Pupils at Somercotes overcome Covid-19 and illness to celebrate GCSE success

High-scoring student Ellie Osborne of Somercotes Academy, who achieved grades 7, 8 and 9 across the board.

Pupils across Lincolnshire are receiving their GCSE results today, the first time that GCSE pupils have faced exams since 2019 due to the disruption caused by the pandemic, in 2020 and 2021 pupils were instead awarded grades by their teachers, based on their coursework.

Those celebrating fantastic results include Lillie Gregory, 16, who achieved a grade 9, 3 grade 8s and 4 grade 7s.

Lillie, who will now study for her A levels with a view to becoming a doctor, said: “It was tough learning though Covid. We did not know how to navigate online learning and it was harder than being in the classroom.

Steve Gantsev said joining Somercotes Academy just a year ago improved his GCSE results by two grades in every subject.

“I did take advantage of all the extra support from the teachers and I attended revision classes. I am so pleased with myself today.”

Lillie’s mum Carla said: “Lillie is so self-motivated. We did not have to say anything to get her to do the work. We are so very proud of her and she really deserves this success.”

Steve Gantsev, who joined the Academy at the start of Year 11, worked hard with staff to achieve superb results, including grade 9s in Art and Design and Russian.

Steve said: “I only came here last September and the support I have had has made a difference of at least two grades in every subject.

Cousins James and Grace Russell celebrate their exam results together.

"I am so happy that I came here and thankful for the support the teachers gave us.

"I really appreciate everything this school has done for me.” Steve will now study Computer Science at college.

Frances Green, Principal of Somercotes Academy, said: “It has been wonderful to be with the Year 11 students collecting their examination results today. Their hard work and dedication is reflected in the results they have achieved.

“I am very proud to offer my congratulations, not only on their academic success and excellent grades, but also on how they have approached and overcome the trials and tribulations of the last few years.

Successful students celebrate with friends and family, (left to right): Imogen Jeffrey, Christine Vicary, Phil Jeffrey, Gabby Jeffrey, Jasmine Grant and Claire Lindley.

“These results would also not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of our teaching and support staff. I would like to thank them on behalf of the students for their commitment to the Academy.

“This year has been challenging but thoroughly rewarding. The Academy community is very proud of the achievements of our Year 11 students and we wish them every success in the next chapter of their lives.”

High-scoring student Ellie Osborne achieved two grade 9s, three grade 8s and two grade 7s in her GCSE subjects.

“This is insane,” she said. Ellie, who not only had to deal with Covid disruption for two years, had also missed a further year of education through illness.

Helen Mason celebrates her daughter Yasmin's results at Somercotes Academy.

She now plans to study for her A levels in Chemistry, Biology and Psychology with her eye on a career in Medicine.

“I had my own way of revising. I would study one subject at school and then go home and revise a completely different one. It worked for me and I am thrilled with these results. I cannot believe it,”she said.

Yasmin Mason will now study Animal Care at college after securing the grades she needed. “It was a lot of stress but we got there,” she said.

Cousins Grace and James Russell were each celebrating a great set of results together. Both were received and happy with their results and were set to visit their grandma for a celebration cake.