High grades for Matlock’s Highfields school

Students receiving their GCSE results in the Sports hall, at Highfields School, Matlock
Tom Coates (front), back L/R, Hollie Wells, Kate Round, Rebecca & Hannah Greatorex, Bronia Kidd, Lois Helman — Students receiving their GCSE results in the Sports hall, at Highfields School, Matlock Tom Coates (front), back L/R, Hollie Wells, Kate Round, Rebecca & Hannah Greatorex, Bronia Kidd, Lois Helman

Overall the percentage of pupils at the Matlock School gaining five A*-C including English and maths stands at 69 per cent, in line with outcomes for the last 2 years. Many students have achieved outstanding individual results, with 35 students gaining eight or more A* or A grades and 50 per cent of youngsters recording at least one A*/A.

Head teacher Eddie Wilkes said: “Whilst these headline figures are excellent, the school is keen to emphasise that the number of students making excellent progress in the key areas of English and maths has improved even further this year, meaning that regardless of ability the vast majority of youngsters have achieved or exceeded national expectations.

Patrick Daunt, 16, who achieved a whopping four A*s, six As and two Bs, said: “I’ve got all the grades I needed. I mainly looking at maths and got an A, and I want to do further maths next year.

Students receiving their GCSE results in the Sports hall Alicia Fairburn aged 16, who achieved an incredible eleven A* results, pictured with Head of year 11 Mike Basford. (2)

“I thought I failed Physics but I got an A in that too.”

Adam Rogers, 16, added: “I’ve done well but the subjects I thought I’d messed up I’ve done alright. The way I sit the exams, I thought I’ve done badly, but the more work you put in, it all comes out in the end.

Head of Year, Mike Basford, who retires this term after 38 years at the school said: “It is great to see youngsters achieving as many as 11 A* grades. However, it is also good to see we are achieving excellent progress with students across the ability range, as we look to ensure we have given them the best possible platform for the next stage of their education.

“Now I’m hanging up my marker board pen - we used to say chalk - and I’m going out on a high. The kids’ results are absolutely stunning. It’s a fantastic effort from a really super group.”

Adam Rogers and Patrick Daunt open their results.

Mr Wilkes added in tribute to the leadership of Mr Basford: “The impact Mike has had over the years is immeasurable, but these results are a tribute to his ability to encourage and support every single student that has ever been in his care to achieve their very best. He can retire a happy man.’