GCSE students at the Bishops’ Blue Coat Church of England High School in Chester are looking to the future with confidence, proving that dedication and aspiration pay off.

The star students supported each other to achieve record numbers of grade 7s and above as their results were revealed on Thursday, August 20.

The achievers are joyfully anticipating post 16 study, training or employment with socially distanced advice available to all today.

Matthew Bowden, Head of Year 11 said, “the year group as a whole are a joy and fully deserve these results; results that have been earned, not given. They are our highest achieving year group and were always going to be”.

Emily Kitchin attained grade 9s across the board in English language and English literature, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, geography, history and RS.

Emma Higginson also attained grade 9s across all subjects in English language, English literature, mathematics, biology, chemistry, French, geography, physics, drama and RS.

Lucy Bradburn attained eight grade 9s in mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, German, history, music and RS and two grade 8s in English language and English literature.

Matthew Black attained seven grade 9s in mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics computer science, geography, history, two grade 8s in English language and English literature and one grade 7 in RS.

Isabella Smith attained eight grade 9s, in English language, English literature, biology, chemistry, physics, geography, Art & Design, Psychology, one grade 8 in RS and one grade 7 in mathematics.

Lauren Coyne attained five grade 9s in English language, biology, chemistry, French, history and psychology, two grade 8s in English literature and RS and three grade 7s in mathematics, physics and drama.

The school is also proud of those who made exceptional progress over time and achieved beyond expectations:

Holly Dawson gained one grade 9, four grade 8s, three grade 7s and one grade 5 in drama, English language, geography, art & design, RS, English literature, science trilogy and mathematics, respectively.

Eleanor Davies gained two grade 9s, six grade 8s and two grade 7s in French, physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, geography, food & nutrition, RS, English language and English literature, respectively.

Annie Cotterill gained three grade 8s, four grade 7s, two grade 6s and one grade 5 in mathematics, biology, RS, English language, chemistry, history, food & nutrition, physics, psychology and English literature, respectively.

Finlay McPate gained two grade 9s, four grade 8s and four grade 7s in English literature, physics, English language, chemistry, German, history, mathematics, biology, computer science and RS, respectively.

Ben Crerand gained three grade 5s, five grade 4s and a Pass 2 in English language, food & nutrition, RS, English literature, mathematics, geography, science trilogy and ICT, respectively.

Ian Wilson, headteacher, recalled last year’s excellent Ofsted report which said: “Staff across the school have high expectations of pupils. They expect every pupil to try their best. Pupils take pride in their work.”

Although socially distanced on results day, it has been wonderful to celebrate and share the joy of looking to the future with confidence.