Exam Results

We are delighted to share with you some headlines of the successes of our outgoing Year 11 pupils, ‘Cohort 2022’, after we received their GCSE and VTQ (Vocational and Technical Qualifications) results over the summer. 

This year saw the first external examinations take place since 2019 following the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic but Cohort 2022 upheld the high expectations we have for all Fairfield pupils to achieving outstanding academic success.  

Following nationally inflated results in 2020 and 2021, Ofqual (the exams regulator) had outlined their intention to set GCSE outcomes this year midway between those in 2019 and 2021 in order to move back towards ‘normal’ outcomes. So we knew from the outset that results across the country this year would be higher than in 2019 but lower than in 2021 as Ofqual intended this to happen. 

We are very proud to report that Fairfield pupils achieved better than in 2019 AND 2021. Furthermore, a huge 84% of pupils achieved a Grade 4 (standard pass) or above in both English and Maths, the minimum required for many post-16 courses. We are particularly pleased with the 105 Grade 9s that pupils achieved as this was our best ever and more than double the number achieved at Fairfield in 2019. In fact, 35% of all pupil results were Grade 7+ or equivalent, showing our continued drive for academic excellence. Pupils at all levels achieved well and we saw outstanding results for pupils with SEND and pupils with low prior attainment who made the most progress of all. 

Here is how Fairfield’s Cohort 2022 GCSE and VTQ results compare nationally and regionally: 

	Fairfield Cohort 2022	National Cohort 2022	North West Cohort 2022
Percentage of pupils achieving Grade 4+ in both English and Maths	84%	DNA*	DNA*
Percentage of pupils achieving Grade 4+ in Maths	84%	65%	DNA*
Percentage of pupils achieving Grade+ in English	91%	78%	DNA*
Percentage of Grade 4+ achieved across any subjects	87%	75%	70%
Percentage of Grade 7+ achieved across any subjects	35%	27%	23%
Percentage of Grade 9 achieved across any subjects	8%	7%	DNA*

*DNA – data not yet available 

We strongly believe that our knowledge-rich and well sequenced curriculum, outstanding quality of teaching, strategic approach to intervention following the pandemic and our extended investment in personal development and pastoral support have supported Cohort 2022 in achieving life-changing outcomes. Pupils worked incredibly hard throughout their time at Fairfield and during Year 11 in particular, with guidance from their teachers and support staff. Their achievements are truly remarkable and evidence not just of their academic abilities but of their personal development, resilience and character. We also note and thank the support of parents/carers who have worked with us to ensure the very best for their children. Our relationships with families are key to supporting pupil development. 