• 58% of grades 7+ (A*/A) 
• 36% of grades 8+ (A*) 
• 15% of grades at the top grade 9 
• Centre of Excellence in Classics, with 65% of all grades across Classics at 7+ (A*/A) and 80% of grades at 8+ (A*) in Classical Greek 
• Outstanding results in STEM subjects

New Hall School in Chelmsford is celebrating another year of outstanding GCSE results. This morning, Year 11 students gathered with teachers, friends and family to receive the grades that mark an important milestone in their academic journey. This year, a record 93% of all grades are at 5-9 (A*-B), with 58% of all grades at 7-9 (A*/A) and 36% of all grades at 8+ (A*). 15% of all grades are at the top grade 9.   

Principal, Mrs Katherine Jeffrey, who this year celebrates 25 years of headship and is the longest serving Head in New Hall’s history, and the longest serving Head in the HMC, said: “It has been a wonderful day of celebration for our Year 11 students. We are delighted to see so many of our students secure the highest grades. We are also proud that our distinctive diamond model, where students are taught in single sex lessons from the ages of 11-16, continues to buck national trends by challenging gender stereotypes in subject choices and attainment. These exceptional outcomes reflect our students’ commitment throughout their time at New Hall. We look forward to supporting them as they take the next step in their educational journey.” 

Building on the particularly strong results across STEM subjects at A Level this year, students excelled in STEM subjects at GCSE, with 74% of Chemistry grades at 7+ (A*/A), 66% of Biology grades at 7+ (A*/A) and 62% of Physics grades at 7+ (A*/A). In Further Mathematics, over half of all grades from our second ever cohort were at 8+ (A*).   

New Hall’s top achiever, Francis Bisoni, alumnus from Holmwood House, achieved a clean sweep of 10 grade 9s. In addition to this, Francis achieved an A* in his Extended Project Qualification, which he completed two years early. Based on the success of his project, Francis represented New Hall at this year’s Chelmsford Science and Engineering Society TEXPO competition held at Anglia Ruskin University. Francis won the Technical Design Award with his impressive homemade wind turbine power generator, capable of charging electronic devices using renewable energy.   

Other students who have achieved an outstanding seven or more grade 9s include: Jack Healy, alumnus from Widford Lodge Preparatory School, who achieved nine grade 9s, and two grade 8s; Harry Pitt, boarder and alumnus from Widford Lodge Preparatory School, who achieved nine grades 9s, one grade 8 and a B in his Higher Project Qualification; Alice Higgins, alumna from Elm Green Preparatory School, who achieved eight grade 9s, three grade 8s and an A* in her Higher Project Qualification; and Phoenix Wilkins, alumna from New Hall Prep, who achieved seven grade 9s, two grade 8s and three grade 7s.   

Vice Principal, Dr Paul Tiffen, said: “We are immensely proud and delighted to see our students’ hard work and determination reflected in these outstanding results. This cohort has not only excelled academically, they have also embraced the full breadth of life at New Hall, excelling in sport, debating, the performing arts, leadership roles and volunteering. These experiences equip our students with the skills to thrive at A Level, in higher education and beyond. We were particularly pleased that 92% of our Year 13 students secured their destination of choice on our A Level / BTEC results day. This is a testament to their ambition, commitment and the exceptional support provided by our teachers.” 

New Hall’s flourishing Classics Department is celebrating another year of outstanding results at GCSE, with 65% of all grades across Classics at 7+ (A*/A) and 80% of grades in Classical Greek at 8+ (A*). New Hall has a longstanding record of students progressing to study Classics at the highest level, including outgoing Head Boy, Max Pietrzak, who last week secured his place to read Classics at St Hilda’s College, Oxford. Max joins a distinguished cohort of Classics alumni (Old Fishes) currently studying at Oxford, including Romilly Ireland, who is reading History (Ancient & Modern) at Balliol College and Lawrencia Dwomoh, who is reading Classics and Middle Eastern & Asian Studies at Oriel College. 

Aspiring Classicist, Ishani Vasireddy, alumna from Heathcote Preparatory School, will be studying Classical Greek, Latin, English Literature and Spanish A Levels at New Hall. This year, Ishani won the ISA National Public Speaking Competition at Cambridge University for an unprecedented third consecutive year. She is also a chorister in the Chamber Choir, regularly performing in prominent venues including New Hall’s historic Chapel, Chelmsford Cathedral, Brentwood Cathedral, Westminster Cathedral and King’s College Chapel, Cambridge.  

As one of the UK’s oldest Catholic schools, it is also fitting that the History Department has marked another exceptional year, with 84% of grades at 7+ (A*/A). New Hall’s unique historical setting provides an inspiring backdrop for students of History. The School occupies the former Palace of Beaulieu, once home to King Henry VIII, and its rich heritage continues to capture international interest, most recently with the discovery of hidden Tudor tunnels and artefacts that were featured in a Time Team podcast. Surrounded by living history, students have a unique opportunity to foster their curiosity and passion for History at New Hall.   

The results from New Hall’s boarding students are outstanding, with 17% at the highest grade 9 and 40% of grades at 8+ (A*). Director of Boarding, Mr Samuel Carroll, added: “These outstanding results demonstrate the value of the additional support our boarders receive. Students benefit from structured study time and support from specialist staff, that help our boarders to flourish academically and personally.” 

A New Hall parent commented: “New Hall supports and encourages every child to strive to be their very best. Staff foster excellent values and standards of behaviour, recognising each child’s individuality, supporting them to reach their unique potential.”