Reaching New Heights: Bootham students shine in GCSE results

The proportion of Bootham School’s GCSE results at the very highest level has risen for the fourth consecutive year, with an impressive 61% of all results awarded today achieving a grade 9, 8 or 7 (previously A*-A), continuing the York school’s strong academic performance.

75% of all Bootham students opened their envelopes this morning to see a grade 8 or 9 amongst them. Celebrating their grades today were Eleanor and Faateh, who each achieved an incredible 11 straight grade 9s and will now continue into Bootham’s Sixth Form College to study A Levels in September. Both Eleanor and Faateh have also been awarded the School’s prestigious Academic Scholarship for Year 12.

Bootham students performed strongly in a wonderfully varied range of subjects. Computer Science, Drama, Geography, Music, German, Design Technology and Latin are among the many subjects achieving a 100% pass rate this year. The results in Drama and Music are particularly pleasing for Bootham, where creative subjects have an important place within school life. Scholarships in both disciplines are awarded from Year 7, giving students the opportunity to develop their talents alongside their academic studies.

Modern foreign languages are also thriving at Bootham; more than three quarters of students achieved good passes in a GCSE in a modern foreign language this year. At a time when some schools are reducing access to language learning, Bootham continues to recognise the importance of languages and the opportunities they offer young people, both academically and beyond the classroom.

Behind the grades are young people with their own stories; For some, receiving today’s results has also meant navigating significant change. When Queen Margaret’s School for Girls closed in the middle of their GCSE studies last summer, Bootham welcomed a number of Queen Margaret’s students into its supportive community. Today, former Queen Margaret’s student Evie has achieved an exceptional set of results, with a full set of grades 9-8.

Evie’s parents praised Bootham for the support provided: ” When Queen Margaret’s unexpectedly announced their closure at the end of summer term last year it turned the girls’ worlds upside down. Having to change school and curriculum halfway through GCSE’s was a huge challenge for Evie, but we knew we had found a school who could support her through that. With Bootham’s help, and Evie’s hard work and determination to make the most out of the situation, she has managed to achieve a fantastic set of results, and we couldn’t be prouder of her and her amazing achievements. We’d like to thank the Bootham team for their pastoral support throughout the last year.”

GCSE results day also marks an exciting new chapter for students joining Bootham College from other senior schools. Following today’s results, new students can look forward to joining Year 12 in September, where they will benefit from Bootham’s outstanding A Level teaching and university preparation programme over the next two years.

Alongside their academic achievements, Bootham students have discovered new talents, and thrown themselves into the life of the school. For Bootham, that breadth matters: a set of results tells only part of the story.

Deneal Smith, Head at Bootham, said:
“I am especially delighted to see the proportion of our GCSE results at grades 9 to 7 rise for the fourth consecutive year. That sustained improvement at the very highest level is a tremendous achievement for our students and staff, and reflects the high expectations and individual support that underpin the way we learn at Bootham. I am equally proud of the students behind these grades – those who volunteer or fundraise for charity; who take leading roles in school productions; who commit to the orchestra or compete in our sports teams; or otherwise make an exceptional contribution to both our school and the wider community. The brilliant young people behind the grades are the truest reflection of the curiosity and confidence instilled at Bootham.”

Media enquiries:
Emily Sowden, Director of Marketing and Admissions, Bootham School.
emily.sowden@boothamschool.com / 01904 272550