THIS year’s GCSE cohort at The Grange School have been celebrating after they outperformed the last set of public examinations in 2019.

Head of year, Leah Davenport said: “The year 11 Class of 2022 have been a truly exceptional year group to work with.

“Seeing them grow into accomplished young adults with such bright futures has been a privilege.”

More than half of all GCSE entries were at the top grades of grade 8 or 9.

One student achieving the rare feat of a clean sweep of grade 9s is Zoe Hildred.

She said: “I’m still in shock at these results. I’m going to study English literature, history and French at A-level.

“Eventually I would love to study English at University.”

There is double cause for celebration in the Hildred family as Zoe’s twin brother Max also achieved all grade 9s at GCSE.

“I will be taking A-levels at The Grange Sixth Form in music, economics, maths and German,” he said.

“Of all of these subjects, music is my passion – I love it and I think that is probably what I’d like to go on to study further.”

Such success reflects the wholehearted approach this year group have had.

As well as academic success, one in ten of the cohort were part of the ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ production cast, crew and band, dedicating many hours to put on a five-show run just three months before their examinations

The Grange also has a strong tradition in outdoor education and many pupils have undertaken their Duke of Edinburgh award.

Amongst the group of students undertaking both bronze and silver DofE awards alongside their GCSEs was Remi Livesey, who has achieved straight grade 9s.

He said: “I’d like to go into medicine as I just really love the sciences.

“I did some work experience at Macclesfield Hospital and it was one of the best experiences of my life.”

Across the year group, 40 per cent of all GCSE grades in biology, chemistry and physics are at grade 9.

Student Lucy Staples commented: “I was hoping I’d do well but I can’t believe that I got ten 9 grades!

“I will be staying at The Grange to do A-level biology, chemistry, maths and further maths.”

Not to be outdone, geography, history and religious studies matched this achievement with 40 per cent of grades in humanities at grade 9.

Testimony to The Grange’s diversity of curriculum, 90 per cent of all GCSE grades in art, graphic design, 3D and textiles were at 7 to 9.

Head of The Grange School, Dr Lorraine Earps said of this year’s GCSE results: “We know the uncertainty and pressure that all GCSE students have all experienced due to the pandemic and this group of students have shown great fortitude in rising to every challenge.

“I am absolutely delighted to celebrate with them today and they should all be very proud of their achievements.”