Examination Results
2020 was a most unusual exam season. Due to restrictions imposed by Covid-19, public examinations across England were cancelled and the method for awarding grades had to be changed. There was no doubt that finding a totally satisfactory and fair system presented challenges. The original algorithm used by Ofqual for A level results, resulted in a degree of chaos. This led to a decision to move the awarding Centre Assessed Grades (CAGS); although this made the process fairer than the algorithm, elements of unfairness remained.
Many of our U6 (year 13) were disappointed that they were unable to sit the papers for which they had worked so hard. The good news was that the vast majority of them obtained thier university places. We appreciated the frustration of pupils who did not achieved what they required and supported those who decided to resit in the autumn. Based on the CAGS, we saw 43.7% of A levels sat awarded an A*, with 96.4% an A* to B. Of the year group of 115, twelve pupils achieved a clean sweep of four A*s.
GCSEs were also a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our pupils and their teachers. 47,3% of all GCSEs were awarded a grade 9; and 93.3% were awarded a 9/8/7. Every pupil in the year group achieved eight or more GCSEs graded 5 or above. Congratulations to all our pupils: the majority of them returned to Bancroft’s in September to join our Sixth Form while we wished those who moved on from Bancroft’s every success in their futures.
We thank all staff who worked so hard to support all pupils in public examinations years, and especially under such difficult conditions, since March.
Following the challenges these two year groups faced and overcome they will be very well placed to navigate life’s usual uncertainties, as well as whatever new ones might emerge, with great confidence and a broad perspective.