Alton School pupils demonstrate their commitment and resilience in achieving excellent exam results

The long wait before the publishing of examination results is nerve wracking enough without the additional strains that were placed upon our students this year at such a crucial and developmental time of their lives. Yet, this challenge was met with the usual Alton response:  a coming together and a determination to meet any challenge.  Our A level and GCSE results were incredible – a record high in A levels, across all grade boundaries with all students accepted into their universities of choice and over 70% of our students accepted to study at Russell Group Universities.  Our GCSE students also proved their resilience, with 94% of pupils achieving grades 9 – 5 (equivalent to A* – B/C) and 59% of students awarded the highest grades 9-7 (equivalent to A*- A).

These are impressive grades and clearly demonstrate rigour, a determination to succeed, excellence in teaching and learning and a pastoral support system that has still cared and nurtured these students while schools have been closed.  But, for me it demonstrates so much more.  These grades are a testament to the way we do things at Alton, to our community of staff, parents and students who are fully committed to each other and who collaborate and care for one another regardless of any challenge.

As the new Headmaster of Alton School, l I am in the privileged position of being party to all that goes on behind the scenes, much of which has been intensified during these last months. The goalposts from government, examination boards and other regulatory bodies have been in a constant state of flux and as is well publicised, this has challenged all educational establishments in a way we have possibly not ever experienced before. Covid-19 has brought about a need for operational diligence that has tested every facet of school life. It has taught us how to teach in a new (remote) way and brought out skills that some of us did not even know we had. Despite starting as Head in the Easter Term, I have been at Alton long enough to praise the agility, willingness and professionalism of each and every member of the school’s community – for some this has been easier than it has for others, but students and staff alike have taken the positives and are looking forward to what September brings.

Whilst hand washing, face masks and social distancing may continue to be part of our lives for some time to come, the need for excellent and agile teaching will never change. At Alton our aim is to look after our school community to get through Covid, but to continue to focus on the very best teaching so we continue to enjoy excellent results in years to come.