Friday 27 January 2012 The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) has topped the league tables in Yorkshire for its performance in the 2011 English Baccalaureate GCSEs. The English Baccalaureate is a measure which recognises where pupils have secured a C grade or better across a core of academic subjects – English, mathematics, history or geography, the sciences and a language. In all, 86 per cent of GSAL students achieved the grades in the core English Baccalaureate subjects, while 99.2 per cent passed at grades A* to C across all subjects. This represents the highest score in Yorkshire, an honour shared with Bradford Grammar School, however GSAL takes the top spot as it has more students who achieved the standard. One student at the co-educational independent school achieved 11 A*s, while 12 others scored the perfect 10 A*s in last summer’s examinations. Principal Mike Gibbons said: “We are absolutely delighted for our students, as well as their teachers and parents who support them in their studies. “At GSAL we seek to offer a challenging curriculum which encompasses plenty of choice. We want all of our pupils to do well and make the most of their talents and we encourage them to explore a range of subjects around a central core at GCSE. That core includes English, maths, science, history or geography and a foreign language.” The English Baccalaureate was introduced as a measure in the 2010 performance tables by the Department of Education. It is not a qualification but has been designed to ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to study a broad core of subjects which carry real weight for entry to higher education or for getting a job. Mr Gibbons said: “Like it or loathe it, the measure would appear to be here to stay for the foreseeable future and consequently universities and, in time, employers will take increasing notice of it.” Photo Some L6 students from The Grammar School at Leeds who achieved 10 A*s at GCSE are pictured (L-R) Beth Tapsfield, Oishik Raha, James Roberts, Leonora Cherry, Isabel Kempner and Katherine Ward. Senior School News
