County High School Leftwich students celebrate GCSE results

For the second consecutive year, Year 11 students at The County High School in Leftwich enjoyed their moment in the sun, with the al fresco celebration making a welcome return.

Matthew Snelson said it had been a really successful year for the school, with both staff and students having to overcome the many obstacles thrown at them during the pandemic.

Sam Lee fancies a carry in law and praised his teachers for their support

One student who was all smiles was Sam Lee, saying how his results were better than expected with 8's in English Literature and Religious Studies, as well as a host of 7's, including in Combined Science and English Language.

"They are better than I expected," Sam said.

"The teachers did a lot to support me and it was very good here - they really put the work in.

"I'm going to Sir John Deane's to study A-levels in Economics, Law and English Language.

"From there I'd like to go on to university to do law, and then hopefully become a lawyer - that's the plan anyway.

"It's been a difficult year but the support has been good and by the second lockdown I was into a routine and the teachers were very hands on.

"Overall, I think it helped me focus a bit more than I would've done in school, so it might have benefitted me in that way."

Scarlett Hayward wan't to study law in criminology

Another budding lawyer in the school's departing rank of students is Scarlett Hayward, who received 8's and 7's across the board, including in English and Mathematics.

She said: "They're a lot better than I expected.

"I'm going to either Sir John Deane's or St Nick's to do law, politics and either RE or English Lit.

"I want to be a lawyer with criminology.

"Being in and out of school so much kind of mentally prepared myself to not do as well.

"I was really struggling to focus, but the teachers have been so supportive throughout the whole time."

Max Williamson wants a career in engineering after getting eight 9's

Max Williamson was another student who did better than expected when he achieved a remarkable eight 9's and two 7's.

"I thought I was going to get two 9's," he said.

"Maths and Physics were my predicated 9's but I've got much higher than I thought I would.

"I'd like to go to Sir John Deane's College and do Maths, Physics and Computer Science and I'm looking into engineering for the future."

Charlie Holland, Rebecca Shorrock and Isabelle Wood are also planning to study A-levels at Sir John Deane's after securing better than expected results too.

"I got an 8 in Maths that I needed to study Psychology," Charlie said.

"I want to be a child psychologist when I'm older as I'm really interested in how the brain works."

Rebecca, who got a 9 in Chemistry, said she was hoping for that result as she'd worked really hard for it.

She added: "I also got a 9 in English Language, which I was not expecting."

For Isabelle, her projected 6's ended up being 9's with Sir John Deane's the next stop to study Psychology, Sociology and Law.

Principal Matthew Snelson hailed his students hard work and resilience

Principal Matthew Snelson said: "Our remarkable Year 11 students deserve the remarkable success they have worked so hard to achieve.

"They have shown over the last 18 months, in particular, how dedicated they are to their studies and what focussed and mature young adults they are.

"They were the first year group back in school following the first lockdown, showing resilience and great determination in embracing the opportunities presented to them.

"They then needed to understand and work hard to achieve success within a new assessment system following the second lockdown.

"I look forward to seeing the class of 2021 thrive and flourish in all they do next as I know they are fully prepared for their next steps.

"We are all very proud of them and their achievements."

Alison Massey, the chairwoman of governors at County High School Leftwich, said: "Our year 11 students, their families and our entire school community should be very proud of everything they have achieved during their five years at the school.

"Their well-earned results will help them to progress with confidence onto the next phase of their lives and we wish them well.

"I'd also like to thank all the teachers and support staff at the school who have worked so hard to enable these students to achieve success."