Following a very challenging two years due to the pandemic, year 11 students across Diverse Academies have today begun celebrating their achievements with friends and family, alongside very proud members of staff.

David Cotton, Diverse Academies CEO, said: “Sitting your first set of formal external examinations is a huge milestone for any young person, but when this has been preceded by such significant disruption to education and personal development, you can’t help but feel immense pride in how students have coped and overcome such challenges.

“Our students’ hard work, determination and resilience is commendable, and will no doubt be skills that serve them well as they take their next steps into further education, training or apprenticeships. Today, we are thrilled to be able to celebrate their achievements with them and wish them all the very best for the future, whether that’s onto studying at one of our post 16 provisions or elsewhere.

“I would also like to give my thanks to all staff across the Trust, whether in the classroom or in other vital roles. Our colleagues are committed to our mission to nurture curiosity, develop wellbeing and empower children and young people to go beyond their aspirations – whatever the starting point or obstacles they face. I am always humbled by their drive to ensure all our students achieve the best possible outcomes.”

Student success stories

Across Diverse Academies there have been many outstanding individual success stories – here we share a few from across the Trust.

Walton Academy

One of this year’s top performers at Walton was Sophie, who received a distinction in performing arts, a 9 in chemistry, 8s in physics, biology and English language and 7s in geography, French and English literature. Sophie is staying on at Walton post 16 to do A levels in physics, maths, chemistry and further maths. She said: “I feel very happy with my results, it was such a shock getting a grade 9 in chemistry. I wasn’t expecting a grade 9 in anything.”

Another student who was delighted with their results was Elise. She achieved distinction* in performing arts and PE, a 9 in photography, 8 in combined science and 7s in history and maths. Elise plans to continue her studies at A level, taking economics, sociology and politics. She said: “I feel amazing and so relieved now I have seen my results. I am amazed that I got a grade 8 in science.”

Emily also achieved impressive results, with two Distinction*, three 9s, four 8s and one grade 7. Emily will be remaining at Walton to study biology, physics and maths and she said: “I feel very happy and relieved. Thank you to all the staff for their support.”

Queen Elizabeth’s Academy

One QEA student who was delighted with her results today was Katie. Katie achieved a grade 9 in English literature, three grade 8s, one grade 7, three grade 6s and one grade 5, with Katie’s result in history placing her in the top 8% in the country. Katie sets high expectations for herself and has done so throughout her time at QEA. She will now go on to study English literature, politics and history at a local college. Katie said: “My grades are much more than are needed for my next steps in education and I am so pleased with my results. My experience at QEA has been wonderful.”. Katie’s mum stated that ‘that staff have gone above and beyond in their support.’

Another happy student today was Dainton, who gained a grade 9 in maths, one grade 8, two grade 7s, four grade 6s and one grade 5. Dainton is looking forward to studying maths, further maths, business and economics at a local college. This has been a long-term goal for Dainton, who is very focused on his future.

Also celebrating today is Anointed who gained two grade 9s, one grade 8, two grade 7s and four grade 6s. She is now deciding where to study her A levels. Anointed said: “I am ecstatic with my results and am looking forward to the future.”

There were also smiles all round for Leon. He gained two grade 6s in English literature and history, two grade 5s and a grade 4. He will be going to study English literature at Hucknall Sixth Form Centre. Leon said: “I am delighted with my results, as I worked hard and really focused. I achieved higher grades than I was expecting.” Leon was so inspired following a visit to Hucknall Sixth Form Centre in year 10, that from that point, he was set on his future and worked hard to make it a reality. His focus and hard work has really paid off.

And last but not least, Alicia will be celebrating today after receiving her results. Alicia gained a grade 9 in history, two grade 8s, one grade 6 and four grade 5s. She said: “I am shaking, I did better than I expected!”

Retford Oaks Academy

One of this year’s top performers at Retford Oaks is Abigail, who achieved seven 9s and three 8s and will be staying on at sixth form to study chemistry, biology, physics and art. She said: “I’m really pleased and just so happy. I didn’t think I’d have done this well. I’m glad to be staying on at sixth form as I’m so settled and comfortable here.”

Another student who has achieved fantastic results is Harry with one 9, three 8s and a 7. Harry will also be continuing his studies at Retford Oaks Academy and taking A levels in business studies, physics and law, with a view to joining the air force after sixth form. He said: “Considering all the challenges we’ve faced because of covid, I’ve done so much better than I would have expected. I’m proud of myself, especially considering a lot of these grades are better than my mocks were.”

Twins Meabh and Caoimhe are celebrating some impressive results. Maebh achieved two 9s and two 8s, she said: “I wasn’t expecting these results at all, so I’m really happy, especially with my sciences.” Caoimhe has come away with one 9, four 8s and two 7s, she was understandably thrilled and said: “I feel so overwhelmed, I’m especially thrilled with my 9 in English literature.”

Alisha and Amy also exceeded their own expectations. Alisha achieved three 9s, three 8s and three 7s and Amy was pleased with three 9s and three 8s.

Tuxford Academy

One of this year’s top performers at Tuxford Academy is Ruby, who received six grade 9s, with high grades in all her other subjects. Ruby said: “I am absolutely delighted with my results!” She will join Tuxford’s post 16 centre in September.

Elizabeth was also celebrating her success after an impressive set of results. She gained five grade 9s, four grade 8s and a grade 7. She will study biology, chemistry and maths at Tuxford post 16 centre.

Another superb result was achieved by Jake. Jake passed all his GCSEs including gaining a Distinction in engineering. He has secured a mechanical design apprenticeship with Franki Foundations. Jake said: “I’m so happy with my results and looking forward to starting my apprenticeship.”

Celebrations were also in order for Luke who achieved four grade 9s, with high grades in all his other subjects. He is excited to join Tuxford’s post 16 centre in September.

The Holgate Academy

Holgate student Bethany achieved an incredible set of results with six grade 9s, two grade 8s, one grade 6 and a Distinction**. She will now go on to study chemistry, biology and criminology at Hucknall Sixth Form Centre. Bethany said: “Wow, I am so pleased, I am really looking forward to starting at sixth form in September.”

One student who was delighted with their results was Poppy who achieved three grade 8s, five grade 7s and Distinction** in music and physical education. Poppy said: “I am so delighted with my results!” She will now continue her studies at Hucknall Sixth Form Centre.

Max did incredibly well – he achieved five grade 9s, four grade 8s and Distinction** in physical education. He will also head to Hucknall Sixth Form Centre to study maths, physics, chemistry and psychology. Max said: “The sleepless nights were so worth it! Thank you so much!”

Celebrations were also in order for Shannon who achieved two grade 9s, five grade 8s and two grade 7s. Shannon said: “It has been an anxious few weeks, but I am so pleased with my results.”  Shannon will continue her studies at Hucknall Sixth Form Centre.

Also celebrating today was George. George said his motto of ‘work smarter, not harder’ saw him through his exams and he will also be heading to Hucknall Sixth Form Centre. George achieved a grade 9 and two grade 8s, with top scores in his other subjects, including Distinction** in food technology.

Jasmine will be another student heading to Hucknall Sixth Form Centre after receiving her results today. With two grade 9s, grade 8 in photography and a grade 7 in physics her future looks bright.

James will be heading to college to study maths, physics and engineering after getting top grades including a grade 8 in maths, grade 7s in his science subjects and a Distinction**. James said: “The hard work really did pay off, thank you so much.”

And finally, Jemma will be off to Hucknall Sixth Form Centre in September after getting the grades she needed, including a grade 8 in English language, five grade 6s and a Distinction**.  Jemma said: “I am so pleased – I am looking forward to returning to sixth form in September.”

East Leake Academy

Marcus is one of the top performers at East Leake and received grade 9s in all his subjects. Marcus will now continue his post 16 studies at the academy’s sixth form. He said: “I am very pleased with an excellent set of results and would like to thank my excellent teachers.”

Ella and Alistair also received fantastic results, with four 9s, three 8s and three grade 7s each. Ella commented: “I did much better than I expected and am very pleased with my results.” Alistair said he was “pleased to secured grade 9s in all of the subjects I’m taking at A level next year.”

Other students who made exceptional progress during their time at East Leake Academy include Joe and Zoe. Joe said: “I am absolutely thrilled at my English results. It shows how hard work can pay off.” Zoe added: “It just goes to show that you can turn yourself around – I’m really happy.” Both are starting college courses in September.

Brothers Ben and Tom achieved a strong set of results with Ben achieving a 9 in business and five grade 8s. Tom secured four 8s, which included all three sciences. Both commented on how pleased they were with their results and how they are looking forward to starting at East Leake Academy sixth form in September.