Head praises pupils as GCSE results revealed

2021 has proven to be another unpredictable and turbulent year for pupils across the country. Following a year of constant change Farnborough Hill Head, Mrs Alexandra Neil, has praised and congratulated the ‘indomitable spirit’ of Year 11 as 2021 GCSE results were revealed today.

Alexandra Neil said: ‘In a year when pupils did not have the opportunity to put their learning to the test through traditional examinations, we would like to pay tribute to the industry and indomitable spirit of our Year 11 pupils.

‘Faced with the challenge of juggling on average ten subjects in a constantly shifting landscape brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the pupils demonstrated drive and determination, working hard right up to the line to evidence the highest possible standards in each of their subjects. They should therefore be rightly proud of their achievements, for theirs has been an attitude that truly lives up to the adverb ‘wholeheartedly’.’

Farnborough Hill pupils have shone once more in 2021, with the average grade in this year’s cohort being a Grade 7, the equivalent of a Grade A. Twenty pupils achieved all Grade 9s and 8s alongside 39 pupils who achieved Grades 9 to 7.

Lucia, Aimée and Katie each triumphed with a full set of Grade 9s. Other top performers included Abigail, who earned ten Grade 9s and a Grade 8, including Classical Greek which she took as an additional GCSE. In addition, Amelia and Aniella are each celebrating nine Grade 9s and one Grade 8. Isabella and Charlotte each scored nine Grade 9s and two Grade 8s.

Farnborough Hill’s mission is to encourage each girl to develop her unique gifts and talents, indeed to achieve her full potential. Whilst the School promotes academic excellence, it places equal importance on promoting the spiritual, moral, creative, physical and social development of each pupil.

In the relatively brief spell that Farnborough Hill pupils were back in School following the end of lockdown, the girls showed great character and spirit, making the most of their time, not only academically but also socially and in their co-curricular activities, resuming the activities that had been put on ‘pause’ during the pandemic. This gave many pupils the opportunity to complete the Silver Duke of Edinburgh award in June 2021. In addition, two teams of Year 11 pupils participated in the Model United Nations event in February 2021 with Anais and Charlotte receiving special commendations for their performance.

Today also saw the publication of results for Project Qualifications taken by Year 9 pupils. This is an independent research project, undertaken on topics of the pupils’ choosing, and this year saw a record number of entries among Farnborough Hill’s Year 9 pupils, with ten pupils entering and passing the Level 1 qualification. In addition, 61 pupils entered and passed the Level 2 qualification, the equivalent standard of a GCSE certificate. The topics are always fascinating and this year they ranged from whether ecotourism is having a positive effect on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, to the effect of social media on teenagers’ mental health; and the ecological importance of vultures in the wild.

As the pupils now turn their attentions to A levels and future study, Alexandra Neil continued: ‘The pupils thoroughly deserve these GCSE results which are their passport to Sixth Form study.  We wish them every success as they take their next steps in education and look forward to the new academic year in September when this cohort will take on all the exciting opportunities and leadership that Sixth Form life on the Hill offers.’

Find out about the Sixth Form on the Hill