THE changing landscape of the school curriculum and exams did not affect students’ performance at Queen Katherine School, according to head teacher Gareth Roscoe.

Speaking at the school’s awards evening, Mr Roscoe told more than 700 students, teachers, parents and governors about the year’s successes – which included record number of Oxbridge candidates and a 93 per cent GCSE pass rate.

Furthermore, said Mr Roscoe, more than 50 per cent of students progressed on to prestigious Russell Group institutions and 30 students achieved at least 6A* or A GCSE grades.

“The school is in a strong position to move forward and meet the challenges of a changing curriculum and examinations landscape,” he said.

“As always, our aim is to ensure that every student achieves to the best of their ability to allow them to make a successful transition into the next chapter of their life to enable our youngsters to become responsible and active citizens of the future.

“This year has seen significant changes to the examination regime, some even in the middle of a course, so much so that both OFSTED and the Department for Education have admitted that year on year comparisons are virtually meaningless.

“However, it is still clear that QKS continues to add real value to the progress that students make.”

The evening commenced with opening music played by the QKS Jazz trio fresh from their acclaimed performances at several venues across the region.

The chairman of the Multi Academy Trust Board, Richard Moore, welcomed South Lakes MP Tim Farron and Sylvia Emmott, who was representing the Mayor of Kendal and the schools’ executive head teacher, Stephen Wilkinson.

Mr Roscoe opened the evening by highlighting the school’s continuing support for system wide improvement as a National Support School and now as a National Teaching School.

In addition, he celebrated pupils’ successes in sport and PE including a second place for QKS in the national fell running championships and the establishment of a school ski club.

The continued reputation for performing arts across dance, drama and music was also celebrated as was the school’s involvement with Kendal Comic Arts Festival.