Seventy-one students aged 15 or 16 achieved at least one A grade in a subject at Queen Elizabeth II High School, the headteacher told the annual prize day.

Sue Moore said that meant two thirds of them had achieved it.

She reflected on the past year and told students: ’You showed resilience and tenacity in really tough times.’

The staff took great professional care to make sure that the assessments were rigorous and fair, Ms Moore added.

She said that meant everyone could be confident that the grades students achieved were a genuine reflection of their hard work and learning.

Schools were not subject to statistical grade boundaries this year and instead awarded using ’descriptors’ for each grade.

That meant students could know that their work matched the criteria for their grade.

’The challenges of the past year have been a real test of our community and we have emerged stronger and more united than ever,’ Ms Moore said.

’I would like to thank all of you who contribute to making our community and school so strong, supportive and positive.’

She said parents and families had encouraged students and kept them focussed and motivated.

’I am privileged to lead the most wonderful team of people: support and teaching staff - second to none!

’We pulled together, supported each other and have become stronger through adversity.

’And, most important of all, I am so proud of our young people and how they have kept positive, worked together and come through this year with flying colours.

’They should feel confident about the future, knowing that they can meet the challenges ahead and look forward to the next steps in what promise to be highly successful adult lives. Well done to you all.’

Prizes:

Katie Lovelady

The Forster Prize for best GCSE results

The Stevenson Prize for Mathematics

The Michael Commissioners Shield - English Prize

The QEII Old Scholars Association Trophy for Science

Gabrielle Divall

The Deans Trophy for Contribution to the School & Community

The QEII Old Scholars’ Association Trophy for Sport

Thomas Downey

Total Commitment to the School for Year 8

The Harrison Cushing Memorial Award for Achievements in Arts & Media

Award for Services to Performing Arts

Roo Hyett

Year 9 Student of the Year

Total Commitment to the School for Year 9

Kitty Ayres

Year 10 Student of the Year

Joel Kneen

Total Commitment to the School for Year 10

Finlo Sloane

The Michael Kewley Memorial Shield for Endeavour

The Heywood Prize for Design and Technology

Ben Barnett

The Marown Parish Commissioners Prize for I.T.