A pupil who joined Acland Burghley in Year 9 after a tough start at another secondary school has pledged to become a teacher in tribute to those who helped him turn things around.
Jamie Alvarez got three grade 7s and three grade 5s among his GCSE results last week at the Burghley Road school. His top grades were in history, English literature and language.
"I've had a lot of really good teachers who have helped me out," he said. "It'd be my way of paying them back for that, and I think I'd just enjoy it."
Of his results, he added: "I'm relieved. I was worried about maths so I'm glad I passed it."
He's staying at the school to take A-levels in history, politics and English language and literature. He is particularly interested in the Cold War and 20th century history.
His mum Itahisa said: "It's been up and down. We have had some amazing wrap-around support. We can fall apart and it's no problem - they can pick us back up again. The pastoral care has been brilliant."
Pupils gathered in the school's performing arts and dance hall from 10am after a nervous wait outside the school gates. After the flurry of envelopes were first opened, there were many cheers, high-fives and hugs between friends.
Another pupil celebrating was Tania Sultana, who got three 9s, two 8s and four 7s.
For her it was a steady stream of improvement throughout the two years.
"I just worked hard and did a lot of work with my teachers," she said. "With each practice exam I did, I got better and better, and worked my way up."
She's another former pupil staying at the sixth form, "I feel comfortable here and know the teachers."
Head Nicholas John said the results and joy were a culmination of hard work for pupils. 66 per cent of pupils got grade 4 and above in English and maths, well above the national average.
"It's a really lovely day, and it's always exciting," he said. "We are thrilled with the results that the children have achieved. The results are in line with the last two years."
Mr John, who joined the school in September 2015, said more pupils were staying on at the sixth form compared with previous years.
"We encourage them to go and look around," he said, "but the children feel that the school is moving in the right direction."
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