have achieved grade 9 – 4 in English and Maths, with around 3400 students taking the exams this year.
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said:
“Well done to everyone collecting their GCSE results today, all students have worked very hard to take this important step in their education. It is inspiring to see so many young people contributing to Bristol’s status of a Learning City.
“Our city offers various opportunities for young people and I am confident that everyone, no matter what results they got, will find the right option for them. Whether you choose to start a vocational course, decide to take your A-levels or join the world of work, you all have a bright future ahead.”
Councillor Anna Keen, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills met with students and staff at Bedminster Down School as they received their GCSE results.
She said:
“Congratulations to all the young people in Bristol who took their GCSEs this year and to their families and carers who have helped them get the best out of this experience.
“Results day can be an anxious time for students and for school staff, who also put in a lot of work preparing for this time of year, and in supporting students who are taking their exams for the first time.
“It really is important to remember that while these exams are a significant milestone, they are still only a first step on your further education career and there are many more education opportunities ahead. GCSEs can help you find where your strengths lie but they are still only a beginning – well done everyone.”
Young people can choose one of many paths following their exams. Their options include continuing their full-time education, undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship, volunteering, joining the world of work or studying part-time.
Results are all provisional until they are confirmed later in October, but across the city there are some success stories of schools and students who have done well.
Gary Schlick, Bedminster Down School Headteacher, said:
“Bedminster Down students have worked hard with the changes to the exam system to achieve some outstanding individual results.
“I’m expecting to see improved progress figures this year that illustrate how our quality teaching and pastoral support will bring out the best in our students. We’re now further boosted by being part of the Wellsway Multi-Academy Trust, who are seeing significant improvements in GCSE results, to share best practice across several local secondary schools.”
Learning Partnership West (LPW) Independent School is a full-time alternative education provider for young people for whom mainstream education has not worked. This year the school, based in Bedminster and the city centre, entered their highest number of learners to date to sit GCSE examinations and celebrated another record-breaking set of results.
The Acting Head Teacher, Dan Carter, said he was absolutely delighted for the students at the school who have passed their exams this year. He said:
“51 young people took their GCSE English Language and Mathematics. 82% achieved their English and 76% achieved their Mathematics.
“Our staff are quite rightly proud of the progress that the young people have made during their time at LPW Independent School both academically and socially, and it’s fantastic our results are even better than last year. It’s so important that young people have the opportunity to sit their GCSEs to gain access to further education, which supports employment and better opportunities in the future.
“When many of our students came to our school, they didn’t have confidence in their ability, or think they would achieve GCSEs and vocational qualifications. Many struggled with attendance, literacy and numeracy as well as being able to form positive working relationships at their previous school setting. Their journey through education has not been easy. But it just shows how, with the right support, what young people can achieve.
“Our students have worked incredibly hard towards these exams and these results today are a real testament to their dedication, the commitment of the staff who teach at our school and the holistic support we give young people.”
Available support and options
Creative Youth Network targeted youth workers will be available in most schools on the day. They are also running drop in sessions on Thursday, 22 August and Friday, 23 August.
North area
22 August, 13:00-15:00, Greenway Centre Southmead, Doncaster Rd, Bristol BS10 5PY
23 August, 13:00-15:00, Greenway Centre Southmead, Doncaster Rd, Bristol BS10 5PY
South area
22 August, 13:00-15:00, The Park – Daventry Rd, Bristol BS4 1DQ
23 August, 13:00-15:00, The Park – Daventry Rd, Bristol BS4 1DQ
East central area
22 August, 13:00-15:00, The Station, Silver St, Bristol BS1 2AG
23 August, 13:00-15:00, The Station, Silver St, Bristol BS1 2AG
On Thursday, 22 August there is a Coffee and Careers Morning event in the Job and Careers Hub in the Galleries, Ground floor.
The Post 16 Participation team is available on the phone helpdesk throughout the exam time.
There is further information available about Post 16 pathways and various options for young people on the Post 16 Participation website www.P16P.co.uk. Or you can contact the Bristol City Council Post 16 Participation team on post16participation@bristol.gov.uk or 01173525750 (working hours Monday – Thursday 8:30 – 6:30 and Friday 8:30 – 4:30).
Apprenticeships
Upcoming apprenticeship opportunities are available on the website: www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentice/what-is-an-apprenticeship and as part of the #FireItUp campaign.
Exams Results helpline
Contact the National Careers Service Exam Results Helpline for free advice if you’ve received exams results that weren’t as good as you were expecting.
The helpline is open until a week after GCSE results day, 29 August.
National Careers Service Exam Results Helpline: 0800 100 900