The hard work of staff and students at Merchants’ Academy in South Bristol was rewarded today with strong GCSE results. Overall, a total of thirteen subjects saw an improvement in Progress scores.  

In particular, business studies students are celebrating excellent grades, with over 80% achieving a grade 6 (equivalent to B+) or higher, including two Distinctions (equivalent to grade A) and one Distinction Star (A* equivalent). 

Physics students also have cause to celebrate, with 97% achieving a grade 4 (C equivalent) and above, compared with 46% last year. 

Music students have achieved fantastic grades, with 92% awarded a grade 4 to 9 (equivalent to grade C to A**), including three Distinction Stars and two Distinctions. 

Health and social care has maintained a strong performance with 86% of students achieving a grade 4 and above, against 77% last year, including 13 Distinctions. 

Construction maintained strong outcomes with 79% of students achieving a grade 4 and above. 

Students are now planning their next steps, with many going on to study A-levels, including at Merchants’ Academy sixth form centre MA.16, as well as three students who will join Colston’s Sixth Form as part of the Society of Merchant Venturers scholarship programme. 

There were a number of outstanding individual performances, including Gavin Gan, who achieved one A*, two Distinction Stars, four grade 9s, one grade 8, one grade 7, one grade 6 and one grade 5. He said: “I’m extremely happy with my results and can’t wait to study maths, further maths, chemistry and physics A-level.” 

Filipe Goncalo Costa Rodrigues, who achieved one A*, one Distinction Star, one grade A, two grade 9s, four grade 8s, one grade 7 and one grade 6, said: “I was so nervous about collecting my results and what they mean for my future, but now I just feel delighted!”

Amy Knapp, who achieved two grade 8s, three grade 7s, two grade 6s and two grade 5s, said: “I barely slept last night, but I am so happy with my results and can now train to be a veterinary nurse.”

George Cole, who achieved a Distinction Star, three grade 8s, one grade 7, three grade 6s and one grade 5, said: “My results are even better than I had expected and that’s thanks to my great teachers! I can’t wait to start my scholarship at Colston’s where I will study economics, geography and politics.”

Rhiannon Johnson, who will also begin a scholarship at Colston’s, said: “After a nervous start to the day, I now can’t wait to study maths, physics, Spanish and psychology at Colston’s in September.”

Chad Shore, who will be studying history, English literature and sociology at MA.16, said: “I wasn’t doing very well at the beginning of the year but my teachers have really encouraged me to keep my head down and work hard. It’s paid off and I am so happy!”

Mitchell Cormack, who was mentored by Principal Samantha Williamson, said: “My results are better than I expected and I feel so happy. My dream is to study medicine at university and that journey can now start as I begin A-levels in biology, chemistry, physics and business.”

Principal Samantha Williamson said: “It has been a delight to see students celebrating fantastic results with their family members today. Their hard work and determination has paid off and our students will now take the first steps to building their future careers as they move into further education. Well done to each and every one of them!”.