A new era has begun at Marling School as it welcomed its first female Principal since being founded 136 years ago.
Mrs Jules Godfrey was appointed earlier this year and is driving the Stroud school forward in an exciting new chapter in Marling’s rich history.
She said: “I’ve been so impressed by the eagerness and dedication of all the students at Marling. I’m particularly struck by the creativity of our sixth formers. From art to engineering, from theatre to fashion, they really do live up to our sixth form motto – ‘Create Your Future’.
Stroud Times sat down Marling Principal Mrs Jules Godfrey and students from the sixth form to find out why the school is such a special place to develop as a person. Watch our behind-the-scenes video now.
Marling Sixth Form has proved a popular pick for hundreds of Gloucestershire students each year, thanks to its outstanding academic performance, wide range of opportunities and friendly environment.
Half of the students join the school for the first time in Y12, making it a new and exciting start for everyone.
Marling offers a broad range of A Level subjects along with options such as creative writing, geology, classics or fashion textiles.
For the past three years, students studying fashion textiles have won a place at the recycled fashion Junk Kouture World Finals – most recently held in Monaco and Abu Dhabi.
Scientists do their share of globe-trotting too, with trips this year to Barcelona, Berlin and Geneva in Switzerland. In Geneva, Physics students will visit CERN, the home of the Large Hadron Collider, meeting scientists working at the cutting edge of Particle Physics research.
Students like the mix of academic challenge and opportunities outside the classroom, along with the welcoming and supportive environment.
Head student Sophie Evans, who joined the sixth form from Severn Vale School, said: “I was looking for somewhere that would give me enough freedom but also enough support to do my best at A Levels. Marling has done both of those things. At the same time, I have had the chance to get involved in so many new activities, including leadership.”
Fellow student Chanelle Wood, also from Severn Vale, said: “It felt like a big move starting a new school in Y12, but I found it so welcoming. I know loads of new people now and can’t believe I’ve only been here a year.”
Marling School has celebrated another great year of A-Level results with more than 37% of exam results at the very highest A*-A grades, 85% of exam results at A*- C grades and an overall pass rate of 99%.
Large numbers of students exceeded their predicted grades, with 8 students attaining all A*, 31 students achieving 3 or more A*/A grades, 4 students achieving 4 A* grades and over half of all students attaining at least 1 A*/A grade.
Students won places at their first-choice universities across the country to study a wide range of courses from midwifery, fashion, Arabic and film to physics, medicine and music. Other students secured higher apprenticeships in companies including Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover and Renishaw.
Louise Harris, Head of Marling Sixth Form said: “One of our greatest strengths is the diversity of interests, talent and aspirations that make the sixth form such a thriving environment to be in. No matter what your academic background, you’ll receive support, challenges and opportunities to make your dreams a reality.
“Our sixth form is the best of both worlds; an excellent balance between developing independence and being challenged to achieve your best.”
Marling Sixth Form’s open evening on November 21, 2024, offers a good opportunity for students to find out about sixth form life, meet current students and teachers and learn more about choosing A-level subjects.
For more information on Marling Sixth Form and to book a place at the open evening, click HERE.