Impressive GCSE and iGCSE results

With 94% of all grades A*/B and 72% of all examinations awarded A*/As, this year’s GCSE results at Canford once again reflect excellent achievement. The results are especially pleasing in light of Canfordians now taking iGCSE in eight subjects, with English and English Literature taken for the first time this year in this widely recognised more stretching exam. The school believes that in many subjects iGCSEs, with no modular exams taken early, provide additional challenge and excellent preparation for the academic rigour of AS and A2 levels.

Pupils at Canford generally take 10 full GCSE/iGCSE examinations plus the Religious Studies Short Course GCSE. A quarter of the candidates gained at least 7 A*s, with 8 pupils achieving the full 10 A* grades. Nearly two thirds of pupils gained at least 8 A*/A grades.

Canford bucked the overall trends in key areas. 98% of all candidates passed with at least five A*-C grades including English and Maths, as both this benchmark and these core subjects saw national falls. Canfordians achieved 98% A*-C passes in English and 100% in English Literature, compared with 63.9% of entries for English and 76.3% for English Literature nationally. In Maths, Canford saw 99% A*-C grades compared with 58.4% across the UK.

There was exceptional achievement across the range of subject disciplines. Nearly three quarters of all papers in Biology and Chemistry were A*/A graded, with 4 in 5 Physics papers awarded A*/A grades. 89% of German and 87% of Art entries were graded A*/A.

John Lever, Headmaster, commented:

“In a year where grading nationally is reported to have fallen, I am delighted that the majority of the year group has gained average A grades or better. There have also been some outstanding individual performances. I am particularly proud of what pupils have achieved in light of our increase in subjects taken at the demanding iGCSE level.”