SEVENTY-seven per cent of pupils at Wokingham Borough schools secured a grade 4 or above in their English and maths GCSEs – significantly higher than the national average once again.

The percentage of Wokingham students achieving a grade 4 or above in English is 85.9 per cent, against a national figure of 71.8 per cent, and 82 per cent in maths against a 71 per cent nationally.

Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons, executive member for children’s services at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “I’m totally delighted to see that Wokingham Borough’s schools have come out above the national averages yet again.The bar has been set deliberately higher to achieve the new top grade 9 and those students who have attained this have done exceptionally well, but let’s not lose sight of the achievements of the many others who have gained very good grades: they all deserve full credit for the results achieved today and should feel very proud of themselves.

“Every result is the culmination of sheer hard work and determination by everyone, students, parents and staff. Teachers will have done their utmost to prepare these young people for these exams with the new grading system. Any change is always stressful, and I would like personally to thank all their teachers for their efforts to see their student’s through.”

Emmbrook School

Students, parents and staff had reason to celebrate after an outstanding set of results, as 74 per cent of students achieving a level 4 or above in English and maths.

Overall, one in five of all results were grades 7 to 9 (equivalent to A-A*).

Among the high achievers from the school were Charlie Watson, who secured top passes in all of his subjects, with eleven grade 9s and a prestigious A higher in further maths; Amelia Abbott who achieved two grade 9s, an A* and a grade 8; and Mark Crawley who earned three grade 9s, seven grade 8s and a grade 7.

Headteacher Paul O’Neill said: “Given the strength of these results, the vast majority of our students are well prepared to progress successfully onto the next stage of their education. We’re delighted that so many have chosen to continue their studies with us in our excellent Sixth Form.”

The Forest School

Seventeen per cent of boys at The Forest School received an A or A* in at least one of their papers.

An impressive 77 per cent of all students achieved five GCSE passes including English and maths, and 22 per cent of all grades awarded were A* or A equivalent.

Twenty-two students that achieved a grade 7 or higher in all subjects (equivalent to an A or higher).

Head teacher Shirley Austin said: “These fantastic results are an outcome of the hard work and dedication from the students, their teachers and support of their parents, especially with the new more robust GSCE examinations. I would like to offer all the boys my best wishes as they begin the next steps in their education, most of whom will be staying with us at Forest Sixth Form.”

Holme Grange

The school celebrated a record-breaking set of results with more than half of all grades receiving 9 to 7, the old A* to A.

Raoul Parekh achieved five grade 9s, proving that hard work and dedication really do pay off. His results were particularly impressive as he managed this as well as being Head of Sport and participating in a host of other extra curriculum activities.

Head teacher Claire Robinson said: “I am so pleased that this year group has been so successful, they worked extremely hard and have been an outstanding year group to teach.“On days like this, I am humbled when I see a group of young people moving onto their next step confidently, independently and with a ‘can-do’ attitude.“We have not only provided the platform for the pupils to achieve academically but they are well rounded people able to deal with whatever life will challenge them with.”“Everyone, students and staff, deserves congratulations for their commitment and energy as they worked together towards the GCSEs.“It was fantastic seeing students, staff and parents at school this morning sharing this success. I wish everyone the best of luck as they move onto some exciting opportunities in a range of 6thform settings.”

The Holt School

A total of 193 students sat their GCSE exams this summer, with 84.4 per cent achieving at least five level 4 to 9

The overall pass rate for the school was a very impressive 99.9 per cent., with 37 per cent of students achieving a level 7 to 9.

Co-head teachers Anne Kennedy and Katie Pearce said: “Congratulations to all our students for their GCSE exam success. We are delighted that their hard work and perseverance has paid off with 84.4 per cent attaining five or more GCSEs at a standard pass (grade 4) or higher, including English and maths, and 37 per cent of all exams resulting in A*/A or 7-9 grades. We would like to thank our dedicated staff and our wonderfully supportive parents for their part in these achievements.“We wish all our students every success in their future studies.”

St Crispin’s School

Eleven students from the London Road school got straight A and A* grades in their exams.

Dawson, Wakeley, Katie Murfitt, Thomas McEvoy, Miles Hendry, Cameron Wyper, Ellie Stevenson, Megan Smith, Ollie Myers, Anna Mitchley, Leo Hession and Olaa Abdelmonim all achieved at least 10 level 9 to 7, equivalent to As and A*s.

Students achieving a level 9 to 4 in English and maths stood at 82 per cent for each subject, with 78 per cent scoring at least a level 4 in both.

The school also boasted excellent grades in a wide variety of languages from Dutch, Hebrew, Polish, Spanish, Russian and Turkish

Head teacher Ginny Rhodes said: “I am absolutely delighted for our students and their families these are an exceptional set of results in a time of increased demand and challenge.”