Dr Gareth Lloyd, Head of MSJ, comments, “We are delighted for our Year 11 pupils today as they celebrate their GCSE results; those who have achieved a string of top tier grade 9s, those who have far exceeded their personal expectations, and those who have achieved outstanding results in individual subjects.”
As a non-selective school, we are particularly delighted that over a third of grades are at the top 9 and 8 with an increase in grade 9 from 2024, while 50% are at grades 9-7 and 75% are at grades 9-6 (A-B equivalent). Participants in our new 1-year GCSE/3-year A Level programme were amongst the recipients of the highest grades. Once again, we have a 100% pass rate in all subjects and pupils averaged a grade 7. The January 2025 ISI inspection recognised that across the school teaching is consistently effective and that pupils know the steps to take to make good progress. The range of subjects in which these pupils have achieved so well shows the breadth of ability and interests amongst the cohort; grades 9-7 (A and A equivalent) in French 100%, Music 86%, Religious Studies 80%, Art 70%, Physical Education and Further Mathematics 67% and Chemistry 63% were particularly impressive.
While academic achievement remains important, success at MSJ is defined by much more than exam results. A standout feature of those who performed exceptionally well in this year’s GCSEs — reflecting a similar trend in last week’s A Level results — is their full engagement in all areas of school life. These pupils embraced opportunities beyond the classroom, demonstrating that a healthy balance between academic focus and broader involvement is key to both fulfilment and long-term success.
A growing body of research continues to affirm that strong, supportive relationships are key to long-term physical health, mental wellbeing and personal fulfilment. At MSJ, the dedication of our staff and the strength of our teacher-parent partnerships have played a vital role in helping pupils navigate the challenges of their secondary education with increasing resilience and success.
At the heart of our approach is the belief that happiness, security, and clear boundaries foster an environment where learners feel confident to challenge themselves and go the extra mile. This cohort will continue to benefit from the academic rigour and creative practice in the classroom in the MSJ Sixth Form whilst also gaining the MSJ Sixth Form Diploma in Global Competencies which provides students with tangible evidence of their transferable soft skills – qualities increasingly valued in higher education and the modern workplace.
Dr Lloyd concluded “I would like to extend my congratulations to all our Year 11 pupils and look forward to an exciting new chapter with existing and new pupils from the local area and further afield in MSJ Sixth Form next month.”
