Wrexham celebrates best GCSE results on record

A WREXHAM school which was plunged into special measures just a month ago, is celebrating its best ever GCSE results.

Last month Ysgol Rhosnesni High School was entered into special measures by education inspectorate Estyn who highlighted a lack of progress in improving pupils’ skills and the quality of teaching after its latest inspection.

It was the second time the school has been placed into special measures having initially been put under increased Estyn observation in 2013, having been created as one of Wrexham’s ‘super schools’ in 2005.

But today the school is celebrating it’s strongest GCSE results.

Headteacher, Andy Brant, said: “Despite the disruption and uncertainty of the past two and a half years, our Year 11 cohort has achieved the highest outcomes we have ever witnessed – 28 students gained at least five A* or A grades, with an unprecedented 31 A*’s in mathematics. More youngsters achieved an A*- C grade in English Language than at any point in our history.”

Mr Brant also thanked his colleagues and Rhosnesni parents for their hard work, commitment and belief.

He added: “Youngsters cannot earn results of this quality without exceptional teachers and incredibly supportive parents. We applaud our Year 11 learners and all those who have contributed to their record-breaking achievements.”

The school’s Chair of Governors, Elinor Doherty, added: “We would like to congratulate our students on these fantastic outcomes. Understandably, our parents and staff members are extremely proud.

“Today we will celebrate each and every success. These are incredible and well-deserved results.”

Pupils across Wrexham have also received praise on achieving their grades.

Cllr Phil Wynn, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Education said: “Every pupil receiving their GCSE results today should be proud of their achievements. “I wish you all well as you head on to further education, work or training.”

Karen Evans, Wrexham Council’s Head of Education added: “On behalf of Wrexham Council I would like to congratulate all the students collecting their grades today and thank our teaching staff, parents and guardians in supporting them.”

Over in Flintshire, results were celebrated across the county with Councillor Ian Roberts, Leader of Flintshire Council and Cabinet Member for Education, Welsh Language, Culture and Leisure, leading the congratulations.

He said: “The Council is very proud of all of our year 11 pupils on their hard work to achieve the grades that they have received.

“There has been a considerable effort across the system to ensure that students were able to sit examinations this year. In a year of continued disruption from the pandemic, they have worked hard to achieve their goals.

“I wish them every success and encourage them to continue to work hard and aim high.”

Flintshire Council’s Chief Officer for Education and Youth, Claire Homard, added: “I would like to extend my warm congratulations to all our learners receiving results today.

“They have continued to show resilience over the last twelve months in preparing for their examinations. I would like to recognise the work of parents and carers in supporting and guiding their children and thank them for working in partnership with our schools.

“I want to also thank our schools who have worked throughout the year to ensure that our pupils are given every opportunity to succeed. I know they will continue to provide support and advice for their learners in making choices about future pathways and preparing for September. I wish all learners every success in their next steps.”

A spokesman for GwE, the North Wales regional school improvement service working alongside and on behalf of the North Wales local authorities, said: “The six North Wales Local Authorities and GwE would like to congratulate all learners on their achievements in this year’s GCSE examinations.

“We would like to wish all young people the very best for the future and acknowledge the support they have received from their schools, families and local authorities through the challenges of the last few years which have been unprecedented.”