School leavers across Bedford Borough have been collecting their GCSE results this morning, and schools have been sending us their news so we can collectively celebrate their success
Nationally, it’s reported that results are similar to last year, with more than a fifth of entries, or 21.8%, awarded the top grades – at least a 7 or A grade – slightly down on the 22% in 2023, but higher than the 20.8% in 2019 before the pandemic, according to Sky News.
Scroll down to see how local Bedford Borough schools and students have fared. Schools will be in alphabetical order.
Bedford College
The Bedford College Group is proud to announce that 750 students across the Group have improved their GCSE English and/or Maths grades to achieve a Grade 4 or above.
Students across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire are on study programmes that enable them to sit or retake their GCSEs to improve on the grades they received while studying at school.
This year a total of 1,352 students who sat GCSE English and Maths with the Group improved their grade by at least one grade.
Nina Sharp, Vice Principal for Maths, English and Progression Pathways said: “We are extremely proud of all our students receiving their GCSE results today.
“The results demonstrate the significant impact The Bedford College Group is having on supporting its students to improve their GCSE English and Maths grades so that they can get the building blocks to start meaningful careers or progress on to further study.
“Many of our students didn’t get the results they had hoped for the first time around, but they showed the determination to progress in their studies with us, with many now celebrating improved results.”
Below are some of the fantastic results their students have obtained:
Bedford College – GCSE English
- Emily Turner has significantly improved her results from a from Grade 3 to 6
Tresham College -GCSE English
- Phoenix Turner has gone from FSL1 to Grade 5
- Keira Camilleri went from no Grade to Grade 9
Tresham College – GCSE Maths
- Katie Noakes is a Motor Vehicle student looking for a career in STEM. Katie has persevered to improve her grade and after attending all sessions and workshops she gained a Grade 4
- Shaquille Chidoori went from zero to Grade 5, the highest grade jump for a full-time 16-19 learner in the college
Bedford School
Almost half of all examinations at Bedford School have returned grades 8 and 9 (A* equivalent), and two-thirds at grades 7 to 9 (A*/A equivalent).
A record 23% of all grades were grade 9, the highest possible grade, with eighteen boys achieving a sweep of eight or more grade 9s.
Acting Head Master, Mr Sam Baldock, said, “Congratulations to all the boys on their superb results today and an extraordinary year full of sporting and creative successes for this year’s group.
“Seeing so many happy faces sharing their results with friends, family, and teachers this morning was a delight. The boys’ results are a credit to their grit and drive, their strong support for each other, and all the care and guidance from their families and teachers.
“There has been a real buzz of excitement this morning with boys discussing the different A-level and IB subjects they will begin in the Sixth Form, as well as our new courses in Sport & Exercise Science and Enterprise & Entrepreneurship.
“All alongside our core Sixth Form programme of research skills, community partnerships, and our unique leadership courses.”
Pupils highlighted gave their own thoughts on their results.
- Sam McMurran feels “really relieved” and “happy” after putting significant effort into achieving eleven 9s. Sam, who also received an A in A-Level in Maths last week, taken two years early, said it took a great deal of discipline to manage the many subjects.
This was alongside a busy schedule of music rehearsals and preparation for the Schools’ Challenge General Knowledge national finals.
He said he was grateful for the directed further reading he received from his humanities teachers and believes it helped his grades by allowing him to look at questions from a different angle.
Sam is studying Further Maths, Economics, Politics and History at A-Level and is excited to see where they will take him.
- Ethan Clifford also undertook eleven examinations, including Further Mathematics, and achieved 9s across the board. Ethan credits the support he received from his teachers in achieving his incredible results,
He said: “My teachers were so beneficial when helping me revise in the build-up to exam leave.”
Ethan will study Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and Latin at A-Level and looks forward to expanding his experience and knowledge by joining the various Sixth Form societies and activities.
- Fraser Morgan said he is “chuffed to bits, especially with subjects where I didn’t expect 9s.” Fraser added eleven grade 9s to his grade 9 in French, which he took a year early.
“I’ve had some really excellent teachers who have given me the freedom to push beyond the curriculum and enjoy myself; others have been really supportive in encouraging me in my weaker areas.”
Fraser has also managed a busy schedule of music, fives, and preparing for the ESU Churchill Public Speaking Competition national finals. Fraser is taking the IB next year and will study English, French, German, Computer Science, Maths and Philosophy.
He hopes to study languages and linguistics at university and feels his courses give a nice framework to work towards such a broad field.
- Akram El Gabour is “over the moon” after gaining nine 9s and one 8. Keeping up with all the content on ten different subjects and handling the workload was a challenge.
He added that being able to always contact his teachers for support was hugely helpful, and Akram took full advantage of all the revision and contact opportunities in the run-up to study leave.
Akram is studying Maths, Chemistry, Biology and Economics A-level at Sixth Form and hopes to read either Economics or a medical-based degree at university afterwards.
- Tristan Cooper is “very happy” after achieving higher grades than expected, with ten grade 9s at GCSE. Computer Science was a challenge for Tristan after it proved a little more difficult than he expected.
Howeverm he said that thanks to support from his teachers after lessons who ran through pure coding practice one-on-one, worked through past questions step-by-step with him and helped him hone his exam technique, he achieved the top grade.
Tristan looks forward to studying the IB in the Sixth Form and has his sights set on the top universities.
Bedford Free School
Bedford Free School has proudly announced another year of “remarkable pupil progress” with their GCSE results today.
A spokesperson for the school says: “The school is distinguished by its exceptional academic performance, consistently ranking among the top schools in the country according to the Progress 8 measure and results this year look set to continue this trend.”
“Pupils have shown remarkable improvement from their starting points, with many exceeding their target grades by substantial margins.”
While the school says so many pupils have made, “outstanding strides in their academic journey, showcasing their hard work and dedication”, they also offered special congratulations to several pupils.
This included Rachael Lehain, Sharon Thekkekut, Noemi Riera, Jaskaran Jassi, Orumua Oshomah and Rahan Uddin for what the school called “their amazing achievements”.
“Particular commendation”, says the school, “goes to [the departments of] English (where 93% of pupils attained above a grade 4), Mathematics (75% above grade 4), History, Science and RE who all achieved excellent results.”
Principal Jane Herron expressed immense pride in the pupils’ progress, “Today’s results are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of our pupils and staff.
“Despite the challenges posed by the past few years, our pupils have shown incredible character and resilience. We are extremely proud of the progress they have made.”
Chair of Governors, Nigel Syson, added, “These results reflect the exceptional support and dedication of our teaching staff, the commitment of our pupils, and the unwavering support of parents and carers.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the significant progress our pupils have made and look forward to their continued success.”
Stuart Lock, CEO of Advantage Schools, the trust that runs Bedford Free School, commented, “Bedford Free School remains dedicated to providing a nurturing and challenging environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth.
Bedford Girls’ School
Bedford Girls’ School have said they’re “delighted” to announce another set of excellent examination results, adding to a summer of success at A Level and IB Diploma.
Almost two-thirds of all GCSE entries were awarded grades 9-7 (equivalent to A and above), with over 23% being awarded the top grade of a 9.
Mrs Gibson, Headmistress of BGS, said: “I am extremely proud of this cohort. They have shown grit and determination during a challenging time for the whole of society. They have achieved outstanding results with the exceptional guidance and support of brilliant teachers.
“Results alone should not define a young person, nor do they demonstrate the wider value of education; they are just one part of a pathway to success.
“At BGS, we are interested in every individual’s story – in the hours they have spent developing their skills in sports, honing their talents on stage, finding their own voice, or sharing their passions for music, art, and social justice.
“Each and every one of them has so much to celebrate as they progress to the next stage of their education.”
Bedford Greenacre Independent School
In what the school says is proving to be a “very exciting new academic year for Bedford Greenacre Independent School (BGIS)” students have opened a “delighted to announce a “fantastic set of GCSE results for the academic year 2023/24”.
“As our pupils prepare for the next stages of their educational journeys, whether continuing to A-levels, vocational training, or other pathways, we are confident that the skills and knowledge they have acquired at Bedford Free School will serve them well in their future endeavours.”
While all students have been congratulated, the school has highlighted several pupils who they say deserve special praise for the results they have received.
Achieving “incredibly impressive sets of results” across the board with several top grades included,
Tana Mahachi, Lorella Cocozza, Milly Barker, Amelie Fergusson, Tanito Adefisan, Maddison Agama-Spencer, Zaphaniah Bryan, Arun Dhanju, Ellery Few-Wiegrat, Shamir Hassan, Janush Kirupakaran, Ben Morgan Jones, Kyan Okoli, Wulf Pottruff, Dominic Rankin, Tom Steer, Toby Sutliff, Kaya Thomson, and Himmat Waraich.
BGIS say they continue to achieve highly across all areas of the school which shows a broad and balanced curriculum.
Several subjects including Art, Economics, Further Maths, Italian and Spanish all achieved 100% grade 4 or above for all entries. Continuing last year’s trend, the core subjects achieved a very pleasing set of results and appear to be on track to exceed the national average which is “hugely impressive from our non-selective cohort”.
A large number of students will now be joining their “vibrant and rapidly expanding 6th form” which a spokesperson for the school says they are “very excited about”.
Principal, Mr Daniel, added, “GCSE results can be a nerve-racking stage in a young person’s life, and their parents, here at Bedford Greenacre we pride ourselves on being able to support our students to reach their potential, both academically and socially.
“We look forward to continuing to support many of our pupils on their journey in Sixth Form”.
Biddenham International School
Biddenham International School’s Year 11’s have achieved “great” GCSE results with many of their top performers following in the footsteps of their older brothers and sisters, which a spokesperson says shows “what a family school Biddenham is.”
Saleh Ahmed is said to be the stand-out performer with 9 x 9s, 1×8, and 1×7, with Yuki Turner close behind with 3x9s, 3x8s,2x7s and 1×6 – his sister, Nikko was their top performer a few years ago at A level achieving 5xA*s.
Hummy Islam, also a younger sibling and daughter of a member of staff, gained an incredible 1×9, 5x8s, 2x7s and 3x6s.
Patrick Bielawski is leading the way in his family with 1×9, 6x8s, 2x7s and a 6, as is Eleanor Briscoe with 1×9, 1×8, 6x7s and 3x6s.
7s and upwards are the former As and A*s.
Other students very close to these results are Saahir Ahmed, Avneesh Deshpande, Bridget Mbe Tay Addai, Zuzia Gromotke, Amour Rahman, Hanif Abu, Anisa Akhter, Federica Omotogbe, Ihsan Zakaria and Shafyul Abdin, who the school say have “all done tremendously well”.
Eleanor Grylls, Head of School at Biddenham said: “As a mother of three ex-Biddenham students I fully appreciate the importance of schools valuing the need to meet the academic and social needs of the students, particularly post-COVID.
“Our students have worked hard to achieve excellent results having come through the most difficult of times to be a young person.
“I am full of admiration and pride for all our Year 11s; they have done so well this year – as indeed have all their teaching staff in supporting them with this success. We look forward to working with them on the next step of their Educational journey.’
Castle Newnham School
Castle Newnham School is celebrating an “excellent” set of GCSE results which they say sees improving grades in a number of areas.
Outgoing Principal Ruth Wilkes commented, “We are very pleased with these results. Our pupils have shown great resilience and determination, and their hard work and dedication have paid off.
“These results also reflect the expertise and the unwavering support of our staff team. We never compromise on either inclusion or the richness of curriculum and so these results are particularly pleasing.
“I leave the school with huge pride in this cohort of pupils and their teachers and support staff.”
Headteacher of Secondary, Sara Levesley, added, “We are very proud of the achievements of our pupils. The atmosphere this morning has been one of celebration.
“These results are a testament to the hard work of our entire team, not least of which are the pupils themselves. Many pupils have done very well, achieving well above their potential.”
Many pupils at Castle Newnham have secured places at their preferred sixth forms and colleges, with the school saying they remain committed to supporting their continued success.
A spokesperson added, “We wish everyone the very best as they embark on the next stage of their lives. They will always be a valued part of a community and we can’t wait to hear what happens to them in the future.”
GCSE student Darcey Murphy has also accepted a sixth-form place at St Edward’s School, Oxford.
Darcey, who rows with Bedford Rowing Club, will join St Edward’s with a sports award for rowing. She is said to be “delighted” with this opportunity.
Darcey will study A Level Geography, Psychology, and Drama. The school said that while she was a pupil at Castle Newnham, Darcey was “known for her bubbly personality and high personal standards in her studies and interests”.
She volunteered weekly at the school’s outreach indoor rowing programme and was heavily involved with their performing arts department. It’s undersrtood she will be continuing this at St Edward’s too.
Goldington Academy
Students at Goldington Academy are celebrating “another successful” set of GCSE results for its 2024 Year 11 cohort.
A spokesperson for the school said, “All students have performed admirably across a range of subjects with an increase in the top grades awarded in line with previous years’ achievements.
“The students’ successful results are indicative of their commitment, resilience and continued drive for success.”
This year, examiners were told to proceed with ‘back to normal’ grading standards and, despite the difficulties of a challenging few years due to COVID-19 disruptions, students have persevered in their “pursuit of excellence and the results are a testament to hard work by all.”
Headteacher Francis Galbraith added, “We are extremely proud of our students. Our students have achieved a superb set of examination results, and I would like to thank all students, staff and parents involved in supporting our students in achieving an incredible set of results.
“We wish all of our students the very best as they embark on the next stages of their educational careers.”
Lincroft Academy
Students and staff at Lincroft Academy are celebrating what they have said are “brilliant individual achievements and some of the school’s best-ever results” in this year’s GCSE exams.
A spokesperson said, “The results reflect the dedication of both students and staff, underscoring the school’s commitment to ensuring that every child is supported to be the best they can be, both academically and personally.
“Last year, GCSE outcomes at Lincroft Academy were some of the strongest in Bedford Borough, and well in excess of the national averages. This year looks set to exceed that benchmark further.”
Several students including Zeerak Khan, Joel Langton, Lexi Maitland, Qasim Mohammed and Blake Thornton achieved or exceeded their target grades in all their subjects across the curriculum.
Principal, Emma Appadoo, is very proud of the students and praised their effort, along with the commitment of staff, and the support of parents, carers and families.
She said: “Our 2024 GCSE results reflect our school culture for students to be the best they can be, through aspiration, support and care.
“I am particularly delighted with the achievements of our students with EHCPs, including those in our ARC provision (Autism Resource Centre).
“Their GCSE results are superb. Lincroft Academy is a fully comprehensive, high-quality learning environment, with inclusion at the heart, and these results are a demonstration of this.
“Looking ahead to the new year, we are utilising our recently unveiled facilities, which are part of our extensive site modernisation plan.
“This significant investment is rejuvenating our school environment, providing modern, high-quality amenities for our students, including a fully refurbished kitchen and dining area, as well as a new mezzanine activity studio.
“The feedback from students and the community has been brilliant.”
The following students were also recognised for their exceptional individual attainment:
- Jayant Pandey achieved eight grade 9s and a grade 8
- Jesser Rodriguez achieved six grade 9s, two grade 8s, a grade 6 and a Distinction*
- Benjamin Morris achieved six grade 9s, one grade 8 and two grade 7s
- Zeerak Khan achieved six grade 9s, one grade 7 and a grade 6
- Alessandra Coladangelo achieved five grade 9s, four grade 8s and a grade 7
- Lola Saville achieved a grade 9, two grade 8s and two grade 7s
Richard Spencer, Executive Principal at Meridian Trust, said: “We are delighted with these excellent results at Lincroft Academy.
“Students, families and staff should feel very proud of themselves. We welcome everyone at Lincroft, and encourage all students to achieve to their full potential.
“Through their hard work and commitment, they embody the values of achievement and excellence that are fundamental to Meridian Trust. As we celebrate this success, we look ahead with excitement to the continued growth and accomplishments of our students.”
Sharnbrook Academy
Students at Sharnbrook Academy in Bedford are celebrating today after receiving “some exceptional and well-deserved” GCSE results.
Achievements across the year group were “excellent”, with the school, which is part of Meridian Trust, securing its best set of results since becoming a secondary school in 2017.
Some stand-out individual performances include:
- Ane Human achieved 6 grade 9s, 3 grade 8s and 2 grade 7s
- Amelie Conneely achieved 6 grade 9s, 2 grade 8s, 2 grade 7s and a grade 6
- Sophie Kokkat achieved 5 grade 9s, 4 grade 8s and a grade 7
- Priscilla Mathuram achieved 5 grade 9s, 4 grade 8s and 1 grade 6
- Hassan Zghaibe achieved 5 grade 9s, 3 grade 8s and 3 grade 7s
- Suki Devine achieved 4 grade 9s, 4 grade 8s and 2 grade 7s
- Izzy Maguire achieved 4 grade 9s, 6 grade 8s and 1 grade 6
Clare Raku, Academy Principal at Sharnbrook Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students and delighted they have achieved the grades needed to move onto the next stage of their education, training or employment.
“As well as reflecting lots of hard work from students and staff, today’s results are very pleasing for Sharnbrook Academy. Attainment is the highest it has been since we became a secondary school in 2017 and will be well above the national average.
“We look forward to welcoming back many of our students to Sharnbrook Sixth Form in September.”
Richard Spencer, Executive Principal at Meridian Trust, added, “Congratulations to all students securing results today. Congratulations are also due to their families, who will have provided them with so much support over recent years.
“These results reflect a huge amount of hard work from both the staff at Sharnbrook Academy and the students themselves.
“We wish all students the very best in their next steps post-16 and look forward to welcoming many of them back to the Sixth Form in September.”
Wixams Academy
Wixams Academy has said thay their pupils have once again performed well in their GCSEs, maintaining the improvement in standards set during the last academic year.
“This achievement is particularly commendable given that our Year 11 cohort increased by 57 pupils compared to the previous year, due to the continued growth of the school,” said a spokesperson.
“The school is on an ambitious journey to become the best state school in Bedfordshire that the Wixams community can be truly proud of.
“A solid 70% of our pupils achieved a grade 4 or above in both English and Maths and 50% achieved a grade 5 or above in English and Maths.
“This will likely place Wixams Academy in the top third of state schools in Bedford Borough and wider Bedfordshire, a significant accomplishment reflecting the hard work of our pupils and the dedication of our staff.
“This provides a platform for continued improvement towards the Knowledge School Trusts’ goal of making Wixams Academy a beacon of excellence sending pupils to the best universities and apprenticeships in the country,” they added.
The school also wanted to give special recognition to standout achievers.
- Emma: Achieved an outstanding 9 grade 9s and 1 grade 8.
- Noor: Secured 8 grade 9s, 2 grade 8s, and 1 grade 7.
- Naima: Earned 7 grade 9s, 1 grade 8, 1 Level 2 Distinction and a grade 5.
- Phoebe: Attained 3 grade 9s, 2 grade 8s, and 4 grade 7s.
- Thomas: Achieved 6 grade 9s, 2 grade 8s, 1 grade 7, and 1 grade 5.
Nathaniel Wilson, Headteacher of Wixams Academy, said: “These results are a testament to the resilience and determination of our pupils.
“Despite the challenges of a larger cohort and the return to pre-pandemic grading, our pupils have delivered a set of results that we can be proud of.
“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all our pupils, staff, and parents for their unwavering
support and commitment.
“We have a clear path forward to take the school to the next level and I am delighted to be leading this school at this key time in its
development.”
Hywel Jones, Director of Secondary Education at the Knowledge Schools Trust, added: “It is pleasing that we have maintained our performance. This consistency demonstrates the strength of our educational approach and the dedication of everyone involved.
“We have work to do to deliver our full ambitious vision and today’s results mark a step on that journey. The support of Knowledge Schools Trust, who we joined in March this year, will be instrumental in driving this change.
“Wixams Academy’s pupils have made positive progress and have achieved the grades necessary for their next steps. We look forward to welcoming our pupils and external pupils to our growing and ambitious Sixth Form in September.”
