Girls celebrate outstanding STEM GCSE results

Once again, Year 11 students at St Mary’s Senior School have achieved GCSE exam success with an overall pass rate of 98% at level 9-4, (equivalent to A*-C). There was an impressive rise in those achieving the highest-level grades, 7-9 (equivalent to A-A*) when looking at pre-covid data, with an increase from 36% in 2019 to a notable 48% in 2022. An average of 72% of girls achieved 7-9 (equivalent to A grade and above) across all STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) based GCSE subjects, with an incredible 93% of Biology and Chemistry results being at level 7-9.

Mrs Nicola Griffiths, Principal of St Mary’s Colchester who has a degree in Biological Sciences from St Hilda’s College, Oxford said “I am incredibly proud of the girls’ accomplishments in their GCSE exams this year, especially the successes we have seen in STEM subjects. I am passionate about encouraging girls to aim high in all their academic subjects by learning from their mistakes and working consistently hard. This set of fantastic results is also a testament to the expertise of staff in supporting girls’ pastorally, as well as academically.”

One of the many GCSE exam successes in STEM subjects at St Mary’s is illustrated by stellar student, Adrienne who has achieved two level 9s in Biology and Chemistry as well as seven level 8s (including Physics and Maths). Adrienne joined St Mary’s in the Preparatory (Reception) class at the Lower School in Copford before progressing on to the Senior School in Lexden Road, Colchester. Alongside her academic studies, Adrienne was Head of the School’s Eco Committee from Year 10 and helped St Mary’s to secure its 8th green flag from Eco-Schools England, which recognises the school’s commitment to creating a sustainable environment for current and future students. With her fantastic set of results, Adrienne is looking forward to studying A levels at the highly acclaimed Sixth Form College, Colchester.

Year 11 student Pippa also received a fantastic set of results. She secured one level 9, four level 8s (including Physics), four level 7s (including Combined Science) and one level 6 in Maths. During her time at St Mary’s Senior School, Pippa has provided a vital role as a Listener, providing pastoral support for younger students. She intends to study A levels in Biology, Psychology and Spanish at the Sixth Form College, Colchester. Her end goal is to study a Biology related degree at university with the view to working in the field of vaccinations.

Former Head Girl, Eliana was delighted to achieve one level 9 in Combined Science, two 8s (including Combined Science), four level 7s (including Maths) and one level 6. Eliana is hoping to study A levels in Maths, Chemistry, Physics and Economics at one of the Grammar School sixth forms in Colchester, and is aiming to join the RAF in the future to focus on Engineering.

Isabel was ecstatic with her GCSEs! She received two 8s (including Biology), six 7s (including Maths, Chemistry and Physics) and two level 5s (including Further Maths). She is hoping to study A levels in Politics, Psychology, History and Textiles at the sixth form at Ipswich School. Isabel would like to go on to study Psychology at degree level.

For anyone wishing to find out more about the all-girls education on offer at St Mary’s, the school is holding a number of Open Days in September and October. Places can be reserved by filling out the online form here