GCSE Results Day 2024: Live updates as West Norfolk students find out their grades
Hundreds of students across West Norfolk are today discovering their GCSE results.
Students at King Edward VII (KES) Academy, Springwood High School and King’s Lynn Academy (KLA) in Lynn, Marshland High School in West Walton, St Clements High School in Terrington St Clement, Smithdon High School in Hunstanton, Iceni Academy in Methwold, Litcham School, The Nicholas Hamond Academy in Swaffham, Fakenham Academy and Downham Market Academy all receive their results today.
Exams regulator Ofqual has said it expected this year’s GCSE results to be “broadly similar” to last year, when grades were restored to pre-pandemic levels.
It comes after Covid-19 led to an increase in top GCSE grades in 2020 and 2021, with results based on teacher assessments instead of exams.
Here’s the results from our schools:
Hard work of students at Lynn’s King Edward VII (KES) Academy rewarded with ‘cracking results’
At King Edward VII (KES) Academy in Lynn, 59% of pupils attained 9-4 grades.
Principal Darren Hollingsworth said: "As soon as pupils start at KES, they understand that a place here comes with high aspirations and expectations.
“Our Year 11s have risen to this challenge and their hard work has been rewarded with cracking results.
“Congratulations to our pupils and staff who work tirelessly to help ensure they reach their full potential.”
‘Proud’ moment for Litcham School as Year 11s welcomed back for results
Staff at Litcham School said they were “proud” of students’ hard work as they received their GCSE results yesterday.
Stuart Wilson, head of school, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Year 11 students back to receive their results today.
“We are proud of the hard work put in and wish them every success in their next chapter of education.”
St Clement’s High School students excelled in all subjects including the arts
Officials at St Clement’s High School have said its Class of 2024 has received impressive GCSE results across the board.
The school in Terrington St Clement was pleased as it said that its students excelled in all subjects including the arts.
"It’s brilliant to see everyone’s hard work paying off," said head teacher Nigel Willingham.
Smithdon High School students ready for next steps following exam success
Maths continues to be Smithdon High School’s strongest subject on this year’s GCSE results day.
The Hunstanton school has celebrated great results across all ability ranges, said head teacher Amanda Gibbins.
"Results day is the culmination of all students’ time at Smithdon and is one of my favourite days of the year," she said.
"Having the privilege to be a part of the students’ excitement as they prepare to go on to their next steps is just amazing.”
Grades are ‘testament to hard work and dedication’ of Downham Market Academy students
Students and staff at Downham Market Academy are celebrating some excellent GCSE results after much hard work.
Teachers were “impressed by the commitment of students and support from parents and extended families” as students attended all the additional lessons both before and after school that staff arranged.
Mark Eastwood, the school’s head teacher, said: “We are absolutely delighted with these results that are a testament to all the hard work and dedication of our students during their time at DMA.”
Many students at Marshland High School in West Walton achieve above predictions
Students at Marshland High School in West Walton are celebrating another excellent set of examination results.
Head teacher Craig Jansen said students did very well in Maths, English, Science, History and Geography.
He said: “Our students have once again performed to a high standard across subjects. In many instances, they have achieved above their predictions.
“We have a strong focus on supporting all our students to achieve highly, ensuring they can successfully transition into post-16 education.
"We are equally delighted with the superb outcomes achieved by our students within our other suite of GCSEs, for example, Film Studies, 3D Design, Art and Photography, to name but a few.”
Number of students with top grades doubles at Fakenham Academy
There were plenty of smiling faces at Fakenham Academy this morning as the Year 11s opened their GCSE results.
The school has improved its scores significantly from previous years, particularly in English and Maths, according to head teacher Gavin Green, who said that the number of children with top scores has doubled.
“It’s really a testament to how much hard work staff and students have put in,” he added.
“I don’t think I have ever had a year group that has worked so hard.”
Historic day as students achieve Springwood High School’s highest ever results
GCSE results day marked a historic day at Lynn’s Springwood High School as this year’s results were the highest in the school’s history on every measure.
Some 71% of students gained a 4 or higher in English and Maths, up 14% from last year, 47% of students gained a 5 or higher in English and Maths, up 8% from last year, and 13% of students gained a 7 or higher in English and Maths, up 2% from last year.
“I am so proud of the students and staff at Springwood,” executive head teacher Andy Johnson said.
“This is a phenomenal achievement for the school following a huge amount of hard work from everyone at the school.”
Grades ‘reflect hard work and dedication’ of students, families and staff at The Nicholas Hamond Academy, Swaffham
Officials at The Nicholas Hamond Academy in Swaffham have said they are “pleased” that their Year 11 students have achieved “what they deserve” as they received their GCSE results.
They have also shown “determination, resilience and wider skills” to take on future challenges.
Principal Mark Woodhouse said: “It is easy to forget sometimes the pressure that surrounds our Year 11s and what they have gone through to get to this point.
“We are really pleased to see our students achieve what they deserve from what they have put into their exams but also to come through them with the determination, resilience and wider skills that will allow them to take on further challenges that they may face in their futures.”
King’s Lynn Academy (KLA) marks students’ ‘fantastic’ performance
Students and staff at King’s Lynn Academy (KLA) are today celebrating this year’s GCSE results.
Officials said, similarly to other Norfolk secondary schools, it is not releasing “overall outcome data this year at this time”, but were marking the “fantastic” performance of its Year 11 students.
Principal Alan Fletcher said: “We are all absolutely delighted for KLA pupils’ success this year.
“I am incredibly proud of all our students and the hard work and resilience they have shown.
“Today is a day to celebrate their achievements and one which continues a journey of improving outcomes for the academy over the past three years.
“Our students have been supported by an incredibly dedicated staff at KLA and wonderfully supportive families who go over and above to ensure every pupil reaches their full potential.
“I want to congratulate every one of our students and their families and wish them all continued success in the next chapter of their lives.”
Norfolk County Council ‘incredibly proud’ of students’ accomplishments
This year's GCSE and Level 2 Vocation and Technology Qualification (VTQ) students are being congratulated for their efforts and signposted to further advice and support on results day.
Cllr Penny Carpenter, cabinet member for Children's Services at Norfolk County Council, said: “Today is a day of celebration for our students. Their success is a testament to their strength and adaptability during such a transformative period in education.
“We are incredibly proud of what they have accomplished and look forward to seeing where their talents and aspirations take them next.
“For anyone who did not receive the grades they hoped for, there is lots of support and advice available to help you decide what to do next.
"I would also like to thank all of our school and education staff including teachers, head teachers, assistants, support staff, and tutors who have worked with young people and adults to help them achieve these results."
As students consider their next steps, whether in further education, apprenticeships, or work with training, the council offers continued support with a range of resources available, to help guide them in making informed decisions about their future.
There is also plenty of help and advice for those who may have not done as well as expected, have changed their mind about their plans, or who don't have anything in place for September.
- Speak to the careers teacher/adviser at the school they went to - they will be able to offer help and advice.
- Get in touch with the sixth form or college they have applied to - find out whether they will still give offer a place on their chosen course. Even if they have not achieved the grades required for the course they may still be able to get a place on another suitable course.
- Norfolk County Council's Help You Choose website has impartial advice and information about options including CV writing, apprenticeship vacancies, and information about different careers. It can also support parents to help them understand the different options for their child. You can use the automated chatbot feature or speak to an adviser on 0344 800 8022.
- Norfolk and Waveney Children and Young People's Health Services offers support for those struggling with their mental health with a range of information and advice on the Just One Norfolk website and text chat and helpline offers.
- 'Get the Jump' Skills for Life content hub on the National Careers Service website offers information about education and training choices. Students can also chat directly to an expert adviser via webchat or by calling the National Careers Service exam results helpline on 0800 100 900.
For more information about what to do on results day see The Student Room GCSE results advice.
GCSE grades explained: All you need to know about the number grading system
GCSEs were introduced in 1986 for a handful of subjects, replacing the old O-level system.
At their introduction, results were graded A-G, with a U being ungraded.
However, in 2017 the results system was changed to numbers, and it is not a straightforward swap: whereas there were eight possible grades under the old system, there are now nine.
Click the link in bold above for all you need to know about the current grading system.
