GCSE Results Press Release

St Mark’s West Essex Catholic School celebrated another successful year of GCSE results with some exceptional performances across the board. Despite all the difficulties and uncertainties of the past 2 years, students taking the first public examinations since 2019 have acquitted themselves well.

Some notable achievements included:

Joe Thomas, who achieved a total of 9 Grade 9s and 1 Grade 8. Joe, who will be studying A Levels in science, said “I am genuinely happy with my results. It has been a tough two years for everyone, and I am really thankful to the school. I am now embarking on my A Levels and in the future, I hope to study Medicine or Veterinary Medicine.

Jinthiya Kalaiselvan achieved 10 grades 8 to 9. Jinthiya, who will be staying in the Sixth Form at St Mark’s to study A Levels in Economics, Psychology, Geography and Maths, said “I am really happy with my results. It’s what I have dreamed of and what I have been working for since Year 7. I am really grateful to the school and to my teachers. In the future I want to read Economics at university and work in investment analysis”.

Rebekah Pike achieved 10 GCSEs at grade 7 – 9 and this included 6 grade 9s. Rebekah, who will be staying in the Sixth Form at St Mark’s to study A Levels in German, Theology, English Literature and History, said “I am shocked, surprised and happy with my results. The teachers here have been amazing all through lockdown and since we returned to school. I am really looking forward to the Sixth Form”. Rebekah has just returned from 2 weeks in Zanzibar where she volunteered to teach in a school. Earlier in the year she also received a Jack Petchey Award for her voluntary work with St John’s ambulance. Future success for Rebekah looks certain.

Jorens Rakiss achieved 10 grades 9-7 and was especially pleased with his results. Jorens said “I am over the moon with my results, the hard work and determination paid off. I learned that the biggest hurdle is getting started. Once you’re in the groove work is easier”. Jorens,, will study A Levels in Geography, German, Maths and Product Design, wishes to read Architecture after doing his A Levels at St Mark’s.

Polna Halinauskas achieved 10 GCSEs at grade 9-7 was equally delighted with her results. She said “Last night I was so worried but my brother and family told me not to be. I am so grateful for the support of my family. The support from staff at St Mark’s has been equally amazing. The teachers are so organised and do so much to help”. Polina will be studying A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics

Ilaye Ozomoru achieved 10 subjects graded 7 to 9 and described herself as “really happy with these results. I found the exams stressful, but my teachers and my friends were so helpful and supportive”. Ilaye will be studying A Levels in Psychology, Sociology and Politics.

Headteacher Elaine Heaphy said: “Under the difficult circumstances of the last 2 years, these results are a great achievement for the students and staff at our school. There are so many individual stories and so many successes and so much for students to be proud of. Everyone in the school has worked hard to make these results happen and I am so proud of what they represent. Coming on the back of some exceptionally good A Levels last week, it has been a very good two weeks for us all. I look forward to welcoming these students into our Sixth Form next week.