Queen Elizabeth’s Academy, part of the Diverse Academies Learning Partnership, saw its year 11 students joined by staff to receive their GCSE results – with many going on to apprenticeship schemes or to join the Hucknall Sixth Form Centre.

There were a number of individual success stories, including Anzelika Lugononoka, who achieved grade 7s in maths and English, an A* in art, an A in photography and French, a B in physics and Cs in biology and chemistry.

Other students celebrating included Aishah Thanni, Mansi Patel and Joshua Smith, who between them racked up a strong set of results – 6 As, 6 Bs, 3 grade 5s, 4 grade 6s, 2 grade 7s and 2 star distinctions. Mansi said: “I am very pleased and I got what I needed for my next stage, I am really happy with that.”

Principal Helena Brothwell said: “We are really pleased for our students. Since the academy became part of the Diverse Academies last September, we have worked hard with our students to prepare them for their GCSE exams and they have shown remarkable determination, grit and effort during these 12 months. We are proud of the efforts of all students and wish them all the best for the future.

“A large percentage of students have applied to go on to Hucknall Sixth Form Centre, and we know they will flourish there. All sixth form students will be based there from September, opening up a wider range of courses available to them, taught by subject experts from three partner academies, and studying alongside 300 like-minded students.

“Further to this, Queen Elizabeth’s Academy continues to go through a period of positive transformation, and our curriculum will change from September to ensure that we enhance students’ subject knowledge.”

Young people receiving their results at academies and schools in England today are the first to sit new GCSEs, which are being rolled out over a number of years. Courses and grading have changed for English literature, English language and maths, with key changes being:

more challenging courses (that do not affect the grade achieved when compared to the former system)
new 9 to 1 grading system implemented (with 9 the highest, and 1 the bottom grade)
grade 7 aligns with the former grade A, 4 with C and 1 with G

Student numbers at Hucknall Sixth Form Centre are growing year-on-year, with the centre having an excellent reputation in Nottinghamshire. Kelly Wall, head of Hucknall Sixth Form Centre added: “Our students come from all over the county because of the high standards of teaching, quality outcomes for all students and our wide range of courses.

“There is still some availability for individuals to join us from September, and hope that our recent record-breaking A Level results show how the centre can enable all students to meet their aspirations. Our team would be delighted to speak with any interested students about how we can develop their continuing educational experience.”

The academy invites any students yet to secure a place with a post 16 provider for this September or is considering their post-GCSE options to visit www.hsfc-ac.org.uk or email [email protected] for more information.