Westholme is celebrating after achieving remarkable success in this year’s GCSE results.
Principal Dr Richard Robson said: “Congratulations to every single one of our Centenary Year 11s on their superb achievements, fantastic work ethic and diligent hard work!”
“A remarkable 76% of students achieved at least one grade 7 or above and this is an accomplishment that spans right across the whole year group and every subject. We are so proud of every student."
The incredible news is despite the national landscape of 300,000 fewer top grades being achieved as Ofqual completes its two-year programme to reverse grade inflation since the Coronavirus pandemic.
Dr Robson added: “I would like to pay tribute to our wonderful staff at Westholme that work tirelessly to ensure our students become the best they can be and exceed their potential, not just academically, but in every way. ”
This year marks the school’s centenary celebrations - and many Year 11s have achieved top academic scholarships to progress straight into Westholme’s nationally recognised INSPIRED Sixth Form.
Dr Robson added: “I know they will be very excited to take full advantage of our unique approach to A Level provision where we inculcate the 21st century skills essential to flourish in the modern workplace. They will love their final two years within the Westholme family.”
With Westholme achieving 100% success rate this year with every application to secure a coveted Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, it is clear why this top Lancashire school has been nominated for an Independent School of the Year award again this year for their careers programme and exceptional Sixth Form provision.
Blueprint for the future for Evie
Evie Mitchell is building a bright future for herself – after gaining five 9s, four 8s and two 7s in her GCSEs.
Evie, 16, from Blackburn, said she is particularly proud of her 9 in Physics and 8 in Further Maths.
She now plans to study further by taking Chemistry, Maths, Business and Product Design with her sights set on a career in either architecture or finance.
She said: “I love the creative side of architecture, but I also love working with numbers.
“My teachers have been very supportive. They were always there if I needed any extra support.”
Outside of her academic studies, Evie has also enjoyed sporting success – playing for the school’s hockey and netball teams. She’s also enjoyed singing lessons and playing the trumpet.
Her advice to next year’s GCSE students is: “Get organised as soon as possible to reduce the stress!”
Callum flying high after achieving top grades – with ambition to become a pilot
Westholme student Callum Calway is on course to pursue his career as a pilot after achieving three 9s, two 8s, and three 7s in his GCSEs – and is excited to pursue his dream career of becoming a pilot.
He said: “Becoming a pilot is something I’ve always wanted to do.”
Callum has a passion for business and is looking forward to the next stage of education after all the “hard work paying off” during his GCSEs.
Callum was part of the football team while at Westholme and his favourite memory of school was playing with his team at Ewood Park in Blackburn.
He will now go on to study Maths, Physics, and Economics at Westholme’s INSPIRED Sixth Form.
When asked if he had any advice for next year’s GCSE students, Callum said: “Hard work and consistency.”
Muhammad drills home the benefits of working hard
Muhammad Choksi is hoping to follow in his mum’s footsteps – and pursue a career in dentistry.
The talented youngster from Blackburn achieved five 9s, four 8s and two 7s in his GCSEs and will continue his studies in Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Further Maths at Westholme’s INSPIRED Sixth Form.
He said: “I was anxious when I opened my results, but I’m really happy with them. They are about what I expected.”
He said his highlight at the school was receiving his results today, adding: “The teachers have given us so much attention and helped us when we needed it. It’s their support that has resulted in the grades I’ve received today.”
As well as academic success, Muhammad has also enjoyed playing for the football and cricket teams at Westholme.
His advice to next year’s GCSE students is “Just put in the hard work and it will pay off.”