GCSE results day 2020: All smiles for Thomas Becket Catholic School students after months of uncertainty

Thomas Becket Catholic School students had smiles on their faces when they opened up their GCSE results today (Monday, August 20) after months of uncertainty.

Grades have been decided by teachers after exams were cancelled because of Covid-19 and the government's U-turn over its controversial statistical modelling.

However some students will still be waiting for final grades as the awarding bodies for BTECs and Cambridge Nationals take more time to adjust their calculations.

Head teacher Mark McLaughlin said: “Just because these students didn’t sit their exams, it does not mean that they should be any less proud of grades they have received.

"The students have worked so hard, and they have taken every opportunity that has been given to them as we have enhanced our offer over recent years.

“The process we undertook to determine, moderate and verify the grades was significant.

"Prior to Covid, we knew that these students had the ability to secure some very strong grades.

"The outcomes reflect that the class of 2020 were a fantastic group of young people; with equal measures of talent and determination.”

Among the smiling faces at the Becket Way school was Daniel Zefi, who secured 10 grade 9s and an 8.

“I am very proud of my science grades as it is where I worked the hardest and I was very supported by the teachers at Thomas Becket Catholic School," he said.

"I want to thank them all, especially the science and maths teachers. Without them I could not have achieved what I did. Thank you.”

Ryan Jones said, who secured a host of good passes, said: “I am ecstatic about my results.

"The grades are due to the overwhelming support of my teachers and I cannot express my gratitude enough.

"If I were to list them off by name I would probably be here all day!

"For this reason, I am looking forward to attending the sixth form at Thomas Becket Catholic School and score even higher grades in my A-levels.”

Mr McLaughlin said the school has been on a 'significant school improvement journey' which he is certain would have continued if Covid-19 had hit or not.

"It would be fair to say that we are all disappointed that this academic year finished in the way that it did, as these students have earned the right to celebrate these fantastic set of results," he added.

“This group really embody our core values. They have completed additional work, attended every extra session we have put on and then stayed beyond that to do even more work.

"All of the staff at the school have been delighted to serve this group of students and I thank our teachers for every opportunity they provided for this group to achieve their potential.

“Finally, I just want to say a huge thank you to our staff and our parents.

"The uncertainty we have all seen in the papers has had an impact on us all. We all worry about our students and our children, and we all just want what is best for them.

"We are relieved that the final outcomes are based on our talented students, not an algorithm.”