University Academy Holbeach students' 2022 GCSE results praised by principal Sheila Paige

Hard work and perseverance paid off for students at University Academy Holbeach on GCSE results day.

A brilliant 74% of Year 11 youngsters were awarded a Grade 9-4 in English - with 70% earning the same in Mathematics.

Teachers were very pleased to see 72% of the cohort achieve five or more grades between 9-4 this year.

Amongst the star performers was 16-year-old Leah Twell, who was delighted with her Grade 9s in Biology, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.

She also earned 8s in Art and French, as well as 7s in Geography and English Literature - and will now take all three science subjects in sixth form.

Young Lutton resident Thomas McNamara (16), who battles both dyslexia and autism, was thrilled with his Grade 5s in Mathematics and Food Preparation and Nutrition.

He also worked hard for a 5-5 in Combined Science and a 4 in English Language, saying he was 'pleased overall'.

Mia Ellie-Smith couldn't hold back the tears of joy after opening her results letter.

Grade 7s in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Language, English Literature and History left her ecstatic.

Next year, she will stay on at the Academy to study all three sciences at A level.

Harley Cooper (16) was 'very pleased' after he attained the necessary grades to move on to a Level 2 Electrical Engineering apprenticeship through the school.

He was particularly pleased with his Grade 5 in Mathematics and 5-5 in Combined Science.

Whaplode youngster Joe Rous (16) can look forward to a Btec in Sport in Holbeach after some excellent grades.

His 8 in Geography was the pick of the bunch, while 7s in Business and Mathematics saw his hard work pay off.

Joe also earned Grade 6s in English Language, English Literature and Food Preparation and Nutrition - as well as a 5-5 in Combined Science.

Luke Kelly (16) is excited to study IT in sixth form after working hard for five Grade 6s this year.

He was celebrating at the school with his mum, who said she was 'very pleased for him'.

Sixteen-year-old Adam Hill, from Lutton Marsh, is set to begin a T level in Health and Social Care after working hard all year for the results he needed.

He achieved passes in all of his subjects, with four Grade 5s the pick of the bunch.

Jasmin Cropley, from Long Sutton, was another who shed happy tears after receiving her results.

A Grade 6 in History - as well as a 5 in English Language and 4s in Mathematics, Music, Art, English Literature and Geography - means she can move on to a Btec in Art at the Academy next year.

Charlie Butler (16) did better than he expected - with his Grade 5 in Food Preparation and Nutrition and his 5-5 in Combined Science his biggest triumphs today.

The Moulton youngster is now set to begin an apprenticeship in motor vehicle engineering.

Harley Mason, also 16, was pleased to achieve passes in his science subjects - which will allow him to start a new adventure as an apprentice mechanic.

UAH principal Sheila Paige said: "Pupils have worked with drive and commitment and they have justly been rewarded for their efforts.

"This has been a period of uncertainty and, with much face to face learning missed over the last two years, pupils should take pride in their efforts. Not only have they had to deal with the uncertainty of the exam arrangements but many have had to cope with time out of school due to Covid.

"Each child will have been on their own journey and they will faced their own personal challenges along the way. They have rightly taken advantage of the additional support that has been available and they have risen to the challenges of the exams.

"I should like to thank the staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure our pupils have been well supported and guided. I should also like to extend my appreciation to our parents and guardians who have continued to work with the school.

"Our pupils can be proud of their achievements and I wish them every success as they embark on a new journey. We very much look forward to welcoming in September both current and new pupils.

"Many will join us on our new T-Level programmes in Business, ICT and Health and Science. Learners will also be able to study an impressive range of A-Levels and Technical Qualifications or may join us as an apprentice with a local employer."

Click on our Education tab to find out more about GCSE results day.