A week after celebrating excellent A level results for our Year 13s, we are delighted to share the outstanding success of all our Year 11s as they received their GCSE results, smashing the outcome of what has been a difficult two years for them. It is important to recognise the impact that the pandemic has had on the education of this cohort of pupils at St Gabriel’s, and in a wider context nationally, as they have come through school closures, illness and uncertainty to be rewarded with a truly impressive set of results. We are excited about our Year 11s returning to St Gabriel’s for the next stage of their educational journey in the Sixth Form. The two big years that make up sixth form life are so important and success is built upon the performance achieved at GCSE level. This year’s Year 11 have smashed it – again!

There were a whole host of most impressive performances and at least 20% of all pupils achieved 9 grades or more at level 9 or 8, and 60% of all passes were at levels 9-7. All of the pupils deserve huge credit and praise for what they have achieved.

This is a cohort that has shown their ability to endure stoically, prosper, and flourish, when things have been tough throughout. Their resilience, community-spirit and sense of fun has been a lesson to us all. As ever, this year will be remembered for many reasons. However, it is the educational growth and level of achievement shown by these St Gabriel’s pupils, and the professionalism and care shown by an outstanding staff, coupled with the support of parents that will be my abiding memory.

- Ricki Smith, Principal