THE headteacher of an Ellesmere Port school has congratulated pupils on their academic achievements, while expressing concern at the Government's much-criticised algorithm model.

The past few days has seen an outcry as many students nationally have seen their grades – predicted by teachers – downgraded via an algorithm model which, in the absence of the cancelled A Level exams, appeared to be based on where students had been studying.

This meant some students had their grades revised downwards, some by as many as three grades, resulting in them missing out on their chosen university place.

Ellesmere Port Catholic High School sixth form students celebrated their successes in their A Levels and for all of the academic and personal achievements they have accomplished during their seven years at the school.

Caroline Vile, headteacher, said: "We are understandably thrilled with the success of our students, but also concerned at the standardisation model used by the government which has resulted in some students being downgraded.

"We are very pleased to see so many of our students achieving their expected university and apprenticeship places.

"Many students have secured top degree level courses in subjects such as Biomedical Sciences, Law, Business Management, Philosophy and many more in universities such as London, Newcastle, Liverpool, Sheffield and Manchester amongst others.

"These results demonstrate that the school is continuously providing high quality education to students in Ellesmere Port and the wider area and more importantly that students feel challenged and supported to achieve their very best.”

Some of this year’s successes:

  • Hannah Ditchfield, Biomedical Science at Newcastle University
  • Ciara McCafferty, Philosophy at University of Liverpool
  • Ivan Balaba, Sport and Exercise Science at Edge Hill University
  • Ava Richley, Primary education at Liverpool Hope University
  • Fleur Hodgers-Owen Degree Apprenticeship at Unilever.

A school spokesperson added: "We want to congratulate all our students and wish them well as they take up their places at university, on apprenticeships, in employment, or on a gap year."