This has been a summer like no other for all schools and the last fortnight has been particularly extraordinary. GCSE grades of Felsted School pupils reflect outstanding hard work over the last two years and particular resilience in the last term. The school is very proud of all the effort that they have put in to their studies, and know that these outcomes will help to ensure that they can proceed to Felsted Sixth Form with confidence.
Five pupils achieved ten grade 9s, a further four achieved nine grade 9s, and fourteen pupils achieved a clean sweep of 8s and 9s. However, it is not just about the top grades; many of our students should be congratulated for achieving results that they would not have thought possible a few years ago. We are particularly proud of their hard work and the progress that they have made, sometimes in the face of challenging personal circumstances. Felsted GCSE students now have the choice of going on to study either A-levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma in the Sixth Form.
Chris Townsend commented: “I am hugely proud of what our pupils have achieved during their time at Felsted, and look forward to seeing what they can go on to achieve in the coming years. I am also very grateful to all the parents who have provided outstanding support at all times and of course to the teachers who discovered new skills in remote learning this last term, but have worked with, encouraged and enthused these young people throughout their GCSE courses.”
Some of Felsted’s success stories include:
• Connor, a day pupil from Broxted, achieved spectacularly well academically with a full house of grade 9s, and has been awarded the highly competitive Hunter Scholarship to study in Felsted’s Sixth Form. The Hunter Scholarship is named in honour of former Felstedian Professor Tony Hunter, recognising his outstanding achievements in the field of scientific research at the Salk Institute Cancer Centre in California. Connor will be studying Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths A-levels alongside an EPQ, with a view to a potential career in medicine or the sciences. Connor joined Felsted Prep School in Year 7 from Howe Green School and as an Academic and Music Scholar, balances his studies with playing the clarinet and piano at Grade 8 level in various school orchestras.
• Kit, a boarding pupil from Gt Waltham is one of Felsted’s academic success stories this year; as an Academic and Sports Scholar, Kit turned down a grammar school place to join Felsted in Year 7 and has been involved in every area of school life, recently representing Felsted at the ESU Public Speaking Regional Finals, where he won the Best Speaker award. A keen cricketer, Kit has played for Felsted’s 1st team for a number of years, touring with them to Australia 2018 as one of the youngest in the squad, and playing for Essex U15s last season. Also a talented hockey and tennis player, Kit will be playing in the U16 National Finals for Old Loughtonians Hockey Club, where he won the U16 player of the season award, later this month and came a very credible 3rd representing Felsted in the Aegon National Schools’ Tennis Finals last year. Kit will be going on to study A-levels in History, Latin, Psychology and Theology, Ethics & Philosophy at Felsted.
• Sana Abu-Jabir, a day pupil from Goffs Oak, is one of Felsted’s shining stars in so many ways. Both an Academic and Music Scholar, Sana is quite outstanding musically, playing percussion and drum kit at Diploma level, achieving her Diploma in Percussion at the young age of 14. She is also a Junior Guildhall Scholar, where she studies each Saturday in London, and is the principal percussionist of their Symphony Orchestra. She is also a member of the National Youth Orchestra and a part of Chineke! Junior Orchestra who have proceeded to the second round of Britain’s Got Talent 2020. In the little spare time she has, she enjoys mentoring younger musicians in Felsted’s Prep School and has a strong interest in current affairs. She is staying at Felsted to study Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Music A-levels. At the moment, Sana would like to keep her options open with a view to pursue a career either in music, medicine or biological sciences.
• Dominic, a boarding pupil from Stebbing, is a fantastic Felsted all rounder who achieved all top grades in his GCSEs. He will be going on to study A-levels in Economics, Maths and Physics at Felsted. An Academic Scholar, Dominic joined Felsted at the age of 4 and has been fully involved in all areas of school life since then. He plays grade 6 guitar, is a member of the Steel Band and plays in the U16A hockey, rugby and cricket teams. Dominic also expands his global outlook by being involved in Model United Nations, recently representing Felsted in The Hague.
• Twins Alex and Barnes, day students from Braintree, can both be hugely proud of their academic achievements, with them both achieving grade 9s in every subject. They will both be staying at Felsted to study A-levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths, with Alex also studying French and Barnes opting for a fourth A-level in History. They both joined Felsted in Year 7 from Hong Kong. Both Academic Scholars, Alex also enjoys playing netball at Felsted and has ambitions to study Psychology at either Oxford or Cambridge. Barnes balances his academics with a love for rugby and playing the drums. He has also taken leading roles in Felsted’s recent drama productions of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Goodnight Mister Tom’.
• Titus Zangemeister, a day pupil from Felsted, will be taking the International Baccalaureate Diploma next year after a top set of GCSE results, studying Economics, Maths and Physics at Higher Level. An Academic and Art Scholar originally from Germany, Titus balances his academics with being creative in Felsted’s dedicated art studios. He also enjoys computer programming as well as playing the piano and takes an active part in the annual Felsted Model United Nations Conference each year. Titus also achieved an A* grade in his HPQ (Higher Project Qualification), which will be excellent preparation for his IB studies.
• Thomas Tong, from Colchester achieved a really strong set of results and will be staying at Felsted to study A-levels in Classical Civilisation, French and History alongside the EPQ. An Academic Scholar and keen musician, Thomas joined Felsted Prep School in Year 8 and plays the saxophone in a number of Felsted bands and orchestras. He enjoys running with the Felsted Running Club and is a keen fencer. Thomas has ambitions to study Law at university.
• Taylor Gordon, a boarding pupil from Braintree, performed really well in his GCSEs and has developed superb Felsted characteristics since joining the school in Year 7 from White Court School. Taylor is both an Academic and Music Scholar, is studying Grade 7 Guitar and Piano and plays in the Felsted Jazz Band, Funk Band and Guitar Group. He enjoys playing hockey and rugby for fun and has really enjoyed all the opportunities on offer at Felsted so far. Having been inspired by his Classics teachers at GCSE level, will be studying Classics, Economics, Geography and Latin A-levels at Felsted from September, with the aim to continue study Classics at university.