To mark the day on which the Upper Fifth students of Withington Girls’ School received the outcome of their GCSEs, Headmistress Sarah Haslam congratulated the girls on their hard work and commitment over the past two years, which has ensured they can begin their chosen A Level courses with confidence.

“As with our Upper Sixth students last week, these young women had, for the most part, finished their GCSE studies and were completing their preparations to prove themselves in the public examinations when the school closure was announced. Like young people across the country, since the public examinations were cancelled they have faced uncertainty and anxiety as a result of this unprecedented global crisis.”

Mrs Haslam pointed out that concern regarding progression to Sixth Form at Withington was not an added source of worry for this group of students. “As always, a place in Year 12 at Withington  is there for them to take up if they choose, and we look forward to welcoming back the vast majority of our Upper Fifth students when we re-open the doors to the School on 3^rd September.”

Year 11 on their final day in School (March 2020)

Mrs Haslam praised their spirit, positivity and enthusiasm: “These talented girls have contributed so much to our school community, not just academically but in all other aspects of school life too – sport, art, music, drama and acts of citizenship – and we hope they will continue to do so.

“During lockdown, they took up opportunities when exams were cancelled to pursue bridging courses to help them gain a good start to their A Level studies, a number used their time to raise funds for deserving causes and we were delighted to see some of our Year 11s camping on the School fields as part of a DofE ‘expedition with a difference’ to complete their Silver practice expedition in line with temporary changes implemented by DofE.”

Her message to the students of the Upper Fifth: “You have every reason to feel confident and excited about the future and I’m sure, after months of lockdown, you will be looking ahead with great anticipation to your return to School in September as Sixth Formers. We in turn are very much looking forward to welcoming you back and to offering you all the support and guidance you need as you begin this important next step of the journey and enjoy all that the Sixth form has to offer.’’

“A heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you from us all at Withington.”

GCSE Results 2020: Full Breakdown

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award July 2020

GCSE Artwork 2020

Performing in Beasts and Beauties (Feb 2020)