Following last yea's excellent GCSE results, students at Congleton High School were again able to celebrate another set of fantastic exam results. This success gives students a fantastic head start in further education, training and employment. Forty two students achieved five or more top grades and almost a quarter of all grades awarded were at the very highest 7+/A+/Distinction level. Pass rates of 90% were enjoyed by ten of the thirty subjects offered, with an impressive seventeen courses securing pass rates of 80%.
As an inclusive school, Congleton High works hard to ensure that every student is able to reach and exceed their targets, often securing grades above their predicted outcomes. Last year, CHS was jointly the highest performing school in the whole of Cheshire for student progress and this year, the provisional Progress 8 score shows that all students on average achieved almost a quarter of a grade above their predicted score in every one of their subjects. With almost 60% of students celebrating at least one top grade, this again demonstrates the school's commitment to ensuring that EVERY student is able to enjoy success.
Students studying STEM subjects performed particularly well with pass rates in Biology at 95%, Chemistry 88%, Physics at 92%, ICT 100% and Engineering at 82%. Two thirds of those studying Statistics alongside their GCSE Mathematics. Ru Morgan had an extra reason to celebrate his six Grade 9s in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and PE, having heard the week before that he had also achieved a remarkable grade A in Mathematics at A level.
With students of different abilities within CHS, the picture of success is different for every one of them. Many celebrated a string of top grades whilst other could be proud of the progress they made, enabling them to exceed their targets. High achievers this year include Amy Cosgrove with nine Grade 9s and one Grade 8, Amelia Lehm with eight Grade 9s and two Grade 8s, Sam Worthington with six Grade 9s, three Grade 8s and one Grade 7, Ella Prior with six Grade 9s and four Grade 8s and Abbie Simpson with six Grade 9s, three Grade 8s and one A*.
When it comes to exam preparation, CHS helps each student to prepare well for exams through a combination of study skills, independent learning and tailored revision techniques. In addition to classroom and home study and revision, Curriculum departments run evening and weekend revision booster sessions to guide and support students and give them the information, skills and confidence needed to achieve their goals.
Jim Barlow, Headteacher at Congleton High School, commented:
"We were delighted to learn of these great results, which, once again, reflect the hard work and dedication of our students and staff and the fantastic support by parents and carers. We were really impressed by the focus of this year group.
"I was particularly pleased to hear of the progress made by the students who have achieved ahead of their targets, we really do believe that every grade for every student matters. It is not just about high achievers securing Grade 9s bit that each student is supported to achieve the best that they can, whether that be a Grade 9 or a Grade 5 that was predicted as a Grade 4.
"I would like to thank my team of teachers and support staff for their role in helping our young people to be the best that they can be, with ever higher aspirations. So many of them give up their own time after school and at weekends to ensure that our students have the very best school experience that makes them want to achieve and succeed.
"September 2019 will see a record number of students studying at Congleton High School, with many tear groups at capacity and only a few spaces in others. We have had a phenomenal number of applications to join our popular Sixth Form too."
Chair of CHS Local Governing Body, Rich Benson, added his congratulations:
"Once again I am thrilled to find myself able to congratulate our hardworking students and staff on a wonderful set of GCSE results. The partnership of three - student, school and home - has delivered once again and our students are able to set off on the next stage of their journey bolstered by an excellent academic foundation and great set of results. It is also very rewarding to hear that so many of our Year 11 students have had such a positive experience at CHS that they will be returning to Congleton High in September to swell the numbers in our Sixth Form.
"I would like to echo Jim Barlow's thanks to Congleton High staff and also say a big thank you to the many local businesses who continue to support and work with us, helping us to provide our students with such a broad curriculum and so many opportunities that enable them to learn about the wider world. acquire new skills and grow in confidence."