Students at The Holgate Academy in Hucknall were able to celebrate their hard work this morning (Thursday 25 August) as they collected their GCSE results.

In what had been an anxious wait, students at the academy, which is part of the Diverse Academies Trust, breathed a sigh of relief and were overcome with joy as they received a solid set of results.

This is the first time for three years that student grades have been based on exam results following the Coronavirus pandemic which saw exams cancelled and teacher assessed grades awarded instead.

Bethany Sladden achieved an incredible set of results with six grade 9s, three 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."

Bethany Sladden (pictured) achieved six grade 9s, two grade 8s, one grade 6 and a Distinction**. Photo courtesy of The Holgate Academy.

One student who was delighted with their results was Poppy Andrew 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 Everest did incredibly well – he achieved five grade 9s, five 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 Davies 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 Hemsley. 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 Lam 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 Jackson 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."

James Jackson (pictured) will study maths, physics and engineering at college after his impresive set of results. Photo courtesy of The Holgate Academy.

And finally, Jemma Ball 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."

Matthew Pennington, principal at The Holgate Academy said: "We are delighted to be able to celebrate with our year 11 students today. After what has been an incredibly challenging period in the run up to their GCSEs, we are so pleased that our students are being given the recognition they deserve. The results not only reflect the hard work of our students, but the commitment of our staff too – we are incredibly proud.

"We look forward to seeing students back in September to continue their studies with Hucknall Sixth Form Centre, and for those leaving us today, we wish you every success and happiness."