Celebration at Thomas Clarkson Academy

There were celebrations at the Thomas Clarkson Academy this morning when the GCSE results were revealed.

More than a fifth of students achieved an average grade of 5+ across all of their qualifications - a fantastic achievement considering how disrupted their early secondary education had been because of the pandemic.

“They faced a huge amount of disruption with their educational studies. I am incredibly proud of the grit and determination the young people have shown throughout this last year and thank all of our staff for their relentless work and parents and families for their ongoing support,” said Lisa Tarsitano, Year 11 Raising Standards Leader and Vice Principal for Outcomes.

Among those celebrating outstanding achievements was Vojini Fernando who was awarded Grade 9 in biology, chemistry, maths, physics and French along with a Grade 8 in computer science, English language and statistics and a 7 in English literature.

A high proportion of the year group will be returning to the academy next month to take up their places in the Sixth Form and continue their education journey.

Samuel Milner, 16,  received a Grade 9 for maths and physics, Grade 8 in biology and chemistry, Grade 7 in computer science and English language, Grade 6 in English literature, history and combined science.

“I think I have done quite well, and I want to stay at the sixth form to study A levels in maths, physics, film and computer science,” he said.

Student Kristina Jokubavicute, 16, is also staying at the academy to study for A levels in maths, psychology and business.

“I would like to work in the world of business,” she said, adding that she was really pleased with her results.

But Grace Horlock, 16, is setting off on another path which she hopes will lead to a career on the West End stage. 

She is heading to Stageworks, a musical theatre studio, in St Neots, where she will also stay during her term time.

“It is something I have always wanted to do, ever since I was small and I really want to get to the West End in a musical theatre production,” she said.

Jensen Blackwell, 16, will be studying maths, further maths, physics and computer science when he joins the academy sixth form having achieved Grade 9 in both maths and statistics.

“I would like to go on and study mechanical engineering at Cambridge University after my A levels,” he said.

Students who have made determined progress throughout their time at the academy were also celebrating their success and Dzeskia Bieksaite achieved a Grade 9 in Russian, Level 2 Distinction in business, Grade 8 English language, Grade 7 in maths and statistics, Grade 6 in English Literature, history and combined science.

Marija Bogdane received a Grade 9 in Russian, Level 2 Distinction in business, Grade 8 in English language and history, Grade 7 in Citizenship and English literature, Grade 6 in combined science and Grade 5 in maths.

Principal Richard Scott said: “Everyone at our academy is incredibly proud of this year group. The students faced a very difficult start to their secondary years and have shown remarkable endeavour and determination to achieve the set of results they received today.

“Our school and the wider community pulled together at a very difficult time, and the achievements we see today are the result of their dedication and perseverance. The students, their families and our staff can take great pride in these results and we know they are well equipped to deal with future challenges they may face.”

The students who are not staying at the academy will be taking-up apprenticeships and further education places elsewhere.

Andy Burns, Director of Education at Brooke Weston Trust, which the Thomas Clarkson Academy is part of, said: "I am incredibly proud of our students for their outstanding GCSE results. Their success is a testament to their hard work and resilience, combined with the invaluable support of their families and the exceptional learning environment created by our wonderful staff. Together, they all embody our core value of Ambition For All.”