Ratcliffe College students once again fulfilled their School’s Vision, Strength of Mind, Strength of Values, Strength of Purpose, achieving excellent GCSE results, which places them in the top 10% nationally by value-added and which reflects their unstinting dedication to their courses and the hard work of their inspirational teachers.
The College is delighted with this year’s overall pass rate, with 87% of all grades C/4 or above and 43% of all grades A*/A or 7/8/9 on the new grading system. The French, History and Latin Departments all achieved a 100% pass rate on the new grading system, while GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Spanish and Media also achieved 100% pass rates at C or above. 96% of Biology grades were A*/A. Over 50% of all students achieved the top three grades, 7/8/9, in Mathematics and English Literature.
Headmaster, Mr Jonathan Reddin, commented: “These are excellent results. I am so proud of our students’ achievements. Following the government changes to GCSE specifications, this cohort and their teachers worked exceptionally hard over the past two years to ensure that everyone has achieved his/her greatest potential, all underpinned by the College’s inclusive ethos.”
Eve Millward, achieved seven grade 9s, one grade 7, 2 A*s. Not only has Eve achieved outstanding results in her GCSEs, but she is also a talented Ratcliffe Music Scholar. She has attained Grade 8 Piano and Clarinet, and has successfully juggled her academic studies alongside her place at the Junior Birmingham Conservatoire. Eve said: “I’m thrilled with my results; I never thought I’d get a 7 in Maths which was the subject I was worried about. Perhaps my music has helped me with it!”
Ben Cook felt overawed with his results of 5A*s, one 9, two 8s, one 7 and two 6s. Ben’s grandfather, Dr Cook said: “Ben has worked incredibly hard, in fact I had to pull him away from his revision at times! Ratcliffe has been fantastic for him, the commitment of the staff has been tremendous and they are so approachable.”
As well as gaining 3A*s, one 9, four 8s, a 7 and a 6, Mia Atkinson qualified for the England Schools’ 1500metres in July, gaining a personal best time. Mia said, “I run for Charnwood Athletics four or five times a week. I cut down my training a bit during the exams, but still found it useful for stress relief. I’m really happy and relieved that the wait is over.” Mum, Mrs Atkinson, commented: “It’s emotional! Mia has worked really hard. We are so proud.”