GCSE joy as Isca Academy students celebrate stronger English and maths grades

Hard work paid off for GCSE students as a string of top grades and improved English and maths outcomes opened the door to their next steps in education.There were celebrations at Isca Academy on Thursday, August 20, as Year 11 students collected their GCSE results.The school reported an increase in the number of students achieving grades 5 or above in both English and maths compared with last year, while many achieved a grade 4 or above in five or more subjects.A number of students also achieved combinations of grades 8 and 9 across a range of subjects.Hind Y achieved seven grade 9s, including in Further Maths and Maths, as well as one grade 8 and one grade 7. Hind is going to Exeter College to study A-levels in biology, chemistry and maths, as well as Extended Level 3.Hosam I achieved three grade 9s, five grade 8s and one grade 7. Hosam is going to Exeter College to study A-levels in double maths and physics.Lisa C achieved two grade 9s and five grade 8s, including grade 9s in French and German. Lisa will study A-levels at Exeter College.Aaron D achieved eight grade 9s and two grade 7s. Aaron is progressing to Exeter College to study A-level business, economics and maths alongside a Level 3 extended option.The academy is part of the Ted Wragg Trust and students have also taken part in activities aimed at developing their interests and plans beyond school.Visits to Exeter College gave students the opportunity to explore post-16 options, while the Empowering Girls programme connected students with female business leaders through mentoring, workplace visits and confidence-building workshops.Students also travelled to Italy, visiting historic landmarks including Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, and developed links with organisations closer to home.Vicki Joyce, headteacher at Isca Academy, said: “Today is an important moment for our students as they celebrate the results of their hard work and look ahead to what comes next.“ They have shown real commitment during their time at Isca, and they should be proud of what they have achieved.“Alongside their academic achievements, our students have embraced the wider experiences that make school life so important, and it has been wonderful to see them grow as individuals and develop their ambitions for the future.“Whatever route they choose, whether that is further education, an apprenticeship or employment, we wish them all the very best for the future.”Moira Marder, chief executive of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: “Congratulations to every student receiving their GCSE results today.“I am incredibly proud of the achievements of students across our family of schools.“Behind every result is the dedication of talented staff, supportive families and the determination of the young people who have worked tirelessly to achieve their goals.“At the Ted Wragg Trust, we believe education has the power to transform lives and today is a celebration of just that.“Whether our students are moving on to sixth form, college or apprenticeships, they do so with ambition, resilience and a strong foundation for the future.“I can’t wait to see what they go on to achieve.”