Mixed emotions and mixed ambitions at Neale-Wade Academy as students open GCSE results

sarah.cliss@iliffepublishing.co.uk

Published: 13:37, 24 August 2023

There were smiles and tears – some of joy some of upset – as students at the Neale-Wade Academy opened their GCSE results today.

Like many students up and down the country there was some dismay as this year’s grading proved harsher than in recent years.

One example was the results for chemistry where pupils this year scoring the same score as an A grade student last year attained Bs instead – with it being around 10 per cent harder to get the A in this year’s exam.

From left: Betty Monaghan, who wants to go into nursing, Tiana Schunman who is heading off to do football with a scholarship from Cambridge Regional College, Chloe Wheatley plans to study childcare, Reece Simpson is wanting to go into nursing and Faye Mckay is off to study performing arts.

However, most students were more than happy with their results and are now looking forward to making the steps towards achieving their long term career goals.

Around 80 students will follow a course of study at the Neale-Wade Sixth Form. Whilst other students will access courses at college or have been successful in attaining an apprenticeship.

Ambitions range from studying everything from the performing arts to nursing, business and engineering.

Lucy Boyes and Stanley Chapman were delighted to have received good grades. He's off to join 20Twenty Productions as an apprentice and Lucy will be studying nursing at King's Lynn.

Some students will also be taking on apprenticeships including Stanley Chapman, who will be completing an apprenticeship with March-based 20Twenty Productions in production media and content.

Assistant principal Mel Henman said the school was overwhelming proud of the students.

She said: “This cohort has had a lot challenges including having to study online during the pandemic. They have over come a lot of obstacles and they should be proud of their achievements.

Chloe Wheatley couldn't believe her results and was over the moon with them.

“This year the grading has returned to the pre-pandemic levels and that has had an impact. The government made it clear this would be happening, although there were some formulas provided in some subjects.

“We are happy with today’s results. The students have worked hard and have done well. We would like to thank all the families for supporting the students not just this year but throughout their school careers and they should be celebrating and should be proud of their successes.”

Graham Horn, principal, added: “We are so proud of our students and their achievements. This year group have had much to contend with and faced the uncertainty of external examinations returning to the rigour of pre Covid times. We are delighted that students have taken the opportunities to succeed and go on to their next chosen career path. We wish them well.”

From left: Pelumi Olubodun, Martha Penri-Jones, Chloe Spies and Jasmine Buck with their results.

Lynsey Holzer, CEO of The Active Learning Trust, said: “We would like to send huge congratulations to students at Neale- Wade Academy for the results they have achieved.

“I would also like to congratulate our headteachers, teachers and staff who have worked so hard to support our students.

Matthew Baker was really happy with his results which included merits. He's returning to study Spanish, business and IT at A-level.

“We are all delighted to see our students celebrating today, and we wish them every success as they progress to their chosen place of study or training. Well done everyone!”

Education Sarah Cliss