GCSE success for Bury Grammar School

As one of the few schools in Bury to release GCSE statistics, Bury Grammar school have been congratulating students after more than 40 per cent of all grades came out at eights and nines, equivalent to A* and A**.

The school announced that over 90.9 per cent of grades were between nines and fives, and 240 grades were nines.

The phenomenal results also include two pupils who received nine GCSEs all at grade nine.

Students celebrate their results at Bury Grammar School

Amélie Chemney received a full suite of grade nines in Biology, Chemistry, Drama, English Language, English Literature, French, Geography, Mathematics and Physics.

She said: “Thank you so, so much to all the teachers for their continued support throughout the years.

“Their unwavering enthusiasm and optimism has been unparalleled. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

Many schools had been informed that GCSE results would return to levels approximately halfway between the grades obtained in 2019, the last time external examinations were sat, and those allocated in 2021 in the form of TAGs (Teacher Assessed Grades).  

But Bury Grammar students have gone one better and exceeded the North West’s average.

Bury Grammar School grades against the North West average

Pupils have also far surpassed their expected grades.

BGS expected grades against actual grades

Principal Jo Anderson said: "Many congratulations to our Y11s and to their teachers!

"The scale of their achievements should not be underestimated, these are young people who were just 14 years old when the pandemic began and who spent much of their formative years learning from home, supported by their teachers and parents.

"To have achieved the stellar results we are seeing today, given the challenges faced, is absolutely incredible.

"The average grade is a grade 7 (A) and there are a stunning 465 grades at the 8-9 (A*/A**) level but some of the most extraordinary achievements lay behind the headlines and are personal triumphs over adversity known only to the individuals involved.

“This is indisputably an A grade year group – academically, as the results demonstrate - but even more importantly,  in terms of character.

"To say we are over the moon for our pupils and teachers is an understatement."

Pupil Helena Simpson secured nine grade nines in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Music, and Physics.

A delighter Helena said: “The decision to study at BGS in Year 7 was one of the best decisions of my life, my results would not have been possible without the support of my teachers and peers, and the wonderful atmosphere of the school."

Mrs Vicky Leaver, Deputy Principal in charge of academic provision added her voice to those praising the pupils. 

She said: “We could not be prouder of our Year 11s who have achieved a tremendous set of GCSE results.

"As a year group, they are well known for making the most of every opportunity and have embraced the challenges of GCSE study with maturity and dedication.

"Their results are a shining example of what happens when hard work, great teaching and talent come together!” 

Vice Principal Devin Cassidy said: "I am so pleased and warmly congratulate our pupils on their achievements but also pay tribute to their teachers who taught and supported them so well over what has been a difficult period at times owing to the pandemic."

The school also praised those who have made huge progress throughout the year as well as those who scored top grades.