HEADTEACHERS say they are pleased with the progress being made at GCSE by Forest students, particularly in the light of tougher exams. 

Dene Magna in Mitcheldean enjoyed another year of record-breaking GCSE results, said headteacher Steve Brady. 

He said they could ‘confidently predict’ the school’s progress score would be higher than last year, which would put it among the top performing schools. 

Eleven subjects, including English and maths had pass rates of 80 per cent at grade four or better – equal to grades A*-C in the former classification system. 

Mr Brady said: “We are delighted for the students, staff and parents/carers who have worked so hard to ensure that our students are set to take their next steps into adult life.  

“We are a truly comprehensive school and this was a real team effort and shows the strength of the community and curriculum at Dene Magna.  

“We are particularly excited about welcoming the students to our new sixth form in September and congratulate everyone in their role in this success against the backdrop of these new, tougher GCSEs.” 

Five Acres High School in Berry Hill was celebrating “record results” which should put the school in the top 15 per cent of schools in terms of progress, said headteacher Mr Ian Frost. 

He said: “We are so delighted for our Year 11 pupils who have performed exceptionally through hard work and dedication throughout their time with us – 69 per cent of our pupils achieved a grade four in both English and maths and 41 per cent achieved grade fives.  

“Our very positive progress builds on strong performance last year and should put the school in the top performing 15 per cent of schools in the country in terms of progress.  

“My thanks to our brilliant staff for their excellent teaching and support and of course to parents for their terrific support.” 

Head of Forest High School in Cinderford, Mr Paul Holroyd, said he was “thrilled” by the further improvements made by students. 

More achieved a grade four pass or above at English and maths and in the former, more than 50 per cent of the results were grade five pass or better.   

There were also excellent results in French, art and history where more than 70 per cent of results were at grade four or above.   

Mr Holroyd added: “Since October, staff have put on additional classes for Year 11 students which have been exceptionally well attended and this is reflected in the results.”

Mr Tom Beveridge, head of the Dean Academy in Lydney, said the school had maintained its progress against a number of headline measures. 

He said the percentage of students achieving two sciences at grade four or better – the equivalent of grades A*-C in the former system of classification – had increased and the performance in English and maths had been maintained. 

“The progress that a number of our students have made irrespective of their ability or starting point is very pleasing.  

“The Dean Academy is a truly inclusive school and this, along with the fantastic support and dedication of our parents and staff, has enabled students to achieve.  

“Our students have achieved in a wide number of areas with, for instance, 80 per cent of religious studies, product design and music students achieving a grade four or above.  

“The school continues to proudly offer a broad and balanced curriculum, with this year over 80 per cent of our construction, engineering and hair and beauty students gaining a level two qualification,” he added. 

“I would like to thank staff and students for the resilience and commitment they have shown this year.  

“It is lovely to see students being duly rewarded for their hard work and effort, and I am confident that their success will help all students to feel that they are part of an improving school.” 

At Newent Community School, more than 12 per cent of all grades were between nine and seven – the equivalent of grades A*-C in the former classification of system.  

In English and maths, the pass rates at grade four or better, were 80 per cent and 74 per cent respectively. 

Principal Alan Johnson said: “We are exceptionally proud of the students for performing well in these new more challenging GCSEs, with the majority of subjects now graded on a new numerical nine to one grading system.” 

“The hard work of our students and teachers has been rewarded and these stunning results will enable our students to move on to their A-level courses at our sixth form with confidence and pride in their ability and potential.” 

Gwennan Jeremiah, head at Wyedean in Sedbury said the number of students gaining the equivalent of A* or A** in Wales had “held strong”. 

She said: “We are delighted that 64 per cent of our students have achieved five or more GCSEs at grade four or above which is equivalent to a C or above in Wales.  

“Despite national figures suggesting that languages are an inaccessible subject for many, we are exceptionally proud of all our language students, but particularly of those achieving top grades in French and Spanish as well as those that selected subjects such as Polish and Japanese,” she added.

As always, our inclusive and broad education offer has reaped excellent results in a range of BTEC subjects with particular success in business studies and hospitality.”