GCSE Results Press Release 2023

Reading Blue Coat is very proud of all the students receiving their GCSE results today. Despite the turbulence of the last few years, students have performed exceptionally well with just over 78% of grades at grade 7 or above, and 92% of grades at 6 or above. It was a delight to see so many happy faces! There are a few remarkable headline statistics: 51% of Maths grades were grades 9-8 (A*); 93% of Geography grades were 9-7 and 33 of the 44 students who sat the Physics GCSE received a grade 9 (A*).

Director of the Middle School, Mr Scott Yates, commented on the results, ‘These are some of the best public examination results in the School’s history but come as no real surprise. They are testament to the hard work and commitment that these students have shown throughout their time here. They have received excellent support and encouragement from our staff as well as from their parents, so we are all delighted and proud to celebrate in their success. Since we have emerged from lockdown and remote learning, not only have these students excelled in the classroom but have shown commitment to their co-curricular activities. Amongst them are sportsmen, musicians, actors, adventurers, cadets and artists and involvement in these activities has not only strengthened and developed other important life skills, but also their overall wellbeing and enjoyment of school life’.

Dedicated rugby player, Matthew McLachlan of Finchampstead, achieved a remarkable ten grade 9s and one grade 8. Matthew has represented the school at Rugby throughout his time here. He also recently attained the DofE Bronze Award and his academic contributions were acknowledged at Prize Giving when he received the Maths Prize.

Keen rower, Owen Beckett of Wokingham, helped secure a victory for RBC as the squad became Junior National Champions at the British Rowing Championships. Owen is delighted with his results of four grade 9s, five grade 8s and two grade 7s.

Sam Chedgey of Pamber End, Hampshire, is also a valued RBC rower. Sam was part of the Bronze Medal winning crew in the J16 Coxed Four at the National Schools Regatta and achieved nine grade 9s and four grade 8s. He was also awarded the Academic Prize for both Latin and Spanish at Prize Giving.

Gifted musician, Harry Luff of Tilehurst, is a valued contributor at school performances and celebrations. He was recently awarded the Joy Day Trophy for his vocal performance at the Reading Symphony Orchestra’s Young Musicians’ Championships. Today, he attained an impressive five 9s, four 8s and two 7 grade GCSEs.

Cookham resident, Tom Ellington, and Patrick Wisener of Caversham, jointly received the special academic award of the Jefferies Year 11 Cup for Progress at Prize Giving. Tom also received the Geography and Spirit of Malthus Prizes. He is delighted with his seven grade 9s and three grade 8s. Patrick, a keen sportsman and valued RBC rugby player, achieved two grade 9s, five grade 8s, two grade 7s and a grade 5.

Special mention goes to students who achieved outstanding results. Isaac Mono of Crowthorne, another RBC rower, achieved ten grade 9s and one grade 8; Rohit Laibu of Reading, gained nine grade 9s and two 8s; Oliver Bloomfield of Finchampstead, received eight grade 9s and three 8s; both Nathan Kisaka of Calcot, and Dominic Rolt of Fleet received eight grade 9s and two grade 8s.

Headmaster Pete Thomas said, ‘Possibly the earliest these young people have woken in quite a few weeks! It was wonderful to see nerves turned to joy on so many faces with this excellent set of results. I am delighted that sustained effort from the students and great support from staff and families has resulted in so much celebration (and no doubt relief!). In a couple of weeks, they will return in their Sixth Form attire, smart and focused on bringing the best out of themselves once again in their A Levels, wherever their particular interests lie. I am excited to see them continue to grow as fine young adults over the next two years.’

Head of Year 11 and Head of Futures, James Leigh, was also delighted with the results, ‘Record breakers! What a phenomenal bunch of Year 11 students. These results are testimony to the effort they have put in during challenging periods over the last few years. Credit also to the support from both staff and parents; our whole community should be proud of these students. I am thrilled as Head of Year, and now look forward to our time in the Sixth Form.’

Although today’s focus is the Year 11 students, students at Reading Blue Coat sit their final GCSE Religious Studies examination in Year 10. This year, over 71% of Year 10 students are celebrating 9-7 grades, which bodes very well for GCSE results again next year.

24 August 2023