Academy’s improved results

Improved GCSE results were celebrated by retiring Principal Janice Hornby at Cleethorpes Academy.

She leaves at the end of the month after teaching the area's children for the past 48 years.

English at grade 4 and above was achieved by 79% while 65% did likewise in Maths. Those reaching the level in both was 61%.

A total of 59% recorded the higher grade 5 or above in English.

Mrs Hornby was pleased to see 22 Grade 9s and 35 grade 8s.

"I'd like to congratulate those who have worked hard and picked up the results they deserve," she said.

"It's a nice way to bow out, with improved results from last year. I'd like to thank my dedicated staff team for the support they have given the children this year and, indeed, over many years.

"I wish them all well in the future."

There were 7 Grade 9s in English Literature and 4 in English Language.

Alex Clarke was "really pleased" with his results. He is high achieving in the classroom and on the athletics track as a promising sprinter.

"I expected good grades but not this good," he said. "I thought I might get a 6 in Maths but got a 7. I'm most proud of that."

Alex will go on to study at Franklin College where he will also pursue his athletics career. A member of Cleethorpes Athletics Club, earlier in the year he broke its records for 100m and 200m which have stood for 30 years.

He represented the Academy at the English Schools' Championships just after his exams and won silver at the Northern Championships, competing in the under 17s.

"I'll keep balancing my sprinting with the academic side," he said.

Mum Donna said: "We are really proud and really pleased as we know how worried he has been about his results."

Another happy GCSE student was Mason Stevenson whose results included 3 8s.

"I'm excited as, based on my mock results, there has been quite a big improvement," he said.

"I was happy when I opened the envelope. I had 8s in Biology and Physics which are my favourite subjects and I'd put a lot of effort into them.

"I'm now going to study A-levels at Franklin College."

Billie-Jo Hancock had to contend with an unexpected visit to Grimsby Hospital's Accident and Emergency Department the day before her first exam.

"I had a bad headache and I thought it was just the stress of the exams," she said. "I decided to go to A&E and was diagnosed with sinusitis.

"I was discharged the same day and did the Biology exam the following day but then had to go back again that night as it became so painful again.

"I'm fully recovered now."

She was most proud of an 8 in English Language.

"I tried so hard for it," she said. "Now I'm going to do a two-year course – equivalent of an A-level – in Forensic Science at Grimsby Institute. Then I want to go straight into the police."

Jessica Graves was delighted with her 2 9s in History and English Language.

"They're my favourite subjects and I'm going to do these, plus English Literature, at Franklin," she said.

"I got an 8 in Literature which I'm also very happy about. I'm content but also been a bit anxious.

"I've quite enjoyed my time at school and my friends have been really important to me.

"I love all the teachers who have supported me really well."

Twins Sophia and Danielle Exley achieved the same grades in the subjects they both took – Combined Science, Maths, English Language, English Literature and Performing Arts.

In Maths, Sophia scored 171 and Danielle 170.

Sophia said: "I'm so proud of all my results as I didn't think I was going to pass."

Both are going to Franklin College – but will study different courses! Sophia is focused on a career as a lawyer solicitor while Danielle is more interested in pursuing Performing Arts.