Students reveal their happiness as they collect today’s GCSE results and look to the future.  

St Michael’s Catholic High School in High Elms Lane, Watford, told the Watford Observer the “overwhelming majority” of students achieved grade between 5-9 in their exams or equivalent, including English and maths.

However, the school declined to reveal what percentage of pupils attained grades 5-9.

GCSEs are now marked from a scale of 1-9. In the new scale, papers marked 7 to 9 are considered As with those marked 4 to 6 considered Cs and Bs.

Grade 3 largely corresponds to a D with 2 and 1 reserved for Fs and Gs.

Emmie Poradzisz, 16, attained a 7 in English literature and 6 in English language – she was predicted 5s.  

Watford Observer: Emmie PoradziszEmmie Poradzisz (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “I couldn’t open the envelope. I’m so shaken up. I hit most of my targets. All my hard work paid off.”

Emmie will be going on to study art A-level, business, and media BTECs.

Fellow student Ella Turk’s highest grade was 8 in PE and she is going to study PE, criminology and media at sixth form.

The 16-year-old said: “I did a lot better than expected and I can’t wait for the future.”

Watford Observer: Ella Turk and Jazzie KnightElla Turk and Jazzie Knight (Image: Newsquest)

Heading to college to study beauty therapy is Jazzie Knight, 16. She said: “I am really happy with everything. I passed all my exams. It’s a big relief.”

The Covid-19 disruption was something that the students elaborated on when the collected their results.

Samuel Penn, 16, said: “I am very happy with my results, it has been really hard with Covid and some other hard times, but I’ve made through and got great results.”

Watford Observer: Samuel PennSamuel Penn (Image: Newsquest)

He will be studying maths, physics, and computer science at A-Levels.

While Alessandro Joseph Butt, 16, told the Observer he was undecided on what steps to take next. He said: “I am so happy. I can’t believe it. Compared to my mocks I did so much better. With Covid I struggled at first, but I’m so happy now.”

Watford Observer: Alessandro Joseph ButtAlessandro Joseph Butt (Image: Newsquest)

Headteacher Edward Conway said: “Their results reflect the endeavour and commitment that each student displayed regarding their studies.

“Furthermore, we are grateful to our excellent staff for their continued effort and dedication towards our students.”