School full of record breakers

A-Stars ... From left, Lucy Drain, Andrew Madden, Tom Bamford and Isabel Davy at Blue Coat School

GCSE 2008 I

RECORDS were smashed at Blue Coat School as pupils celebrated its best GCSE results.

Sarah Lewis (16), from Woodhouses, led the way by becoming the first pupil there to get a perfect 12 A* grades.

“Oh my God!” she exclaimed as she ripped open the envelope and saw the success — before being given a huge hug by her jubilant mum, Ann.

After making the headlines, Sarah now wants to write them as she’s looking for a career in journalism. She will stay on in the sixth form to do A-Levels in English, German, maths and French.

“I was really, really worried the night before,” she said. “I thought some of the exams were really hard. I’m feeling pretty amazed now. I was jumping up and down.”

Ann said: “It’s fantastic, amazing. Her sister got 10 A*s and one A so what do you do but go one better, despite the number of times I said there’s no comparison. I’m very proud.”

Last year’s record of 83 per cent 5 A* to C grades was beaten by 7 per cent to 90 per cent. The record for including maths and English increased by 5 per cent to 83 per cent. The average points score went up from 443 to 482.

Deputy head Brian Devenportsaid: “I’m absolutely delighted. This year’s group has been outstanding.

“I’m thrilled for the children and the families because it really is a partnership between the children, families and staff.”

Tom Bamford (16), of Stalybridge, got 10 A*s, one A and one B and will now study biology, chemistry, maths and art in the sixth form. He wants to go to university to study medicine. He said: “I was very nervous. I did not think I would do that well at all. I have got more A*s than I expected. I’m over the moon.”

Mum Enid said: “I’m proud of him. He’s worked really hard and deserves everything he’s got.”

Andrew Madden (16), from Oldham, got 10 A*s and two As. He’ll be studying A-levels in chemistry, biology, geography and maths in the Sixth Form.

“I did not think I would do that well,” he said.

Lucy Drain (16), from Hyde, got 11 A*s and an A and is now deciding what A-Levels to do at sixth form.

She’s also a budding journalist, and said: “I did not think I would do well in certain subjects..”

Isabel Davy (16), from Stalybridge, got 11 A*s and one A and will study French, German, maths and further maths in the sixth form.

She said: “The exams were hard and I did not think I had done that well so I was really nervous. I’m really happy.