Ballard is incredibly proud of its pupils and the outstanding grades they have achieved once again this year. With a 95% pass rate (grades 9 to 4) across all pupils and all subjects (an increase of 2%), and 35% attaining the top grades (9 to 7), thereby maintaining last year’s record high, these results are truly exceptional.
Additionally, Ballard achieved a 100% pass rate in several subjects, including English Literature, Higher Mathematics, and all three Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics). Furthermore, 98.4% of pupils passed both English and Mathematics, 100% for those taking Higher Maths.
On average, each pupil achieved 0.79 of a grade higher than expected (based on their baseline assessment) in every subject, matching last year’s remarkable value-added score, with nearly a third of pupils gaining, on average, at least a whole grade higher per subject.
“I am extremely proud of this cohort, who have, once again, achieved some outstanding results. We were so impressed with the way they approached their GCSEs, and these excellent results are the culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and determination. As well as displaying diligence and a real strength of character in their approach to their studies, they have continued to perform on stage and on the sports pitches, mentor our younger children, fundraise and help others outside of our school, and take on Silver DofE. They leave us as well-rounded, thoughtful and down-to-earth young adults and as a credit to themselves, the school and their parents.
As well as saying a huge well done to all the pupils, we must thank our teaching staff, who go above and beyond, stretching and supporting our pupils learning in every lesson, as well as offering revision sessions after school, and during holidays and weekends. We must also thank our support staff who help to make Ballard such a wonderful, inspirational and nurturing community in which our young people thrive.
At Ballard, we know that happy, busy children to well in the classroom; these fantastic results go to show we have a school full of happy, busy children.
It is a privilege to have been part of their journey; we are all so proud of them and we wish them every success as they leave us to start new adventures.”
Mr Andrew McCleave, Headmaster
The following subjects gained 100% Grade 9-4:
Art, Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, Food & Nutrition, French, German, Mathematics – Higher, Music, Physics, Religious Studies, Statistics and Textiles.
An impressive range of subjects achieved notable percentages of top grades (9-7):
Music – 70%, Food & Nutrition – 67%, English Language – 58%, Spanish – 56%, Art – 46%, History – 46%, French – 38%, English Literature – 37%, Geography – 37%, Chemistry – 35% and Physics – 35%
We also saw some fantastic added value (the actual grades achieved by pupils compared to the grades that were predicted based on their prior attainment) across a range of subjects including several with over a grade higher:
Food & Nutrition 2.67, Music 2.3, English Literature 1.55, Textiles 1.33, Geography 1.3, English Language 1.03, PE 1.11, French 1, and History 1
