Celebrations all round at New Mills School as students receive GCSE results

There was an upbeat mood at New Mills School today as students returned for the first time since March to collect their GCSE results envelope.
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Many students had alredy seen their results via email but the school offered the option for students to attend in person if they wanted to.

Caroline Jesson, Co-Head of School said “This is an important landmark for our students and their GCSE results mark the pinnacle of their studies and the milestone of the end to their compulsory education. We wanted them to have the option to join us on site and receive their results in person if they wanted to. Unlike other years, very few staff were present because of the priority to keep everyone safe but it was fantastic to meet with these students again and a good proportion of them joined us to mark this special day”.

And Alison Barker, Co-head added “After all the national uncertainty in the build-up to 2020 Results Day, it was great to see the students relieved about the outcomes of their time with us and buzzing with excitement for their next steps. All the staff are so proud of them; not only for their academic achievements but also for the resourcefulness and resilience they have shown in this extremely unusual year”.

Head girl Bea Dean with Emmie Parsons celebrating their GCSEsHead girl Bea Dean with Emmie Parsons celebrating their GCSEs
Head girl Bea Dean with Emmie Parsons celebrating their GCSEs

There were some fantastic performances by the students, with all acknowledging the hard work they had put in over the five years they had been at secondary school to achieve GCSE success.

Charlotte Emmett made the most progress from her starting point joining the school than any other student in Year 11.

With a grade 9, 8, two 7s, three 6s, a grade 5 plus a BTEC grade to come, Charlotte said “My family will be thrilled. This year has really taught me to appreciate my time in school”.

The second most progress was made by Jake Hanney who achieved three grade 9s, two 8s, three 7s and a 6. Jake acknowledged he may be celebrating later but thanked his teachers first.

Ben Mellor (left) and Ben Brown (right) celebrate their GCSEsBen Mellor (left) and Ben Brown (right) celebrate their GCSEs
Ben Mellor (left) and Ben Brown (right) celebrate their GCSEs

On seeing her well-deserved, excellent results, Bea Dean, Head Girl of the school said “I’m happy, shocked and thankful! I have been so scared waiting for these results and I’m going to phone my mum and tell her about my Maths which was my biggest worry but I got a ‘4’. Thank you all for believing in me”

Bea’s other grades ranged from 5 to 9 and she too awaits a BTEC grade.

Louis Millard, Deputy Head Boy of the school said: “It just proves that hard work pays off. My family are ecstatic and proud and I’m ready for my next steps at college”. Louis also made excellent progress at New Mills, achieving a grade 9, seven grade 8s and one grade 6.

Caroline Jesson (Co-head of school) commented: “At New Mills we focus on progress and student development, not simply attainment.

Deputy Head boy, Louis Millard celebrates his GCSEsDeputy Head boy, Louis Millard celebrates his GCSEs
Deputy Head boy, Louis Millard celebrates his GCSEs

"Grade 8s and 9s are great, and some of our students achieve these, but we want all our students to make as much progress as they can from their starting point in Year 7.

"To us, that’s the most important thing we do as a school”.

Harry Norton, thrilled to see six GCSE passes in his envelope said: “My mum’s going to be so proud. You never know what will happen and it shows how important it is that you revise for your mocks and try your best at every hurdle”.

Ben Mellor is also an example of what you can achieve when you put your mind to it “I’ll take that” he said looking at his six strong passes, knowing that he has two strong BTECs still to come.

And student, Owen Caldwell, who only joined New Mills School late in Year 10 said: “I can’t wait to tell my Dad. I’m proud. I was a bit nervous to be honest. When I first came here it looked like I was going to fail, but I passed everything”.