Students at The National Church of England Academy in Hucknall are celebrating after achieving a strong set of GCSE results.

The academy, which is part of the Minster Trust for Education (MITRE), saw 68% of its students achieve a standard (4+) pass or higher in English and maths, and 44% of students achieve the strong (5+) pass rate or higher in English and maths.

There was delight that students amassed an impressive 50 grade 9s, the highest grade on offer, across 14 subjects and that 17% of all student grades were 7+ which is equivalent to an old A grade or higher.

The academy praised the resilience and strength of character shown by its students who it said had worked exceptionally hard with the challenges of the last for two years.

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.

There were great individual success stories with many students achieving 8 and 9 grades (or equivalent). Academy predictions for 7+ grades were exceeded – mirroring the record number of top grades achieved at A Level last week.

Jacob Hemsley was the highest achieving male with seven grades 9s and two grade 8s. The highest performing female student was Hannah Doran who achieved two grades 9s, six grade 8s and a grade 7.

Students at The National Church of England Academy in Hucknall are celebrating after achieving a strong set of GCSE results. Pictured: Highest performing girl Hannah Doran (right) alongside her friend and fellow high achiever Hannah Bennison (left). Photo courtesy of The National Academy.

One student said: "I am so pleased that my hard work has resulted in top grades, and I can now confidently move on to study my A Levels. I will be carrying on as a National Student at Hucknall Sixth Form Centre, and can't wait to get started in September."

Elijah Stratford-Smart was the most-improved student at the academy, achieving three grade 9s, three grade 8s, one grade 7 and a grade 6. This was an average of two grades higher than predictions at the end of year 10.

Another student said: "It has been a really good morning, and I can't believe I have done so well. Staff gave me confidence in myself with their support, and all the revision has paid off. I didn't expect to do so well, so I'm delighted and can't stop smiling!"

Headteacher Martin Brailsford, said: "Our results this year are testament to the hard work and determination shown by Year 11. I would also like to praise our staff for the high quality of teaching and learning they have managed to provide across our curriculum and the support our students have received from their families.

"Our Year 11 mindset has been extremely positive and they have worked with their teachers to get the best outcomes possible. We are very aware that education is not all about results, and to see our students grow and develop so well individually and as a group over many years has been an absolute privilege. Having such a strong set of results only adds to the successful time our students have spent with us. We wish every student the very best for the future and hope to see many continue their education with us at our Sixth Form Centre in Hucknall."

Chair of Governors, Kirsty Cowley said: "These are fantastic results, and our young people should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved particularly after the difficulties of the last few years. The results are a credit to their hard work and resilience and also to the dedication of our staff. We wish everyone luck in whatever they choose to do next."