GCSE results: Significant increase in top grades at Ratcliffe College

Ratcliffe College is delighted with another impressive set of GCSE results.
GCSE results day at Ratcliffe College. Photo: Matthew Edward and Sunny HoyleGCSE results day at Ratcliffe College. Photo: Matthew Edward and Sunny Hoyle
GCSE results day at Ratcliffe College. Photo: Matthew Edward and Sunny Hoyle

Following the college’s outstanding inspection, these excellent results reinforce this message.

Ratcliffe College saw a significant increase in A* grades, with 48 per cent of all grades A*/A. The college takes pride in supporting all students, teaching a wide spectrum of abilities; with 87 per cent of all grades being C or better, there is clearly significant value added to all students regardless of their ability, said the college.

Headmaster Gareth Lloyd said: “Our examination results have, yet again, proven that we stretch the most able while at the same time supporting every individual, nurturing their own personal strengths. I am immensely proud of my students’ achievements and of the unstinting commitment of my colleagues to each and every child.”

GCSE results day at Ratcliffe College. Photo: Matthew Edward and Sunny HoyleGCSE results day at Ratcliffe College. Photo: Matthew Edward and Sunny Hoyle
GCSE results day at Ratcliffe College. Photo: Matthew Edward and Sunny Hoyle

In the very difficult further mathematics examination, which is far more challenging than GCSE mathematics, there was an increase in the A/A*; 23 per cent of the year group achieved grade A or above (including A**), significantly bucking the national trend. 

Top students are Philip Gyesi-Appiah (11A*s, including A* with Distinction in Further Maths), Joseph Smith (10 A*s and 1 A), Tom Cusack and Nathalie Dawe (both with A* with Distinction, 8 A*s and 2 As), Esme Kelly (8 A*s and 3 As) and David Hippisley-Cox (A* with Distinction, 7A*s and 2 As).

Olivia Back achieved 5 A*s and 5 As. A scholar athlete, Olivia is an exceptionally talented hockey player, having successfully earned her place in the Under-16 England Team. Concurrent with her studies at Ratcliffe College, she plays for the Leicester Ladies’ First Team Hockey Club, a National Premiership team. Olivia is currently trialling for England’s Under-18 National Team.

Olivia said: “I’m really happy! My dad says never to fail through lack of effort, and I try to embody that. I tend to do my work as soon as I get in, and then relax. It’s good that I have friends who understand.”

GCSE results day at Ratcliffe College. Photo: Matthew Edward and Sunny HoyleGCSE results day at Ratcliffe College. Photo: Matthew Edward and Sunny Hoyle
GCSE results day at Ratcliffe College. Photo: Matthew Edward and Sunny Hoyle

Congratulations are also extended to Jack Nightingale who has achieved 6A*s and 5As. A hardworking and enormously talented young man, Jack is a member of the Leicestershire County Cricket Club Academy and has also been nominated for the England Cricket Board (ECB) Under-19 Long List, for which he will be scouted over the next few years.

Jack said: “It was challenging to balance cricket with my school work. There is no magic formula, just hard work. I couldn’t have done it without the support of school, the cricket club and my parents.”