Back to reality as pandemic era ends

TOP A-level results at state schools and colleges in the Henley area have fallen.

This follows the expected return to grades that were last seen prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

Most students getting their results were in Year 9 when the pandemic started in 2020 and were the first group to sit in-person GCSEs following the national lockdowns.

At that stage they received extra measures and advance information about topics to help with revision but this year that help was not provided.

The approach to marking this year was the same as it would have been if exams had never been cancelled due to covid-19, ending so-called “grade inflation”.

At Piggott School in Wargrave 32 per cent of students received A* to A grades, down from 34 per cent last year.

The proportion of grades A* to C was 84 per cent, 0.5 per cent higher than last year, and well above the national average of 76 per cent.

The average point score per A-level entry at the school in Twyford Road was 38 points, making the average grade a B and the school’s pass rate remained the same as last year at 99 per cent.

Jake Wheel, 18, of Dunnock Way, Wargrave, received three A* in maths, further maths and physics and is to study engineering at Balliol College, Oxford. He said: “I was quietly confident. It’s what I was hoping for but I wasn’t too sure about further maths being an A*.

“The revision was quite panicked and erratic really. I was just doing as much as I could of what I could find and lots and lots of past papers.”

Winnie Coombes, of High Street, Wargrave, achieved A*s in PE, psychology and finr art. She said: “I am surprised but very happy. I wasn’t sure that I was going to get an A* in biology.”

The 18-year-old, who is to study psychology at Loughborough University, described the revision process as stressful. She said: “I think it was about plodding through it and keeping going from the start of the year. It got stressful very much towards the end but I’m so glad it’s all finished.”

Winnie, who plays football for Wargrave Women’s and Girls’ FC said that she wanted to continue with sport at university. She said: “I think I’m going to play football, dance and play some tennis.”

Monty Gurney, 18, from Hambleden, received a B in biology and economics and a C in maths and is planning to study biology at Nottingham University after taking a year out in which he hopes to travel to Costa Rica.

He said: “I’m happy, I think I was expecting to do a little bit better but I got into university so that’s all that really counts.

“I was hoping for an A in biology but it’s all right. The revision was somewhat stressful and very time consuming, but it’s a relief now it’s over I have to say.

“I’m taking a gap year, which i am very excited about. I’m planning on working and then travelling.”

Ella Newman, 18, from Charvil, achieved an A* in PE, A in biology, and a  B in business. She is planning to study sports science at Loughborough University.

She said: “Overall, I’m very happy. The revision was so stressful, I’ve never been more stressed in my life but I’m happy it's all worked out okay.”

Ella, who has attended Piggott since Year 7 said it was an odd feeling to be leaving the school.

She said: “I have stayed here the whole way through. It is really weird, it doesn’t feel like it’s actually happening, I don't feel like I should be going to university, I don’t feel old enough.”

At The Henley College the pass rate was 92 per cent, down from 95 per cent in 2023. Fifty-seven per cent of students received A* to C grades, down from 60 per cent, and 33 per cent of students achieved A* to B grades, the same as last year.

Florence Wrake, 18, from Shiplake, achieved an A* in French and maths and two As in philosophy and physics. She is going to study philosophy, politics and economics at Mansfield College, Oxford.

She said: “I am feeling very relieved. I was quite excited. I was very stressed about getting my results. I am very excited now that I can look forward to university. I am very grateful as well. I was not expecting an A* in French.

“I feel proud because A-levels were a really stressful period. Everyone had put in so much effort. My revision schedule was pretty intense. From Christmas onwards I was trying to do five hours of studying a day.”

Samuel Thomas, 18, from upper Wargrave, achieved a merit in his film and creative media diploma and is planning to take a gap year to focus on his advertising work with TikTok while figuring out his next steps.

He said: “It’s what I expected and it’s all I needed. A distinction would be lovely but I’m not too bothered because I only needed a pass and to get a merit is really good.

“My course is fully coursework based so there’s no exams. I think it went well. It was nice and easy because I had lots of time and no stress of revision. I’m planning to work out what I’m going to do for the next coming years. I’ll probably get a job and continue what I’m doing with TikTok.”

Oliver Paice, 18, from Wargrave Road in Henley, said he found his public services exams difficult so was thrilled to achieve a merit, pass, pass.

He hopes to join the Royal Marines as a commando where he wants to serve on the front line.

Oliver said: “We did two exams. I found them difficult because I’m dyslexic and I’ve never been very good at exams but I got them and I got the grades I needed.

“I know with the grades I’ve got I can do what I need to do. I’m just so happy about it. I was feeling a little nervous.

“I’ve been thinking about joining the navy for quite a long time. I’m more of a sporty person so I thought that would be a good route for me.

“I looked into the army, I looked into the police and I didn’t feel it was right for me at the time so I thought I’d try out for it and see what happens.”

Principal Satwant Deol, who is leaving this summer after eight years in the role, said: “I want to congratulate all of our students for their hard work and achievement for the year.

“Last year results were slightly hiked so they have gone back to pre-covid levels. We’re feeling very proud of our students. These are the students that have actually done the exams with hard work and dedication. I wish them all the success for the future.”

At Highdown School in Emmer Green more than 69.3 per cent achieved grades A*to C, up from 60 per cent last year.

More than 47 per cent of students achieved grades A* to B, up from 33 per cent last year and 20.4 per cent of students achieved an A* or A.

Some of the school’s top performing students included Lamya Adam, who achieved three A*s in biology, chemistry and computing, an A in maths and an A* in her extended project.

Mo Cook achieved a three As* in economics, history and maths and an A* in his extended project and Isabella Weller achieved two As in chemistry and further maths and an A* in maths and physics.

Headteacher Rachel Cave said: “We are so proud of the hard-working Highdowners picking up their results today.

“The individual successes are fantastic and to be celebrated due to their hard work and commitment. We are so very proud of every single one of them.

“Point scores and average grades have improved on last year’s at Highdown which is great as the national grade boundaries are the same as last year’s.”