Bingham: Toot Hill GCSE students overcome adversity to achieve top grades

GCSE students have celebrated a successful results day at Toot Hill School in Bingham.

Many of the students received high grades — 42% graded at seven or above — and overcame personal challenges and difficulties imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Yasmin Rahman achieved nines in all of her subjects and is now planning to study maths, further maths and chemistry at A-level.

Yasmin said: "As a visually impaired student, I have faced challenges but have never given up. I have amazing friends and we have supported each other along the way.

"This just goes to show that even in the most difficult of times, great things are possible thanks to the hard work of students."

Student James Cox also received high grades, earning himself ten nines and an eight.

James is a competitive swimmer, and has had to juggle sport and academic work in his last year of GCSEs.

"I've had to juggle everything for my GCSEs whilst swimming competitively, training before school and after school," he said.

"In year ten, I also started learning how to fly and have finally flown solo the week after sitting exams. It's all about managing time effectively."

James is planning to study maths, further maths, economics and law at A-level.

He said: "I couldn't have achieved these results without the fantastic support from the teaching team and my family."

Emma Gregory also overcame personal struggles to achieve ten nines in her GCSEs.

Emma said: "I'm a high achiever, but it's not always expected. I've always been quite quiet in lessons, as I'm very nervous and struggle to speak up.

"I've always found maths and science easier than languages, I wasn't sure if I would pass Spanish.

"I lost my nan in February before we did assessments, so it's been quite hard to deal with that too.

"My results were more than I could have asked for. I couldn't believe it when I opened that envelope."

Hamza Adamiee also achieved high results, despite only attending Toot Hill for two years.

Hamza said: "I missed year nine as I went abroad. I studied hard with lots of support and always aimed for the best.

"I consider myself to be extremely fortunate. It has been a wonderful two years at Toot Hill, with lots of support from teachers and family and friends, who I felt believed in me and pushed me to success."

He plans to study maths, biology, chemistry and further maths at A-level.

Like several of her peers, Catherine Charlton also walked away with a plethora of nines.

"I started my journey in year seven. Now, five years later, I am proud of what I have achieved and hope this success continues," Catherine said.

After achieving nines in all of her subjects, Alice Booker now dreams of pursuing a career in sustainable innovation.

She has also battled illness in her GCSE years, but did not let that affect her results.

"I started at Toot Hill in year seven. Since then, I have overcome extended periods away due to chronic fatigue syndrome," Alice said.

"I am grateful for all the support I have received from my teachers and I am proud of what I have achieved."

Faye Taylor also received a nine in each of her subjects.

Faye said: "I've always worked hard and aimed for the highest grades.

"I've overcome a lot over the last few years but the support from all my teachers has allowed me to achieve the highest possible grades."

She will be going on to study Spanish, economics, maths and further maths at A-level.

Daniel David Warren also juggled a hobby and his academic work throughout his GCSEs to come out with ten nines and one eight.

He said: "My favourite subject was maths and I have a keen interest in sport and play football regularly.

"It wouldn't have been possible without the teachers who pushed me to be the best possible."

After achieving ten nines and one eight; Louis Myers now plans to study maths, physics, further maths and history at A-level.

"I'm a high achiever, but after the exams," he said. "It was somewhat unexpected. I've always tried hard to achieve the best grades."

Edward Burgess received eight nines and three eights and is planning to study history, politics, psychology and sociology at college.

He said: "Everyone will always face struggles and be faced with challenges, but you should always stick with it because it will turn out for the best."

Daniel Curtis-Lowe achieved nine nines and two eights.

"I've always been academic," he said.

"Even at primary school. But that's due to both hard work and academic ability.

"If natural ability is not paired with hard work and perseverance, then success is not forthcoming."

Head of school Chris Eardley said: “I am delighted to report that our year 11 students achieved the exceptional GCSE and vocational results they fully deserve this summer. I am incredibly proud of the work and commitment shown by all of our students, especially after such a challenging and turbulent year.

"Much thanks also go to our teachers and parents who have relentlessly supported our students to ensure they are able to progress into the most aspirational of destinations, whether it be at Toot Hill Sixth Form College or elsewhere.

"Although an incredible total of 17 students secured eight or more GCSEs at grade nine, Hamza Adamjee, Yasmin Rahman and Faye Taylor warrant special praise for securing grade nines in every one of their GCSE results.”