Dunmow students celebrate 'excellent' GCSE results

Helena Romanes 

At Helena Romanes School in Dunmow, executive headteacher Catherine Davis praised students for their achievements.

She said: "I want to congratulate the class of 2024 for their results this year which reflect their enormous dedication and resilience.

"I would also like to thank parents and carers for their support and commend our team of staff for their commitment towards the students.

"We wish all of our students success and happiness in their next steps and look forward to seeing many of our Year 11 back in our Sixth Form in September."

Among the success stories were Emma who received three 9s, three 8s and four 7s.

HRS student Emma celebrating her GCSE results (Image: HRS)

Emma said: "Thank you so much to everyone, I am so happy! I am looking forward to joining Helena Romanes Sixth Form this year."

James, who achieved one 9, two 8s, four 7s and six 6s, said: "I am really pleased and relieved."

James from Helena Romanes with his results (Image: HRS)

Alex overcame significant challenges to achieve her results, and received two 8s, three 7s, two 6s, two 5s and a 4.

She said: "I am really happy with my results and look forward to continuing my studies next year."

The school is also celebrating students' high achievements in creative arts, with both Tamsin and Jessica receiving grade 9s in art.

Leyla, Isobella and Brooke with their GCSE results (Image: HRS)

Head boy Thomas achieved grade 9 in music, having performed in a range of school showcases this year and as a member of the Great Dunmow Town Band.

Thomas said: "I am proud of myself and I would like to thank my teachers for all their support. I am looking forward to staying on in the sixth form."

Thomas from Helena Romanes with his GCSE results (Image: HRS)

Head of Year 11 Lucy Cook said: "I am immensely proud of our students and their achievements.

"Their successes are a direct testament to the efforts displayed by both the students and the staff.

"It was a delight to witness so many joyful faces as they opened their envelopes to reveal their results this morning.

"Congratulations once again to all involved. Your hard work and perseverance have yielded excellent outcomes."

Forest Hall School

The number of students achieving high grades in their GCSEs has risen at Forest Hall School in Stansted.

Among the top performing students this year were Carrie Amott, Kai Booth, Edward Duffy, Megan Ellis, Jack Hunnisett, Samuel Letchford, Teddy Page-Blackley, Emily Penman, Rose Powell and Tamsin Salmon.

Jack Hunnisett, 16, was diagnosed with scoliosis during lockdown and had major surgery delayed due to the pandemic.

Jack Hunnisett with his GCSE results (Image: Forest Hall School)

His surgery was eventually scheduled for April this year, just a few weeks before his GCSE exams.

He said: "The school gave me revision material to use while I recovered and made sure my wellbeing was their primary concern.

"They played a massive part in ensuring I got good grades.

“We did consider pushing the operation to after my exams, but there was the risk it would get even worse and I would not be able to revise or sit for the two or three-hour exams with a painful back.

"I am very pleased with my results. They are a lot better than I expected as I thought my back would have had an impact."

Jack achieved three 8s, two 7s, three 6s and one grade 5, and is going on to Sixth Form to study science and maths.

Jack Hunnisett with his GCSE results (Image: Forest Hall School)

Headteacher Dustin Schuyler said: “Our students have been resilient and diligent all year long.

"The progress they have made and the grades they have achieved are a result of that determination and effort.

"Not only have students performed well academically, but they have developed into outstanding young adults. They have high ambitions and plans for their futures. They now have the grades to start fulfilling those dreams.

"Well done and congratulations, all of us at Forest Hall School are incredibly proud of all of you."