YEAR 11's flocked back through the school gates this morning, to be handed an envelope containing the GCSE grades which will secure the next stage in their educational journey.

In what was a challenging year for children, Haygrove School in Bridgwater has congratulated its pupils not only for their results but for the "solid foundation" they have built during these uncertain times.

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Headteacher, Mr Aaron Reid, said: “Once again our students have done fantastically well in extremely challenging circumstances.

"This year group have had to deal with home-learning and lock down restrictions for a huge part of their GCSE programme and nothing should distract from the work they have put in, not just during the pandemic, but over their whole school career.

"Their summer exams build on learning during key stage 3 and this, of course, is an extension of the primary years’ experience.

"I am hugely proud that our Year 11 leavers have persisted with their learning to build a solid foundation for the next stage of their lives.

"What they have experienced will have built their character and personalities which are arguably even more critical to their future success than exam results.”

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One of the school's students achieved eight grade 9s along with 12 further students achieving four or more Grade 8s and 9s across their subjects.

Further to thism the school has reported some "outstanding examples" of children making huge progress to achieve five or more grade 4s and above.

Mr reid added: "We are very proud of our students and staff for the tremendous efforts they have made throughout their time at Haygrove and wish everyone all the very best for the future."

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