As this year’s GCSE and Level 2 results were announced, year 11 students across the Trust gathered with staff, family and classmates to collect their grades, and to celebrate the results of their hard work.

Diverse Academies CEO, David Cotton, said: “I am incredibly proud to congratulate all year 11 students across our family of schools on their GCSE results this year. These achievements reflect not only the hard work, commitment and resilience of our students, but also the dedication of our teachers, support staff, and the unwavering encouragement from parents and carers.

“Every grade represents hours of learning, revision and perseverance, and it has been inspiring to see our young people rise to the challenge. Whether moving on to sixth form, college, apprenticeships or other pathways, these results will provide a strong foundation for the future.

“On behalf of the entire Trust, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and wish all our students continued success in the next chapter of their lives.”

Student successes

We are very proud to share just a few highlights from this year’s results day, with notable individual success stories from across the Trust.

East Leake Academy

East Leake Academy celebrated its strongest outcomes, with students achieving the highest attainment 8 score in a decade. Results were above the national average, with 76% of all students achieving a grade 4 and above in their GCSEs.

Among those celebrating was Katie Owen, who achieved an extraordinary ten grade 9s, including a Distinction* in music and further maths. She said: “I am delighted with my results. Thank you to all my subject teachers who supported me throughout my GCSE studies.” Katie is undecided on where she will study her A levels come September.

Sammy Humphreys also enjoyed outstanding success, securing six grade 9s in further maths, maths, triple science, computing, English literature and English language. Reflecting on the achievement, Sammy said: “I am exceptionally happy with my results and will be staying on at East Leake Academy sixth form to study maths, further maths, physics and German.”

Celebrations continued for Tom Devine, who earned grade 9s in maths, chemistry, physics, business, and design and technology, two 8s and a grade 7. Tom will be staying at East Leake Academy to study A levels. Tom commented: “I am very happy with my results.”

Katie Woodhouse was another standout student, earning three 9s, three 8s, a grade seven and a Distinction. Katie will be continuing her journey at East Leake Academy sixth form for A levels. She reflected: “I am extremely happy with my results. I’d like to give a special thanks to Mr Barkley and Mr Collins.”

The Holgate Academy

There was a fantastic atmosphere at The Holgate Academy as year 11 students collected their GCSE results.

Among the many successes this year, George Missing celebrated an outstanding set of results with four grade 9s, four 8s two 6s. George is going on to study A levels , saying: “I’m really happy with my results and looking forward to starting sixth form.”

Another cause for celebration was Abbey Davies, whose determination and resilience led to four grade 9s, three 8s, one 7, one six, and a Distinction. Abbey will go on to study graphic design at come September. Reflecting on the achievement, she said: “I am thrilled with my results.”

The academy also praised Adrian Fung for his excellent progress during his time at Holgate, with results including four grade 9s in biology, chemistry, maths, and physics, three 8s, one 7 and two grade 6s. Adrian will go on to study maths, computer science, further maths and physics for A level.

Further successes included Eleanor Doyle, who achieved a grade 9, five 8s, two 7s, one 6 and a Merit. Eleanor said: “Thank you so much, I am so pleased! I cannot wait to start further studies in September.”

Alfie Brooks also excelled this year, securing a grade 9, four 8s, two 7s and one grade 6. Looking ahead, he commented: “I’m thrilled and looking forward to studying maths, further maths, physics and chemistry at Holgate sixth form.”

Queen Elizabeth’s Academy

Results day was a celebration of perseverance, growth and ambition at Queen Elizabeth’s, with students reflecting on how far they have come during their time at the academy.

There were smiles all round for Simran Kaur, who celebrated an outstanding set of results. Simran said: “I am excited to build new relationships with people at college and meet new friends.”

Piotr Paprota and Lukman Muhammad were delighted with their results. They will both be moving onto further education and cannot wait to begin their next adventure. Lukman said he was “very happy” with his results after achieving a grade 7, two 6s, three 5s and two 4s.

After collecting her results today, Kady Paddon was delighted and reflected by saying: “I am very happy with my results, I am looking forward to college.” Kady will be going on to study photography at A level.

Amelie Meneghello achieved fantastic results which will see her go onto study for a T-level in healthcare to help her achieve her aspirations of being a nurse. Amelie received three 8s a 7, and two 6s along with strong passes in maths and business.

Mia-Louise Smith was ‘overwhelmed’ with her amazing results, which will see her also move onto study childcare after gaining strong results across the board.

Friends Kayden Draycott, Jake Needham and Jago Crowder were all celebrating their achievements this morning. Kayden will be going on to study Level 2 plumbing. Reflecting on his results, he said: “I am very pleased with my results. I did the best I could.” Jake will be pursuing a course in hospitality and commented: “I am quite pleased with my results.” Jago, who will also be continuing his studies, said he is feeling ‘very good’ following his results.

Retford Oaks Academy

The academy was filled with excitement as students, staff and families marked this important milestone together.

Among those celebrating was Holly Limmer, who achieved seven grade 9s, three grade 8s and one grade 6. Holly said: “I wasn’t sure how further maths would go, or art, I’m delighted with physics and chemistry – all grade 9s!” Holly will go on to study chemistry, biology, maths and further maths.

Another standout success came from Finn Bolitho, who secured three grade 9s, four grade 8s, one grade 7, one grade 6 and a Distinction* and Distinction. Finn is looking forward to starting his A levels in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics at Retford Oaks sixth form. Reflecting on results day, Finn said: “The results are what I expected, which is great. My family are really happy.”

The academy also recognised the achievements of Myla Sikora, who gained five grade 9s, two grade 7s, one grade 5 and a Merit in music. Myla will be moving on to study A levels and commented: “I’m happy. It’s much better than I expected. We’re now off to celebrate!”

Celebrations continued with George White who received five grade 9s, one grade 8, two grade 7s and two grade 6s. George plans to stay on at Retford Oaks sixth form to study further maths, maths, chemistry and physics.

Further celebrations came from Holly Nguyen, who achieved four grade 9s, six grade 8s and one grade 7. She said: “I’m exhilarated! The adrenaline has taken over and I am so happy.” Holly will be continuing her A level studies in September.

Tuxford Academy

Students arrived at Tuxford Academy full of anticipation, and many left with smiles, relief and excitement as they look ahead to the next chapter of their lives.

Violet Bradley was among the top performers in OCR art and design (fine art) this summer. As OCR is one of the leading awarding bodies in the UK, this places Violet among the highest-achieving students in the country. She will be returning to Tuxford post 16 to continue her studies in art and photography. Reflecting on her success, Violet said: “I am super happy with my results and excited to start my next chapter.”

Twin brothers Jack and Luke Martin are celebrating outstanding results this morning. Jack achieved an exceptional set of grades, including eight grade 9s, an 8 and a double Distinction in engineering. Luke also secured an excellent set of results, achieving six grade 9s, two 8s and two 6s. Looking ahead, Jack and Luke are ‘looking forward’ to continuing their studies at Tuxford Academy post 16.

Taisiia Tymofieieva’s impressive results include four grade 9s, four grade 8s, two grade 7s and a double distinction. Taisiia joined Tuxford Academy in year 8 after moving to the UK from Ukraine, knowing only a little English. Through dedication and determination, she worked hard to master the language by reading books, and her success is a testament to that effort. She will now go on to  post 16 to study physics, maths, further maths and economics. Reflecting on her journey, Taisiia said: “At first I was a little scared, but now I’m shocked and excited – and a little bit proud!”

Lara Bett celebrated a successful results day, with standout performances in science, geography, art and business achieving five 9s, two 8s, and a grade 7 and 6. Reflecting on her achievements, Lara shared: “All my hard work has paid off and I am really looking forward to starting post 16 in September.” Lara will be continuing her studies at Tuxford post 16 in subjects that she has excelled in.

One student who was delighted with her results was Laila Hall. Laila will also be continuing her studies at Tuxford post 16 after achieving six 9s, two 8s, a 7 and a grade 6. She said: “I am very happy with my results, my hard work has paid off.”

Walton Academy

Walton applauded student successes on GCSE results day as they celebrated with staff, family and friends.

Josiah Caunt proudly achieved strong results across the board, including four 9s, four 8s and a 7. Josiah will be continuing his studies at Walton post 16 studying chemistry, geography and maths. He commented: “I’m actually really proud of my results. I’ve definitely done better than I expected. I feel fantastic right now.”

Another delighted student choosing to stay on at Walton post 16 is Matilda Carson, who achieved an outstanding set of results with four grade 9s, three 8s, and a 7. She said: “I’m very happy — I didn’t expect it. The work I put in paid off, and my teachers really helped me a lot to stay on track and achieve my results.”

Chisom Adigwe said he was ‘so excited’ and celebrated a fantastic set of results with a grade 9, six 8s and a distinction. Chisom really enjoyed studying at Walton and said: “The teachers made it memorable with their love of teaching.”

Elliot Mann is among those celebrating, achieving five 9s, three 8s and two 7s. Elliot has been a familiar face in the academy’s annual performing arts shows and played an important role on the prom committee. He reflected on the day by saying: “I’m massively relieved. I’m extremely proud of myself for all the hard work I put in — it paid off. I genuinely enjoyed my time at Walton.”

Alfie Haigh achieved four 9s, two 8s and two 7s. He said he was “really happy” with his excellent results. He continued: “I’m looking forward to studying music performance, and my ambition is to write for musical theatre.”

Success for Maria Shijoy means that she will be ready to continue her A level studies at Walton post 16 this September. Maria achieved grades 9s in combined science, with full marks in her health and social care exam, gaining an overall Distinction*. Other grades included a double distinction, two 8s, a 7 and two 6s. Maria said: “I’m actually so happy! I joined Walton in year 9, and I’m amazed by my combined science results. With the support of my teacher, I achieved grades 9–9. I will be staying on for post 16 at Walton Academy because the teachers know me and how to support me.”