GCSE RESULTS 2024

Headline figures

• 95% of students attained a grade 4 or above in both English and Maths
• 92% of students achieved five grade 4s or higher including English and Maths
• 92% of grades across all subjects were 4-9
• 84% of students attained a grade 5 or above in in both English and Maths
• 76% of students achieved five grade 5s or higher including English and Maths
• 61% of students attained at least five grades at 7-9
• 40% of all grades secured were 7-9
• 27% of students achieved an average of grade 7 or above

Mr. Eastham, Headteacher, said:

The learning journey and the educational landscape this particular cohort has had to navigate has been notably atypical. What with lockdown learning from home in Year 7 and bubble classrooms in Year 8, the route to success has not been easy. Therefore, the staff and governors of QEHS are all the more thrilled with what this wonderful group of youngsters has achieved with their GCSE outcomes this summer.

Great play has been made of the return to pre-COVID levels of assessment, and the firmer grade boundaries to ensure greater alignment with those from 2019 have certainly come into force as promised. Pleasingly, then, the hard work, commitment, dedication and camaraderie of the Class of 2024 has combined to generate an impressive array of examination successes.

92% of results across all subjects studied were grade 4 or higher whilst 40% of all grades secured were between 7-9. Indeed, nearly a third of the students averaged a grade 7, 8 or 9 which is a stunning achievement and helped to generate positive Progress 8 once again. Therefore, despite the more challenging grade boundaries applied by exam boards across all subjects this year, our Year 11 students have once again performed incredibly well, demonstrating the genuine progress being made across the broad curriculum offered here at QEHS.

Behind the figures there is of course the most important element to examination success – the students themselves. One phenomenal individual can boast a clean sweep of grade 9s across all their subjects, with a further 15 presenting nothing below a grade 7. At all levels of achievement, it is clear that this year group has applied themselves to the rigours of study and have reaped the rewards. This comes as no surprise because the cohort is a tight-knit and mutually supportive bunch who have seen each other through some particularly challenging times. The stoicism shown by Year 11 has, quite simply, been remarkable. These students represent and should be celebrated as the very best of the youth of today.

Here at QEHS we strive at all times to offer an outstanding education and to be the destination of choice for academic excellence. This is achieved by providing an environment in which students are academically challenged, well cared for, and are afforded access to a broad range of fulfilling and enriching co-curricular activities. This can only be the case when there are high levels of collegiality between students, staff and parents. My personal thanks, therefore, are extended to all colleagues and families for the guidance and support you have offered our students.

Ahead of the excitement of commencing post-16 studies, now is the time for everyone to celebrate what has been achieved again this summer. Very well done Year 11 and many congratulations!

Mr R Eastham

Headteacher

A LEVEL RESULTS 2024

Headline figures:

• 45% of our students attained at least one A or A* grade
• 28% of grades were A* or A 
• 16 students in the cohort achieved grades that were all either A or A* grades, with two students securing all grades at A*, four students securing two A* and A grades and four students securing an A* and two A grades.
• 34% of students achieved grades that were all of B or above 
• 56% of grades were between A* and B 
• 79% of grades were between A* and C
• 91% of students completing the EPQ secured A* to C grades, with 77% attaining A*/A grades

Mr. Eastham, Headteacher, said:

On behalf of all colleagues and the Governing Body here at QEHS, I would like to congratulate our Year 13 students upon their fantastic A Level results. Very well done!

With the return to pre-COVID 2019 grade boundaries and the associated national academic landscape, QEHS is delighted to announce that our wonderful 2024 Year 13 cohort has maintained the excellent standards set over recent years with today's A Level results. Once again, over half of all outcomes secured were A*-B grades, while the number of top A*-A grades are equally impressive. We are particularly proud that the average A Level pass achieved by our students this summer has been grade B. These achievements bear testament to the academic prowess of this particular group of students.

This level of success is undoubtedly the result of Year13’s unwavering dedication to study and students' tireless efforts and commitment to hard work. In partnership with the invaluable contribution made by the exceptionally dedicated staff here at QEHS and the support of parents, the Class of 2024 really has made this another exam season worthy of celebration.

Results such as these have seen our students secure prized places at top universities, including two heading for Cambridge and six to medical school. Indeed, with the vast majority securing places at their first-choice university, the array of courses and subjects being pursued is remarkable. From Architecture to Zoology, from Music to Mathematics, Immunology to International Relations, and Costume Design to Comic & Concept Art, the academic routes being pursued are truly rich and varied, thus reflecting the incredible breadth and depth of interests amongst those who study at QEHS. Similarly, there have been great successes where students have secured places on much sought-after degree apprenticeships including, for example, Nuclear Engineering. Well done one and all! Everyone at QEHS wishes you the very best for the next steps of your exciting educational journeys.

Once again, very many congratulations!

Mr R M Eastham 

Headteacher

GCSE RESULTS 2023

Progress 8 is a score that is calculated each year by the Department for Education (DfE), for every school, to summarise the progress that students of that school have made in their GCSEs. It is a type of value-added measure, which compares the results of our students to those of other pupils, of similar ability, nationally.

The table below shows this year’s progress 8 scores for QEHS. An overall score of 0.39 indicates that students at QEHS make 0.39 of a grade’s worth of progress, in every subject, than students of similar ability in other schools.

The graph below shows our Progress 8 scores since 2017. Students at QEHS have consistently made better progress than students of a similar ability nationally. In 2020, during the Covid pandemic, we were instructed by the Government to  award centre assessed grades (CAGs), we awarded grades that accurately reflected the ability of our students. We fear that other schools inflated their grades, resulting in our students, apparently, making less progress than those of similar ability in other schools. In 2021 we awarded teacher assessed grades based on rigorous and thorough assessments.  The grade profile of subsequent years indicates that our internal assessments were rigorous and fair.

Headline figures

• 98% of students attained a grade 4 or above in both English and Maths
• 82% of students attained a grade 5 or above in both English and Maths
• 96% of students achieved five grade 4s or higher including English and Maths
• 96% of grades across all subjects were 4-9
• 47% of grades were 7-9
• 61% of students attained at least five grades at 7-9
• A quarter of students in the cohort achieved an average of a grade 8 or 9
• 41% of students achieved an average of grade 7 or above

Mr. Eastham, Headteacher, said:

Following on from the excellent A Level results attained by Year 13 last week, the staff and Governors of QEHS would like to congratulate our hard-working Year 11 students who have bucked the national squeeze on top GCSE grades this summer.

96% of results across all subjects were grade 4 or higher and just under half of all grades were between 7-9. Indeed, a quarter of the students averaged a grade 8 or grade 9 which is a stunning achievement and helped to generate positive Progress 8 once again. Therefore, despite the more challenging grade boundaries applied by exam boards across all subjects this year, the Class of 2023 has smashed pre-COVID statistics which demonstrates the progress being made across the broad curriculum offered here at QEHS.

The results data associated with this fantastic cohort’s GCSE achievements really does make impressive reading. 96% of students secured five grade 4s or higher including English and Maths, with 61% attaining at least five grades at 7-9 which means 41% of our youngsters achieved an average grade of 7 or above.

Behind the figures there is of course the most important element to examination success – the students themselves. Three phenomenal individuals can boast a clean sweep of grade 9s across all of their subjects, with a further 24 presenting nothing below a grade 7. At all levels of achievement, it is clear that this year group has applied themselves to the rigours of study and have reaped the rewards. This comes as no surprise because the cohort is a tight-knit and mutually supportive bunch who have seen each other through some challenging times. The camaraderie and stoicism shown by Year 11 this year has been nothing short of inspirational. These students represent and should be celebrated as the very best of the youth of today.

Here at QEHS we strive at all times to offer an outstanding education and to be the destination of choice for academic excellence. This is achieved by providing an environment in which students are academically challenged, well cared for, and are afforded access to a broad range of fulfilling and enriching co-curricular activities. This can only be the case when there are high levels of collegiality between students, staff and parents. My personal thanks, therefore, are extended to all colleagues and families for the guidance and support you have offered our students.

Ahead of looking forward to the new academic year and the excitement of post-16 studies, now is the time for everyone to celebrate what has been achieved again this summer. Very well done Year 11 and many congratulations!

Mr. R Eastham

Headteacher

A LEVELS 2023

The national press have reported that 73,000 fewer A*/A grades were awarded overall in comparison to 2022 and we have observed that the grade boundaries for this year’s A Level exams were markedly higher than last.  In contrast, QEHS results at A Level are better than last year’s, when, within the national context, we might have expected the percentage of top grades to fall:

Headline figures:

• 48% of our students attained at least one A or A* grade
• 33% of grades were A* or A
• 25 students in the cohort achieved grades that were all either A or A* grades, with four students securing all grades at A*
• 46% of students achieved grades that were all of B or above
• 62% of grades were between A* and B
• 78% of grades were between A* and C
• 98% of students completing the EPQ secured A* to C grades, with 71% attaining A*/A grades
• Across the full cohort, the average grade for students was B

Mr. Eastham, Headteacher, said: 

On behalf of all colleagues and the Governing Body here at QEHS, I would like to congratulate our Year 13 students upon their fantastic A Level results. Very well done!

In the face of the promised ‘firming up’ of grade boundaries by examination boards and despite the government’s declared intention to tackle grade inflation and to bring national exam results back in line with pre-pandemic figures, QEHS is thrilled to have maintained the high levels of success secured last academic year with the A Level outcomes achieved today by our fantastic 2023 Year 13 cohort. A*-B grades are, again, incredibly impressive, whilst the tally of top A*-A grades is the best the school has seen in externally assessed public examinations since 2014. This all means that the average A Level grade achieved by students this summer at QEHS stands at ‘B’ which is deeply encouraging and just reward for their sustained academic endeavours.  

It should be remembered that these students had not previously experienced public examinations, being the cohort that received Teacher Assessed Grades for their GCSEs two years ago. It is all the more remarkable therefore that the A Level results our Year 13 students have achieved this summer are so impressive. Quite simply, this level of success is down to the students’ hard work and the commitment they have shown to their studies. When combined with the utter dedication of the wonderful staff here at QEHS and the ongoing and significant support of parents, this really has been a team effort and another exam season to celebrate.

Results such as these have seen our students secure prized places at top universities, including two heading for Cambridge and another to Oxford, where they will go on to study a wide range of subjects and disciplines including dentistry, medicine, and law. Indeed, 60% of our students received an instant offer of a place at their first choice university, rising to 71% when accepted insurance places are added. Students have similarly been successful in securing much sought after degree apprenticeships. My sincere appreciation, therefore, is warmly extended to all colleagues and the wider QEHS community for the significant part they have played in helping to attain such positive post-18 outcomes for all concerned.

At QEHS we pride ourselves in providing all students with a holistic and enriching educational experience to ensure they leave us as well-rounded, highly capable and confident young people. This is achieved by providing an environment in which students are academically challenged, well cared for, and are afforded access to a broad range of fulfilling and enriching co-curricular activities. As our Year 13 students begin the next steps of their educational journeys, everyone here at QEHS wishes them the very best for their futures, much on-going success and happiness.

Once again, very many congratulations!

Mr. R M Eastham

Headteacher

2022 School Headline Measures

GCSE

Given the uneven impact of the pandemic on school and college performance data, the government has said you should not make direct comparisons between the performance data for one school or college and another, or to data from previous years. A full breakdown of the QEHS data can be found here.

Progress 8 is a score that is calculated each year by the Department for Education (DfE), for every school, to summarise the progress that students of that school have made in their GCSEs. It is a type of value-added measure, which compares the results of our students to those of other pupils, of similar ability, nationally.

The table below shows this year’s progress 8 scores for QEHS. An overall score of 0.33 indicates that students at QEHS make a third of a grade more progress, in every subject, than expected. This is considerably better progress that the progress made by students nationally, as shown in the right hand column. 

Our P8 figure of 0.33 ranks us:

• 807^th (top 25%) of the 3720 secondary schools in the UK;
• 54^th (Top 20%) of the 307 secondary schools in the East Midlands;
• This prgress 8 figure is comparable with schools, in this area, that have been rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

The middle column of the table shows the progress of our students with the equivalent 52 maths grades excluded. These grades were achieved by students who sat their Maths GCSE in 2022 but which were not included in the DfE’s calculations. A full explanation of this is given in the documents below:

Complaint Regarding Department of Education Methodology for Discounting and Early Entry

Department of Education Methodology for Discounting and Early Entry on QEHS Progress 8 Scores

Impact of Department of Education Methodology for Discounting and Early Entry on QEHS Progress 8 Scores

Letter from Department of Education

The graph below shows our Progress 8 scores since 2017. Students at QEHS have consistently made better progress than students of a similar ability nationally. In 2020, during the Covid pandemic, we were instructed by the Government to  award centre assessed grades (CAGs), we awarded grades that accurately reflected the ability of our students. We fear that other schools inflated their grades, resulting in our students, apparently, making less progress than those of similar ability in other schools. In 2021 we awarded teacher assessed grades based on rigorous and thorough assessments. The grade profile of subsequent years indicates that our internal assessments were rigorous and fair.

Please see below for a full summary of QEHS attainment and progress data. The table shows that students’ attainment and progress at QEHS is outstanding:

Headline figures:

• 99% of students attained a grade 4 or above in in both English and Maths
• 91% of students attained a grade 5 or above in in both English and Maths
• 85% of students qualified for the English Baccalaureate award
• 61% of students attained at least five grades at 7-9
• 98% of grades across all subjects were 4-9
• 54% of grades were 7-9
• Average points per subject entry was 6.6

Following on from the excellent A Level results attained by Year 13 last week, the staff and Governors of QEHS would like to congratulate our Year 11 students who have comprehensively secured the best GCSE grades in ‘normal’ public examinations the school has seen in years.

98% of results across all subjects were grade 4 or higher, 61% of students attained at least five grades at 7 or above, and 85% of students qualified for the English Baccalaureate award. These are the best results for the school in a decade (including CAGs from 2021).

Further statistics associated with this fantastic cohort’s GCSE achievements make similarly impressive reading. Over half of the results this summer were grades 7 to 9 which helped to generate an average grade per subject entry of 6.6 – again the best generated from traditional public examinations for a decade. Meanwhile, 99% of students achieving a grade 4 or above and 91% attaining a Level 5 or above in both English and Maths are our best figures since the new approach to levelling GCSEs was applied six years ago.

Behind such mightily impressive figures there is of course the most important element to examination success – the students themselves. It should be remembered that over the past two academic years these youngsters have had to cope with: remote learning when schools were closed as part of national lockdowns; blended learning whilst COVID outbreaks were managed upon their return to classrooms; and moving goal posts associated with changes to curriculum and assessment content. Whilst faced with such challenges, the determined approach taken by our stoical Year 11 students has been utterly remarkable. If there was a GCSE exam in resilience, each and every one of them would come out with a grade 9 for sure!

Overcoming the pressures and stresses associated with GCSE studies is never straight forward at the best of times, so despite the unprecedented past 18 months, Year 11 really do have something to celebrate. By working in partnership, students, staff and parents have ensured a supportive yet rigorous approach has been adopted at all times. In this way, the whole QEHS community has performed heroics. My personal thanks, therefore, are extended to all colleagues and parents for the guidance and compassion you have shown our students.

Here at QEHS we strive at all times to offer an outstanding education and to be the destination of choice for academic excellence. This is achieved by providing an environment in which students are academically challenged, well cared for, and are afforded access to a broad range of fulfilling and enriching co-curricular activities. Consequently, as Year 11 have proved this summer, students at QEHS blossom as confident, intelligent and well-rounded young people, primed for further successes.

There is an adage that states, ‘You get out what you put in’. This is certainly true for our amazing Year 11 students. Very well done and many congratulations!

Mr. R M Eastham

Headteacher

A Level

Headline figures:

• Over half of our students attained at least one A or A* grade
• 32% of grades were A* or A
• 10% of students in the cohort achieved grades that were all either A or A* grades
• 40% of students achieved grades that were all of B or above
• 63% of grades were between A* and B
• 65% of students achieved grades that were all of C or above
• 82% of grades were between A* and C
• 83% of students completing the EPQ secured A* to C grades

On behalf of all colleagues and the Governing Body here at QEHS, I would like to congratulate our Year 13 students upon their fantastic A Level results. Very well done!

A*-B grades are the best the school has seen in externally assessed public examinations since 2014, and similarly the tally of top A*-A grades is the most impressive to be achieved by QEHS students in ‘traditional’ public examinations over the past eight years.

It should be remembered that these students had not previously experienced public examinations, being the cohort that received Centre Assessed Grades for their GCSEs two years ago. It is all the more remarkable therefore that the A Level results our Year 13 students have achieved this summer are so incredibly impressive. Quite simply, this level of success is down to the students’ hard work and the commitment they have shown to their studies. When combined with the utter dedication of the wonderful staff here at QEHS and the ongoing and significant support of parents, this really has been a team effort and an exam season to celebrate.

Results such as these ensure our students have secured prized places at top universities where they will go on to study a wide-range of subjects and disciplines including dentistry, architecture, veterinary science and law. Indeed, over 70% of our students received an instant offer of a place at their first choice university, rising to 84% when accepted insurance places are added – figures that comfortably exceed national averages. Students have similarly been successful in securing much sought after apprenticeships and international scholarships. My sincere appreciation, therefore, is warmly extended to all colleagues and the wider QEHS community for the significant part they have played in helping to attain such positive post-18 outcomes for all concerned.

At QEHS we pride ourselves in providing all students with a holistic and enriching educational experience to ensure they leave us as well-rounded, highly capable and confident young people. This is achieved by providing an environment in which students are academically challenged, well cared for, and are afforded access to a broad range of fulfilling and enriching co-curricular activities. As our Year 13 students begin the next steps of their educational journeys, everyone here at QEHS wishes them the very best for their futures, much on-going success and happiness.

Once again, very many congratulations!

Mr. R M Eastham

Headteacher

2021 School Headline Measures 

GCSE

Headline figures

• 72% of students attained at least one grade 9 or 8
• 75% of students attained 3 or more 7-9 grades
• 64% of students attained 5 or more 7-9 grades
• 33% of students attained 7 or more 7-9 grades
• 21% of entries were awarded a grade 9
• 57% of entries were awarded grade 7 or above
• 97% of entries were awarded a grade 4 or above
• 15% of students gained 4 or more grade 9 or equivalent placing them in the top 1-2% nationally
• 99% of students achieved at least five pass grades including English and Maths
• 99% of students achieved a grade 4 or above in both English and Maths
• 40% of students achieved a grade 7 or above in both English and Maths
• 81% of students qualified for the English Baccalaureate award

The staff and Governors of QEHS would like to congratulate all of our students who have worked so incredibly hard over the past two years in order to gain such excellent grades in their GCSEs this year.

COVID-19 has continued to impact heavily upon the education sector and not least on students sitting public examinations. The government directed that, this academic year, teachers should assess and award grades – a challenge to which the staff of QEHS have risen. Grades here at QEHS have been determined using in-school final assessments based on previous exam questions, with assessment papers being set, marked and moderated by teaching staff.  This rigorous approach to assessing our students has allowed us to award grades that are fair, having afforded every student the opportunity to demonstrate the full range of their knowledge and ability. Consequently, we are extremely confident that these grades are as valid as those that would have been awarded via public exams and we congratulate all of our students on the determination, resilience and flexibility that they have shown in achieving such success. 

Mr. Eastham, Headteacher, said:

This has been an unprecedented and challenging year for everyone. It is, therefore, with immense pride that I am able to congratulate our school community on meeting the challenge head-on. A true sense of determination, together with adaptability and resilience has ensured these results bear testament to the incredible efforts of the students and staff at QEHS. Yet again we have excelled! These GCSE results were achieved under strenuous testing conditions and, typically, students approached their assessments with the same rigour and diligence as they would have applied to public examinations and staff were equally thorough in their marking, moderation and grading. 

By working in partnership, students, staff and parents have ensured a supportive approach has been adopted at all times in order to maximise both attainment and progress at Key Stage 4. Overcoming the pressures and stresses associated with GCSE studies is never straight forward at the best of times, so for everyone to pull together in the way the QEHS community has done this year should fill each and every one of us with a real sense of pride. My personal thanks, therefore, are extended to all colleagues and parents for the support you have given to our students.

We have some of the very best students in the country achieving amazing results here at QEHS and we should all celebrate their achievements with them. I would like to congratulate all of our Year 11 students who have worked so hard over the past two years.

At QEHS we pride ourselves in providing all students with a holistic educational experience to ensure they continue to develop and blossom as well-rounded, highly capable and confident young people. Their highly commendable results will put them in a very strong position to forge ahead with their ongoing education and drive them on towards their future career aspirations.

Very well done and good luck with your post-16 studies come September.

Mr. R M Eastham

Headteacher

A Level

Headline figures

• 68% of students attained at least one A or A* grade
• 39% of students achieved grades that were all either grade A or A*
• 8% of students achieved a full complement of straight A* grades
• 88% of students achieved grades that were all of C or above
• 93% of students achieved grades that averaged C or above
• 81% of students completing the EPQ attained either an A or A* grade

The staff and Governors of QEHS would like to congratulate all of our students who have worked so incredibly hard over the past two years in order to gain such excellent grades in their A Levels this year.

COVID-19 has continued to impact heavily upon the education sector and not least on students sitting public examinations. The government directed that, this academic year, teachers should assess and award grades – a challenge to which the staff of QEHS have risen. Grades here at QEHS have been determined using in-school final assessments based on previous exam questions, with assessment papers being set, marked and moderated by teaching staff.  This rigorous approach to assessing our students has allowed us to award grades that are fair, having afforded every student the opportunity to demonstrate the full range of their knowledge and ability. Consequently, we are extremely confident that these grades are as valid as those that would have been awarded via public exams and we congratulate all of our students on the determination, resilience and flexibility that they have shown in achieving such success. 

Mr. Eastham, Headteacher, said:

This has been an unprecedented and challenging year for everyone. It is, therefore, with immense pride that I am able to congratulate our school community on meeting the challenge head-on. A true sense of determination, together with adaptability and resilience has ensured these results are testament to the incredible efforts of the students and staff at QEHS. Yet again we have excelled! These A Level grades were achieved under strenuous testing conditions and, typically, students approached their assessments with the same rigour and diligence as they would have applied to public examinations and staff were equally thorough in their marking, moderation and grading.

Once again this summer, we have students going on to study medicine, veterinary science and a wide-range of other subjects and disciplines at prestigious universities including both the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. Securing prized places at university and on apprenticeships with such excellent grades is to be celebrated and represents just reward for the endeavor shown by our Year 13 students during their A Level studies. Well done all!

By working in partnership, students, staff and parents have ensured a supportive approach has been adopted at all times in order to maximise post-18 achievements and successes. Overcoming the pressures and stresses associated with A Level studies is never straight forward at the best of times, so for everyone to pull together in the way the QEHS community has done this year should fill each and every one of us with a real sense of pride. My personal thanks, therefore, are extended to all colleagues and parents for the support you have given to our students.

At QEHS we pride ourselves in providing all students with a holistic educational experience to ensure they leave us as well-rounded, highly capable and confident young people. As our Year 13 students begin the next steps of their educational journeys, everyone here at school wishes them the very best for their futures, much on-going success and happiness.

Once again, very many congratulations!

Mr. R M Eastham

Headteacher

2020 School Headline Measures

A Level

47% of entries were graded A* or A

75% of entries were graded B or above

92% of students went to University, including 7 to Oxford, and 7 to study medicine

The remaining 8% of students all gained apprenticeships, work or a gap year placement

The latest government performance measures for progression can be seen here.

Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic there are no DfE 2020 Performance Tables.

GCSE

Average Attainment 8 Score 64

Average EBACC score 6.6

Percentage achieving grade 5+ in Maths and English 81%

2019 School Headline Measures

Progress 8 score +0.09

Average Attainment 8 Score 63

Average EBACC score 6.42

Percentage achieving grade 5+ in Maths and English 83%

To view the DFE Schools 2019 performance tables please click here. (Please note that our figures reflect the best results obtained by the students. This is not the case for the official GCSE figures.)

2018 School Headline Measures

Progress 8 score +0.26

Average Attainment 8 score 64.37

Average EBACC score 6.09

Percentage achieving grade 5+ in Maths and English 83.24

The DfE figures quoted above and released in October 2018 show that our students made significantly more progress than students of the same ability in other schools. It should be noted that DfE figures are first entry figures and do not include a number of remarks. The actual results achieved are even better than those reported.

To view the DFE Schools 2018 performance tables please click here.