Outstanding performance by Canfordians at GCSE

Published by Canford School on Thursday 22nd of August 2024

Following the fine achievements of our Upper Sixth last week in their A Level examinations, we are truly thrilled for our
Fifth Formers who have excelled in their GCSEs, recording some of the best results in the school’s history.

Over a quarter (27%) of all Canford papers were awarded the top grade of 9, widely acknowledged as beyond an A*,
compared with 5% of papers nationally and over half (53%) of all Canford GCSEs were graded 9-8 compared with
12.1% across the country. Canford’s pupils secured 73% of grades at 9-7 compared with 21.7% at 9-7 nationally and
48.4% average 9-7 across independent schools. 99% of all Canford papers were graded 9-4 (A*-C) compared with
67.4% nationally and 90.9% average in the independent sector.

Over a fifth of the Canford year group gained at least nine 9-8 (A*) grades, while over a third gained an impressive
average of grade 8 (A*) or higher in all their examinations. 81 pupils (64%) of the year group gained an average grade 7
(A*/A) or higher.

Results of the highest quality were seen across the Arts, Sciences and Humanities. In English and Maths, 30% of all
papers were graded 9, 61% 9-8 and 80% 9-7.

Such wonderful results are achieved through a great deal of hard work by our pupils, nurtured by the dedication of our
specialist subject teachers and support staff. Through our tutor system and pastoral care, we have ensured that their
education has remained broad and balanced, and as a result this year group has fully embraced all the opportunities a
Canford education offers, developing their skills not only academically but also across the range of co-curricular options
including sports, art, music, drama and CCF (to name but a few) and in house life supporting each other brilliantly.

Headmaster Ben Vessey commented: “Excluding the Covid years where different arrangements existed, these results are
among the very best we have recorded at Canford, particularly at the top grade levels. Our Fifth Form should feel
extremely proud of all their achievements to date, and these excellent examination results are demonstration of the
dedication and determination of this year group to strive to do their very best across all aspects of their education. We
look forward to seeing them develop further as they enter the Sixth Form, with all the exciting new pathways that this
will offer them, not least through the facilities and opportunities in our College development, the first phase of which will
open in Spring 2025. My thanks also to the support and guidance given by our superb teaching staff who have worked
tirelessly to ensure that our pupils were as well prepared as possible to achieve such impressive outcomes.”