The headmaster of Wisbech Grammar School announced the GCSE results “are well ahead” of the national pass rates this year.  

National reports said the overall number of GCSE passes have fallen for a second year in a row, and that thousands more 16-year-olds will need to resit English and Maths exams compared to last year.     

But a press release issued on results day yesterday (Thursday) claims the school has bucked the national trend and that its grades are an improvement on last year. 

Wisbech Standard: Wisbech Grammar School also revealed this year's GCSE results were an improvement on 2022. Wisbech Grammar School also revealed this year's GCSE results were an improvement on 2022. (Image: Wisbech Grammar School)

The school's headmaster Barney Rimmer said: “This has been an excellent year of GCSE results for the Wisbech Grammar School community.  

“We are well ahead of the national pass rates overall and this cohort of pupils should be very proud of their achievements.  

“I am forever grateful to the dedication of the staff and the support from parents and guardians.” 

Wisbech Standard: Barney Rimmer, headmaster of Wisbech Grammar School.Barney Rimmer, headmaster of Wisbech Grammar School. (Image: Wisbech Grammar School)

He added: “Again, as with A-level results, the GCSEs nationally have been brought back to 2019 pre-pandemic levels.  

“However, our GCSEs have shown an improvement compared to last year and have bucked the national trend.  

“These results demonstrate that through a combination of inspired teaching, broad enrichment opportunities that exist at WGS, and the work ethic of this group of pupils, great results can be achieved.” 

Wisbech Standard: Wisbech Grammar School announced it bucked the national trend when it came to this year's GCSE results.Wisbech Grammar School announced it bucked the national trend when it came to this year's GCSE results. (Image: Wisbech Grammar School)

Several pupils received multiple top grades achieving the maximum 9 grade across various subjects.   

Those with notable achievements were:- 

  • Dillany Jeyakumar (Hillcrest Primary) - 7 9’s (10 GCSEs grade 7-9)  
  • Kayleigh Ashley (Dersingham Primary) – 5 9’s (8 GCSEs grade 7-9)  
  • Anona Bressani (St Martin at Shouldham Primary) – 5 9’s (8 GCSEs grade 7-9)  
  • Theodore Dent (South Wootton Junior School) – 5 9’s (9 GCSEs grade 7-9)  
  • Jules Jamieson (Glebe House School) – 4 9’s (9 GCSEs grade 7-9)  
  • John Lawrence – (WGS Prep) - 4 9’s (9 GCSEs grade 7-9)  
  • Betsey Paxton (Fleet Wood Lane Primary School) – 4 9’s (9 GCSEs grade 7-9)  
  • Adam Gardner (Greneway Middle School) – 3 9’s (9 GCSEs grade 7-9)  

Wisbech Standard: A Wisbech Grammar School pupil being congratulated on GCSE results day 2023.A Wisbech Grammar School pupil being congratulated on GCSE results day 2023. (Image: Wisbech Grammar School)

After collecting his results, one pupil, Theo, said: “I was very nervous, […] in particular when you start to hear stories about national grades being lower, so I am delighted with my results.  

“I’m now looking forward to studying Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Art at A-Level at the school [Wisbech Grammar School 6th form] and hope to achieve my dream of studying Architecture or Engineering at Cambridge University.”  

He added: “I have picked up valuable support at the school, especially knowing ‘how to learn effectively’.  

“I also really appreciated being able to attend the study seminar that the school organised last year – it really helped me pick up skills that will serve me well in the future.” 

Wisbech Standard: Many pupils were celebrating after receiving their GCSE results at Wisbech Grammar School.Many pupils were celebrating after receiving their GCSE results at Wisbech Grammar School. (Image: Wisbech Grammar School)