Delight as pupils excel at GCSE

High achieving students at Lisneal College pose with Principal Michael Allen for the Sentinel photographer. Photo: Olga Cathers

Last year the children, at five A* to C at GCSE was 65 per cent and this year the staff are delighted as it has hit 84 per cent.

“It means that 8.4 of every 10 children who attend this school leave with five or more GSCEs at A* to C,” said Mr Allen.

“I had a nice conversation with a pupil yesterday who has applied for Law and has been accepted, so the world is their oyster.

“This results add to the A level results we had last week.

“For the children who return to the school from GCSE to A level, we offer a huge suite of qualifications across the Foyle Learning Community.

“If children want to do law we can do that, if they want to become teachers we can do that and if they want to become engineers, then we can do that. We will provide what the children want.”

Referring to the curriculum and post-16 study and the new vocational study and skills courses being promoted by government, Mr Allen said: “We are ahead of the game. Many of the children today who have received their results, have already gained qualifications in vocational subjects.

“It is important to remember one size does not fit all, and one kid’s strength may not be the strength of another.

“At Lisneal College we have a huge range of qualifications and we are working in partnership with other schools in the area.

“So, vocational? We are well ahead of the game

It was also smiles all round this morning as GCSE pupils from Foyle College received their results.

The schools exam performance at GCSE has been steadily increasing over the last number of years.

This year 85 per cent of pupils achieved seven or more A* to C grades and 23 pupils achieved nine or more grade As or A*.

A statement from the principal’s office said: “The school would like to congratulate its pupils for all their hard work and wish them all the very best in their future courses and careers”.