Terrific achievements

Kirton Academy was celebrating student excellence on GCSE results day after the hard work paid off for the class of 2024.

Many of those collecting results had made positive progress against their target grades, with top scores achieved across a range of subjects.

Principal Emma Ricketts said: "We have had some excellent individual results and I'm delighted for those children and their families.

"They've worked hard and got their rewards. We wish all our leavers good luck and the very best for the future, whether in education or employment.

"The academy's seen a lot of positive change and improvements in the last 12 months. It's been given a fresh start as part of Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust with a new name, uniform and senior leadership team, including myself.

"The Trust is committed to investing more than £2-million over the next year or so to improve facilities for students and staff.

"We're excited about the future and the progress that will be made."

Amongst those celebrating results was Alex Mann, who overcame a visual impairment to gain a host of 5, 6 and 7 grades. He is looking forward to studying music production in September after playing a successful part in the school band.

He said: "I was hoping to get results like these. I tried really hard and did my best, but I still didn't know. I think it's paid off now though.

"I've had a really good experience here; everyone is friendly, and the teachers are lovely."

Alex has congenital stationary night blindness and tunnel vision, which means he struggles to see certain things.

"In a classroom, I might not be able to read a worksheet so would have to have it enlarged, or I may not be able to see a whiteboard so would have to have some help," he explained.

"The school has been really helpful with that, whether it's having a TA or a camera that can zoom into the whiteboard to help me see it.

"When I sat my exams, I was in my own room and had everything provided for me, so I had all the support I needed."

Alex collected his results with a group of family members including father Chris, who said he was "very proud" of his son's achievements.

"He's had a difficult, challenging time with his visual impairment, so to get those results today is fantastic. He's really put the work and effort in and he's such a nice, sociable lad. I'm very proud."

Also celebrating his results was Ryan Hendey, who got two 5 grades, one 6, three 7s and two 8s. He is studying A Levels in Maths, Geography and Physics, before aiming to become a commercial pilot.

"I'm feeling shocked but really proud," he said. "It's much better than I thought, but I'm pleased the hard work has paid off.

"The school has been really good; I've been on some great trips. I went to Ypres in Belgium, was an amazing experience."

Olivia Bull also gained eight passes, including an 8 and three 7s, and is going to John Leggott College in September.

"I'm feeling very happy," she said. "I was really stressed out, but this is much more than I was expecting.

"I've always loved coming here; school has always been one of my favourite things. All the teachers have been amazing with me and helped me with everything I need.

"Because it's such a small school, we've got such a tight community. Everybody knows each other which really helps.

"If there's anyone out there thinking about coming to Kirton Academy I'd tell them to do it. All the teachers are amazing, and everyone just gets along so well."

Joining Olivia at John Leggott will be Isaac Collin, who is planning to study History and Geography after counting three 8 grades amongst his eight passes.

"I got higher than expected in everything so I'm feeling really good, it's more than I expected," he said.

"The school really helped me with extra courses, which particularly helped me with History. We were also given our mock exam results early, which helped set a target."

Isaac celebrated his results with mum Rachel, who said she was "so super proud" of his achievements.

Parents and carers with children in Years 5 and 6 have a chance to meet Mrs Ricketts and see the improvements at the academy's Open Evening taking place on Tuesday, 10th September between 4.30pm and 7pm.

Isaac Collin celebrates with mum Rachel.

Olivia Bull gained eight passes, including an 8 and three 7s.

Alex Mann celebrated his results with Kirton Academy Principal Emma Ricketts.

Ryan Hendey with parents Neill and Sarah and sister Ellie (10).