Congratulations to Monmouth Comprehensive School students who received their GCSE examination and BTEC results this week.

MCS students have excelled in the face of the unprecedented challenges of the last two years, and have achieved exceptional results across a wide range of subjects.

Over a third of all grades awarded to Year 11 students were A*- A, and 82 per cent of all results were at C grade or above. Over 1/3 of students achieved 5 or more A*-A grades, with 15 per cent of students achieving 5 or more of the very top A* grades with Matthew Keenan achieving 14 A*s and 2 distinctions in his GCSEs.

With all this collective success, it is the individual stories of perseverance and determination to achieve their very best that reveal the resilience and excellence of students.

Director of Learning for Key Stage Four, Mr Curnow, said “We are very proud of each and every one of our students. They have achieved superb results across a wide range of qualifications. We are looking forward to welcoming a large majority of our students back into our highly regarded Sixth Form, where I know they are looking forward to starting their A Level or BTEC courses with us. We also wish the students who are taking their next steps elsewhere the best of luck for the future.”.

Mr Hutchison, Headteacher, spoke of his enormous pride in students and staff. Mr Hutchison said “Our students have performed phenomenally well in unique circumstances and through some challenging times. Behind the excellent grades are individuals who have done their very best to work hard and achieve their undoubted potential. Our magnificent staff have also been relentless in their endeavours to support all students in their studies. A particular thank you also to parents and carers, who have played a vital part in supporting and guiding students over the past years.”

If you have not already applied to join their Sixth Form and wish to make an application, please contact Mrs K. Jones at [email protected] or visit our website monmouthcomprehensive.org.uk

Pupils were also praised by members and officers of Monmouthshire County Council.

Speaking on results day, Councillor Martyn Groucutt, Monmouthshire County Council’s cabinet member for education, said: “Collecting results can often be a time of both excitement and great nervousness, but I want to say to all of our students today that your path to the end of compulsory education has been unlike one that any other group has had to take.

‘‘In following your GCSE courses through the pandemic, you have shown yourselves to be committed and capable learners with huge amounts of resilience – before any envelope is opened you should remember this; Congratulations to all of our learners today, enjoy everything the day brings and talk to your teachers about what are the right next steps for you. Take the time to thank those who have supported you on your journey too; your families, carers and all the members of the school team. Well done everyone.”

The council’s chief officer for children and young people, Will McLean, added: “Everyone receiving results today should be proud of what they have achieved. This year’s GCSEs mark the return to more traditional assessment processes, and this will have brought challenges to our learners.

‘‘However, this year I am again reminded of the resilience and determination of our learners and the support that our schools provide them.”