GCSE results 2022
Congratulations to over four thousand students in the Harris Federation who received their GCSE results this week.
These students, many just 13 when the pandemic began, and almost all from communities that faced the greatest hardship during lockdown and Covid, have shown strength, drive and tenacity way beyond what we could normally expect of children.
They refused to let Covid define their GCSE outcomes, taking up hours of extra study sessions before and after school, on Saturdays and during the holidays offered by each Harris academy.
The official scores for the progress they made against their starting point are some way off, but we know these will vindicate the huge effort staff went to in order to help compensate for the pandemic – not just giving students additional academic support, but pastorally too and by supporting the most vulnerable families.
Key highlights from the data we have so far include:
- Our students overcome socioeconomic disadvantage to outperform others nationally for top grades
A massive well done to the 260 Harris students with straight Grade 7-9s, equivalent to all As and A*s in every subject they took. Three in ten Harris entries scored at least a Grade 7, equivalent to an A or higher. This more than equals the national figure of top grades in 27% of entries and achieves parity with the London rate, even though our cohort is disproportionately disadvantaged – a credit to our students and staff.
While every one of our students can be proud of the endeavour they demonstrated over the past few years, some individuals have stories worthy of individual recognition. One such student, ‘S’ from Harris Academy Greenwich, lost her father suddenly during the pandemic yet found the grit and resilience to achieve nine top grades. Next month she will be the first in her family to go to sixth form; she is passionate about a career in human rights and has proven she has what it takes to achieve great success.
The resolve of our students was not limited to tackling the challenges presented by the pandemic. Student 'D' from Harris Girls' Academy Bromley achieved seven grades equivalent to A*. This was despite a fire destroying her family's home and possessions just weeks before her exams were due to start. The academy provided 'D' with food, new uniform, resources and a calm environment in which to revise, as well as the emotional support she needed. She is a credit to both her family and the Harris Federation and we are extremely proud of what she achieved.
- Our students are achieving exceptionally well in STEM subjects with results for maths, science (all three separately, and combined) and computer science significantly exceeding the national average both for standard passes and top passes.
- Our students also outperformed the national average in English Language, English Literature and History, overcoming some significant language and literacy barriers in order to do so.
- Our students are increasingly entering and achieving the EBacc. Half of the year group achieved a GCSE in all Ebacc subjects – maths, English, science, a humanity and a language – double the proportion that did so in 2019. Around three quarters of our students passed both maths and English, a significant increase on 2019.
Congratulations to every student who received results – we are so proud of your achievements and know that you will continue to shine in sixth form and beyond.
