Following exceptional A-Level success last week, Ilkley Grammar School is also celebrating fantastic GCSE and BTEC results with remarkable individual results at every level and overall high standards at every benchmark.

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Despite the continuation of the back-to-normal grading approach in line with pre-pandemic standards and the fact that year 11 students nationally have spent every year of their secondary education in the midst, or the wake, of the pandemic, IGS students have demonstrated what can be achieved through hard work, resilience and working positively alongside their teachers and support staff. With IGS results continuing to be significantly above national, as well as exceeding both the strong outcomes achieved at the school in 2023 and, in many cases, the grades individual students were expecting, there were many happy, smiling faces as students opened their envelopes and celebrated their success.

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With over 37% of all GCSE grades at grades 7-9 (national 22%), the class of 2024 have secured a staggering 275 grade 9s across the full range of subjects and 609 GCSE grades 8 and above, showing just how highly IGS students have achieved and the breadth and quality of the curriculum. This is also the case for students of all abilities, including those with SEN, with 84% of all entries graded at grade 4 or above (national 68%) and a pass rate for all GCSE and vocational qualifications sat at 99.5%. Indeed, all prior attainment cohorts – high, middle and lower prior attainment - are expected to achieve excellent progress when compared to similar ability students nationally.

There were many exceptional individual performances at the very highest level. These include Rosie Stidworthy and Harriet Williams who achieved a full complement of top grades with a staggering 10 grade 9s, Daisy Button, Emelyn McCann and Alexander Wolfenden who achieved 9 grade 9s and Charlie Collinge, David Martins who secured nine grade 9s (plus a grade 8) and Megan Stacey who secured 8 grade 9s. In addition, Sophie Armstrong and Xanthe Gutch achieved 7 grade 9s, alongside Edward Barker, Taida Czwaczka, Samantha Knowles, Daanial Mirzapour, Orla Murray and Megan Robinson each with 6 grade 9s.

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IGS is also celebrating the success of a large number of students who have made exceptional academic progress since joining the school. Though there are far too many names to mention, students include but are not limited to: Aban Ahmed; Rayyan Awan; Amir Aziz; Elizabeth Ballard; Evie Bowman; Isabelle Clough; Emily Dowson; William Fellows; Evan Higham; Violet Hollins; Alexander Hughes; Amelie Hunt; Soha Kiani; Charlie Lack; Toby Lucas; David Martins; Jemima McDonald; Daanial Mirzapour; Caitlin Robson; Marni Welsh; Natasha Wilson; Frederick Young and Muhammad Sufyan Zahir.

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The school is also particularly proud of Daniil Ilchenko and Victoria Varnakova who are the first members of the IGS Ukrainian community to complete GCSE qualifications. Daniil achieved an impressive set of results across a range of subjects which included 4 grade 9s in GCSE Maths, Further Maths and Trilogy Science, as well as grade 8s in English Literature and Design Technology and grade 7/distinction in Geography and Engineering. Victoria achieved a grade 9 in Russian, grade 8 in Art, grade 7 in Photography and excellent results in the core subjects of maths, English and science. Their success is remarkable given that both students have had to adjust to living in a new country under challenging circumstances and have been learning English since arriving in the UK, achieving a level of proficiency which has enabled them to sit GCSE qualifications. This is testament to their resilience, courage, determination and hard work.

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Carly Purnell, Headteacher of Ilkley Grammar School, stated: “Congratulations to our year 11 ‘Red Ties’ who have received their GCSE and BTEC results today. What they have achieved as a year group is outstanding, showcasing what a talented, capable and diligent group of young people they are. I am very proud of what they have achieved collectively, as well as the individual successes of so many students across the full ability range who have secured their Personal Best.”

“Whilst students have worked incredibly hard and should be rightfully proud of their achievements, it is also important that we acknowledge the dedication and commitment of the teaching and associate staff who have worked tirelessly to support them and who have provided the individual care and attention which have enabled so many of our students to meet and, in the majority of cases, exceed their ambitious targets. I would also like to take the opportunity to again thank parents and carers who have supported them unconditionally and who continue to uphold the school’s ethos and values and champion the school.

“Most of our students are returning to study in the Sixth Form at IGS where, as last week’s results testify, standards and outcomes are also excellent. However, whether our students are staying with us, moving on to colleges or progressing on to apprenticeships, we wish them all the very best in their future pathway and endeavours. Well done and good luck Year 11!"

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Gemma Claughton, Deputy Headteacher: Quality of Education, added: "It has been an absolute privilege to work with the red ties alongside the Year Team and dedicated teachers. We are blown away by the success of the cohort and the incredible resilience and persistence they have all shown. Every single grade achieved this year has been well-earned through hard work and dedication. I would like to thank the year team, senior colleagues and the staff at IGS for their work over the past 5 years and for the part they have played in ensuring that students continue to believe in themselves and their capacity to achieve great things for their next steps whether at IGS or other providers."

The school now looks forward to welcoming a record number of students into Post-16, including those transferring from other schools.