Broadwater School headteacher Lizzi Matthews has congratulated this year's GCSE pupils for their 'maturity' in what she described as a 'tumultuous' period.

And she described herself as a 'very proud headteacher' as the year group collected their grades today.

She said: "In what has been an extraordinary year in so many ways, we wanted to congratulate our Year 11s on their wonderful GCSE results.

"It should be recognised what an outstanding year group they were, and they should be very proud of the results which they worked so hard for.

"Whilst GCSE outcomes are a significant measure of our students' success, they are not the only measure.

"This year group were exceptional role models for the younger year groups in their attitude to their studies, extra-curricular activities, their leadership and their kindness. Furthermore, we are immensely proud of the maturity they have shown through this tumultuous period."

The school's figures showed two pupils who gained nine Grade 9s and one Grade 8; one pupil who gained six Grade 9s and three Grade 8s; and one pupil who earnt six Grade 9s, two Grade 8s and three Grade 7s.

Rodborough head: results are 'fair'

At Rodborough School, headteacher Matthew Armstrong-Harris said the grades pupils had achieved were a fair reflection of both their ability and their commitment to their studies.

He said: "Right up to the day that school closed due to the pandemic, they remained focused and continued to work hard.

"We are all well aware that they feel a sense of loss when it comes to this year's exams, but I hope that today's final results will allow them to focus on the future, and I encourage them to celebrate today's exceptional results and fully embrace the next stage in their education."

Cullum Centre pupils complete their studies

This year the first three pupils supported through Rodborough's Cullum Centre completed their time at the school.

The Cullum project started six years ago as a partnership between four Surrey schools, the National Autistic Society and Surrey County Council.

A donation from the Cullum family enabled the schools to create centres to support able autistic students to succeed in mainstream settings.

Mr Armstrong-Harris said: "I am proud of the work that the school has done to support our first cohort of Cullum Centre students. They have successfully integrated into the school and achieved so much.

"It is fantastic to see them moving on to college and the next stage in their academic careers."