STUDENTS from Frome College have been praised for ‘remarkable resilience’, as they celebrated exam success and received ‘spectacular’ results after two difficult years in education.
They collected their A-level, BTec and GCSE results over the last fortnight, in the first exam season where results have been awarded by external boards rather than teacher assessment, which took place during the pandemic. Principal of Frome College, Emma Reynolds said, “Congratulations to everyone who has received exam results this week and on making it through an incredibly tough two years.
“Students were unable to sit GCSE examinations in 2020 and so this summer’s exams were their first external assessments. The resilience our students have shown under such conditions is remarkable.”
The college outlined top line figures for A- level results against pre-pandemic levels, showing an increase in achievements.
The principal said, “In total, our students entered for 422 qualifications across 30 subjects, headline figures with 2019 figures in brackets: • Percentage of A/A* grades – 32% (24%) • Percentage of A*/B grades – 60% (46%) • Percentage of A*/E grades – 97% (96%).
“We all hold a very high opinion of this year group, they have been through a lot and deserve every success for a bright, happy future, whether that be going to university, employment, apprenticeship or gap year travel.”
As year 11 students collected their GCSE results last week, Emma Reynolds said, “We are incredibly proud of the achievements and progress of all of our students as we receive a spectacular set of GCSE and BTec results.
“Our young people have shown great resilience, determination and dedication to their studies and richly deserve these achievements. Our success is grounded in the strong relationships fostered at this college, the dedication of all our staff, consistent high-quality teaching and support from our families. Frome College governors and I would like to thank parents, carers, staff and students for such a successful year in the face of unprecedented disruption.”
Breaking down the results to highlight the students’ success, Emma Reynolds said, “Our boys, in particular, have achieved very well alongside our top performing students. Indeed, ten of our students gained an astounding 102 level 8s and 9s across their subjects. A full 20% of all of results are level 7 or above – equivalent to a grade B or above”.
“In total, 278 students have taken 2,247 qualifications; one of our many strengths is the breadth of the curriculum students can study at college and a total of 15 subjects attained a 100% pass rate – testimony to everybody’s focused study.”
She gave thanks to all those who have supported the students, saying, “Credit and thanks must go to our dedicated staff team for all of their continuous hard work, dedication and support for all of our students. Congratulations to all!”