30 Aug All-girls school St Mary’s celebrates outstanding STEM GCSE results
Once again, Year 11 students at St Mary’s School, Colchester have achieved GCSE exam success with an overall pass rate of 98% at level 9-4, (equivalent to A*-C). There was an impressive rise in those achieving the highest-level grades, 7-9 (equivalent to A-A*) when looking at pre-covid data, with an increase from 36% in 2019 to a notable 48% in 2022. An average of 72% of girls achieved 7-9 (equivalent to A grade and above) across all STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) based GCSE subjects, with an incredible 93% of Biology and Chemistry results being at level 7-9.
Mrs Nicola Griffiths, Principal of St Mary’s Colchester who has a degree in Biological Sciences from St Hilda’s College, Oxford said “I am incredibly proud of the girls’ accomplishments in their GCSE exams this year, especially the successes we have seen in STEM subjects. I am passionate about encouraging girls to aim high in all their academic subjects by learning from their mistakes and working consistently hard. This set of fantastic results is also a testament to the expertise of staff in supporting girls’ pastorally, as well as academically.”
One of the many GCSE exam successes in STEM subjects at St Mary’s is illustrated by stellar student, Adrienne Lancaster who has achieved two level 9s in Biology and Chemistry as well as seven level 8s (including Physics and Maths). Adrienne joined St Mary’s in the Preparatory (Reception) class at the Lower School in Copford before progressing on to the Senior School in Lexden Road, Colchester.
Alongside her academic studies, Adrienne was Head of the School’s Eco Committee from Year 10 and helped St Mary’s to secure its 8th green flag from Eco-Schools England, which recognises the school’s commitment to creating a sustainable environment for current and future students. With her fantastic set of results, Adrienne is looking forward to studying A levels at the highly acclaimed Sixth Form College, Colchester.
For anyone wishing to find out more about the all-girls education on offer at St Mary’s Colchester, the school is holding a number of Open Days in September and October. Places can be reserved at www.stmaryscolchester.org.uk.
