GCSE results day 2024 from across schools in Swindon

Exam papers were marked on a numbered scale, where nine is the highest grade, one is the lowest and five is a strong pass.

The 2024 cohort had their education significantly disrupted by Covid lockdowns and many students had to manage their own learning independently at home.

But despite challenges beyond their control, staff and students at many local schools celebrates outstanding results, including Swindon Academy, which saw their best ever GCSE results.

The highest achieving pupil, Brian Zhou, was awarded nine grade nine’s and one grade eight, while Aman Walia received seven grade nine’s, one grade eight and one grade seven.

Almost three quarters (73 per cent) of year 11’s achieved a grade four or above in both English and maths and 60 per cent received a grade five or above in the two core subjects.

Principal Karen Wright said: “We are thrilled with our GCSE results this year, representing a continued trend of high performance at Swindon Academy. So many of our students will be celebrating today and I hope that they feel proud of their achievements.

“Throughout their studies, our students have worked incredibly hard and it is brilliant to see their efforts pay off today. As we congratulate them, I would also like to thank our staff who go above and beyond to provide a high-quality education, ensuring that students are well prepared for their futures.

“As September approaches, we look forward to welcoming both new faces and old to our Sixth Form as many students continue their studies with us.”

Elsewhere, students at Highworth Warneford School, part of The Park Academies Trust, smashed their exams with twins Oliver and Edward Taylor achieving some of the highest marks, with nine grade nine’s between them.

Jacob Parkinson, Florence Williams, Edward Taylor, Oliver Taylor (Image: The Park Academies Trust)

At Abbey Park School, Simav Omar earned eleven GCSEs, six of which were the highest grade, followed by Matthew Owen who received five grade nines and Isaac Tunley, who was awarded two.

Meanwhile there were five standout students at Lydiard Park Academy - Alicia Adjei, Jesael Parmaku, Nathan Jevons, Maria Marinheiro and Holly Osman – each earning between nine and ten GCSEs at the highest levels.

James Nicholson, Interim CEO, The Park Academies Trust said: “Congratulations to all our pupils and staff for achieving a fantastic set of GCSE results. Their determination and dedication shine through the impressive results we’re seeing across The Park Academies Trust. I’m delighted to see staff, students and families feeling so proud of everyone’s achievements.” 

Staff at Great Western Academy, which opened in 2018, also celebrated impressive results, with 52 per cent of students achieving a grade five or above in both Maths and English, above national and local rates.

They were delighted to see how much students had progressed over their five years at the school and 90 per cent of students passed English or Maths with a grade four, a standard pass, or above, while 20 per cent of students gained at least a grade greater in all ten of their subjects than they were predicted to.

In the second set of GCSE results for the Academy, which were stronger than the first results, students Matthew Bulley achieved ten grade eight or above GCSEs and James Bisset and Aurelia Smith gained eight each.

At Commonweal, 63 per cent of students achieved a grade four or higher in five or more of their subjects, with 20 per cent of pupils getting three grade seven marks or above.

Strong performances in subject areas including Science, French, RPE, Computer Science, Sport and Geography proved a testament to not just the hard work of the students but the dedication of teachers and staff to support pupils.

Izzy Hains, Anthony Longjohn, Sophie Daniels, Yehia Sarhan and Grace Ridley were among the highest achievers, while staff congratulated Roselyn Boachie, Daniel Wang, Rakesh Savalapu and Eva Leroy-Tagoe for their resilience and progress across the five years at the school.

Headteacher Charles Drew said: "Well done Year 11! Resilience and contribution are key values to succeed during this period in your lives and you have shown these in abundance. We must thank our Commonweal staff, parents and carers for their fantastic support too.”

There were more fantastic results at Dorcan Academy, with students Dipesh Thapa, Erin Hanks, Emily Wright, Olivia Dunn and Kate Moroz awarded a range of top marks.

"It is important to remember that along with results, character is most important to future success and we are confident that our students can demonstrate our Dorcan values and virtues as they pursue their future goals”, said Headteacher Sherryl Bareham.

The Ridgeway School saw 16% of all grades being the top marks, while 32% of all grades were nines to sevens and 75% of students achieved grade four or above in both Maths and English.

Overall, 62% of pupils earned strong passes at grade 5 or above in both Maths and English, with standout performances from Maja Witka, Joseph Humphrey and Frances Brodie.

St Joseph's Catholic College saw students make significant improvements, with 33 per cent of all being between seven and nine and 69 per cent of students achieving a grade four or higher in both English and Maths.

Students were joined by Councillor Adorabelle Shaikh, SBC Cabinet Member for Education, and Annette Perrington, Director of Education, Inclusion and Skills.

Councillor Adorabelle Amaral Shaikh said: “I’d like to say a huge well done to all students who took GCSE and other exams this year, I hope their hard work is reflected in the results. There are many options open as they transition into post-16 education and training, but there is plenty of support available for anyone having to rethink their next steps.

“Every single student should be proud of their achievements, as should all the Swindon schools, teachers, parents and carers who have helped students fulfil their potential.”