Isle of Wight Students Celebrate GCSE And Vocational Success Across the Island

It’s a day of celebration across the Isle of Wight as students collect their GCSE and vocational results, marking a major milestone in their educational journeys.

From teenagers moving on to T-Levels, A-Levels, or apprenticeships, to adult learners returning to education, Island schools are proud to showcase a year of hard work, perseverance, and outstanding achievements.

Isle of Wight College has seen a wide range of successes this year.

Among standout stories, Emily Bindley passed both GCSE Maths and English and is now heading to T-Level Childcare.

Mauricio Da Silva exceeded expectations in Maths with a grade 5 and will continue his studies on the T-Level Criminology course.

Adult learner Rebecca Blanchard achieved a grade 7 in GCSE English and hopes to train as a primary school teacher. Principal Ros Parker expressed her pride:

"With over 1,000 students taking their GCSE English and Maths this year, it’s uplifting to see their dedication and perseverance.

"These accomplishments lay a strong foundation for their future learning and ambitions."

Lift Ryde, part of Lift Schools, is also celebrating a strong set of GCSE and BTEC results.

Students overcame the challenges of starting secondary education during pandemic lockdowns and benefitted from extra revision sessions during evenings, weekends, and holidays. Standout performances include:

• Lillian Stafford: ten grade 9s and one grade 8

• Theo Wright: three grade 9s, six grade 7s, two grade 5s

• Eve Rossal Hogan: one grade 9, six grade 8s, two grade 7s, two grade 6s

Head of School Will Doyle said:

"Year on year, our results continue to grow and demonstrate what can be achieved regardless of your circumstances.

"I am so proud of what our students have achieved."

Ryde School is celebrating another year of outstanding GCSE achievements.

This year, 23.8% of all GCSE results were at grade 9 or 8 — the best performance at this level since 9–1 grading was introduced (excluding Covid-adjusted years).

Nearly four in every ten grades were 9, 8, or 7, with close to a third of pupils achieving five or more GCSEs at grade 7 or higher. Overall, 88.7% of grades were at 9–4.

Among individual standouts:

• Tessa G: seven GCSEs at grade 9, three at grade 8

• Sara M: seven GCSEs at grade 9, two at grade 8

• Elsie A, Ben W, Tom B, Lily J, Skye P, Ieuan T: eight GCSEs at grades 9 or 8

• Cori M, Charlotte N: seven GCSEs at grades 9 or 8

Headmaster Will Turner said:

"Ryde School pupils can be very proud of another year of excellent GCSE results.

"These results reflect the hard work and ambition they have shown over the past two years, combined with the professionalism and dedication of the School’s staff."

The Bay Church of England School welcomed students, staff, and parents to celebrate exceptional GCSE and vocational results.

Headteacher Emma Bowden praised the resilience of students, many of whom experienced disrupted schooling during COVID lockdowns, and thanked staff for their dedication in supporting students’ progression to sixth form, college, or apprenticeships.

Carisbrooke College also shared in the celebrations, recognising Year 11 students’ perseverance through pandemic disruptions.

Headteacher Natalie Sheppard said:

"Our students leave us as ambitious, resilient, and well-rounded young adults ready to embrace the opportunities ahead.

"Education is our castle, and today our students have built theirs with strength and determination."

Medina College saw smiles all around as students received their results.

Imogen Kureen (left, below) received some of the stand-out results from the faculty, gaining seven 8s, two 7s and two 6s.

Many will continue at The Island VI Form, pursue apprenticeships, or further training.

Headteacher Kam Bains commented:

"The results are a real credit to our students’ hard work and perseverance.

"We wish them every success as they take their next steps."

Across the Island, schools have highlighted not just academic achievement, but resilience, determination, and the invaluable support of teachers, families, and communities.

Whether moving on to T-Levels, vocational training, A-Levels, or employment, Isle of Wight students are stepping confidently into their next chapter, ready to build bright futures.