Students look forward to bright futures after receiving GCSE results

The academy is immensely proud of the resilience and strength of character shown by students who have worked for two years, including remotely from 20 March, preparing for these qualifications. The atmosphere at the academy was extremely positive as students discovered their grades. Staff have been available to offer guidance and support for students as they embark upon the next chapter of their lives whilst complying with the social distancing guidelines.

There were a number of notable successes today from National students, including Isabelle G who is the highest achieving student with nine grade 9s and a grade 8, although it was close between her was Grace C who achieved eight grade 9s and two grade 8s. Max C is the highest achieving male with four 9s, four 8s, one 7 and one 6.

Isabelle said: “I am really relieved, pleased and happy!”

There have been a number of significant ‘good news’ stories for students during this very unusual year. The staff at National C of E Academy have commented on numerous occasions and at length regarding the significant progress that students within this cohort have made, with many working to a level which far exceeds their target grades in a broad number of subjects.

Principal Martin Brailsford said well done and congratulations to all of our year 11 students who have faced so much disruption and frustration this year. “I am so proud of all of our students and am relieved that the government agreed to accept the centred assessed grades which we entered following a very robust and fair internal process. Having seen the hard work and dedication our students have shown at first hand, it is fantastic to see that so many have got the grades they deserve. Now our students can get excited about their futures and put the qualifications they have gained to good use”.

Mr Brailsford also wanted to acknowledge the support parents and other family members had played in supporting students through what has been an unprecedented year. “As a community we have really pulled together to support our students. Ending the year on a positive note is nothing more than our students and wider community deserve and should be celebrated. A huge well done and thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of our students”.

Chair of Governors Kirsty Cowley also said: “This has been a year like no other not just for us as National Academy but the education sector as a whole. It’s highlighted not just the complexities and importance of the academic aspect of school life but more importantly and most significantly, how important our school community is to everyone involved. It’s right and proper that we’re proud and celebrate today’s results but the real pride for all of us comes from seeing the incredible character, determination and perseverance that’s been demonstrated by these young people in the most difficult of circumstances these last months. Whilst I hope that we never experience another year like this, it’s definitely fair to say that this year has bought the best out of our Year 11 students and school community as a whole. We all wish every single boy and girl receiving their results today the very best, whatever path they take from here on in. All of us look forward to hearing about the incredible things that we know they’ll go on to achieve.”

Many of these individuals will now continue their studies onto A Levels and further qualifications. Indeed, over 100 students from the academy have applied to study at the Hucknall Sixth Form Centre alongside peers from the Holgate Academy, Queen Elizabeth’s Academy and a number of students recruited from other centres. We look forward to watching them flourish and develop with their continued education.

Student numbers at Hucknall Sixth Form Centre are growing year-on-year, with the centre having an excellent reputation in Nottinghamshire. Kelly Wall, Head of Sixth form for National Students added: “Our students come from all over the county because of the high standards of teaching, quality outcomes for all students and our wide range of courses. There is still limited availability for individuals to join us from September, and hope that our recent record-breaking A Level results show how the centre can enable all students to meet their aspirations. Our team would be delighted to speak with any interested students about how we can develop their continuing educational experience.”

The academy invites any students yet to secure a place with a post 16 provider for this September or is considering their post-GCSE options to visit www.hsfc-ac.org.uk or email info@hsfc-ac.org.uk for more information.