Queen Elizabeth’s Academy, part of the Diverse Academies Learning Partnership, saw its year 11 students celebrate their GCSE results as the pass rate improved by 10% in English and maths, reflecting the upward trend in the performance of the Mansfield school overall.

There were several good success stories, including Julia Suchanecka who achieved a grade 7, three grade 6s, three grade 5s and two Distinction*

. She will be going on to study a sports qualification at Vision West Nottinghamshire College. Julia said of her achievements: “I feel really happy that all my hard work has paid off.”

Another student celebrating was Michael Higginson following a strong set of results, including a grade 7, two grade 6s and two grade 5s alongside a Distinction* and a merit, meaning he will go on to study A Levels at Hucknall Sixth Form Centre.

Michael only joined the academy in September of last year following the closure of the Vision Studio School, but has flourished at Queen Elizabeth’s as a result of the move.

He said: “I’m really pleased with my results. It has been a brilliant year since joining the academy, it really has, and I’m excited about the future!”

Other students excitedly picking up their results included Dorota Wojtowicz, who said: “I did a lot better than I expected in some subjects – I feel very happy.”

Hale Duru added:”I am really happy because now I can do everything I want to do.”

Kian Sketchley enthused: “I am pleasantly surprised and did better than I thought I would. I have got everything I need to go to college, so I’m delighted!”

Principal Helena Brothwell, said of the results: “We are really pleased with these results. Since the introduction of our knowledge-based curriculum this year, our students have worked incredibly hard with staff to achieve great progress, and this has been reflected in the results today.

“Another very pleasing aspect has been the performance of students who joined us last September from Vision Studio School. They have embraced what it is to be a Queen Elizabeth’s student and have really applied themselves to their learning, emphasised in some positive results – which is fantastic considering the short time they have spent with us.

“We are proud of the efforts of all students and wish them all the best for the future. Many students have applied continue their studies onto A Levels at Hucknall Sixth Form Centre, and we know they will flourish there.”