GCSE results: Downlands pupils show 'incredible resilience in the face of adversity' in exam results

Deputy headteacher Mr M Ashdown said: “We are immensely proud of our pupils at Downlands who have shown such incredible resilience in the face of such adversity.

“This morning has been a joyous occasion in school as pupils, parents, and siblings have been celebrating their achievements and are looking forward excitingly to starting their college courses and apprenticeships.

“We would also like to pay tribute to our local school community that has rallied around our pupils to support them through these challenging times.

“The teaching staff that has had to make numerous adaptations in response to a rapidly changing context, our pastoral teams that have dealt with the immerging issues pandemic, all of our support staff that have kept the school running and safe, our parents who have supported home learning and attended workshops to support their children and our ever supportive governing body that has helped guide us through the last couple of years.”

Education Secretary, James Cleverly added: “Congratulations to everyone getting their results today. Pupils should be incredibly proud of their achievements, especially given the unprecedented disruption they have faced over the last couple of during the last two years.

"I also want to thank our brilliant teaching profession – and of course parents and carers – for all they have done to ensure young people can progress onto the next stage of their lives.

“So whether that's one of our pioneering T Levels, A levels, or an apprenticeship, pupils should know they have the best possible range of options available to them once they finish their GCSEs."