Wisbech Grammar School has praised "the sheer resilience and determination” of its students who received their A-Level results yesterday (Thursday). 

In a press release issued about results day, the school reminded the wider community that this cohort of students “have been the most heavily affected of all pupils in the aftermath of the pandemic”. 

Their first year of GCSE learning was disrupted by the outbreak of the pandemic, their GCSE exam year was cancelled and then, this year, they had to sit “the most challenging set of public exams” for the first time. 

Meanwhile, students’ grades were said to have dropped nationally to bring results more in line with 2019, the year before the pandemic hit. 

Wisbech Standard: Barney Rimmer, headmaster of Wisbech Grammar School.Barney Rimmer, headmaster of Wisbech Grammar School. (Image: Wisbech Grammar School)

Headmaster Barney Rimmer, who has completed his first year at the helm, explained that despite these challenges, the results highlight “the special character and resilience that embodies a WGS pupil”.  

He said: “With so much disruption to their learning over a critical period of their journey it would be easy to worry about how they might cope, not only sitting their first public exams, but also those exams being A-Levels.   

“We are incredibly proud of how they have applied themselves, studied diligently and embraced the opportunities they have had at WGS.” 

Six students were given special mentions by the school for their outstanding academic performance. 

  • Keshav Vyas (1 A* and 2 As) UCL (Pharmacology) 
  • Virroch Jeyakumar (2 A*s and an A) Warwick (Computer Science) 
  • Bradley Rideout (A* and 2 As) - Year out then likely Degree Apprenticeship or Engineering degree 
  • Olivia Leader (3 As) - Year out then likely to study a Business Management degree 
  • Lacey Wang (1 A*, 1 A and a B) 
  • Ethan Croker (2As and a B) Lancaster (Law) 

Wisbech Standard: Wisbech Grammar School students on A-Level results day 2023. Wisbech Grammar School students on A-Level results day 2023. (Image: Wisbech Grammar School)

Mr Rimmer also acknowledged the “countless hours and energy” the school’s support network of tutors and teachers offered pupils.  

He added: “I am also delighted, once again, that so many of our pupils have achieved their primary goals for their future, whether that is their first choice university or other paths such as Degree Apprenticeships. 

“For those heading straight into the workplace, we are confident that the personal values and qualities that our pupils have developed will shine...”

Wisbech Standard: The majority of students have achieved their first choice goal, Wisbech Grammar School said.The majority of students have achieved their first choice goal, Wisbech Grammar School said. (Image: Wisbech Grammar School)

Former Wisbech Grammar School pupils are known as ‘Old Grammarians’ and the school is interested to follow their future paths with great interest.  

Mr Rimmer said: “We look forward to welcoming them back to the school in the future, perhaps like Simon Prior and Tom Clabon, as our Guests of Honour at our end of year Speech Day.”    

Wisbech Standard: Wisbech Grammar School pupils were praised for their ‘resilience and determination considering their education was disrupted by the pandemic.Wisbech Grammar School pupils were praised for their ‘resilience and determination considering their education was disrupted by the pandemic. (Image: Wisbech Grammar School)

Wisbech Standard: Students at Wisbech Grammar School also received their A-Level results yesterday.Students at Wisbech Grammar School also received their A-Level results yesterday. (Image: Wisbech Grammar School)