Students at Small Heath Leadership Academy are celebrating today after receiving their GCSE results.

Although GCSE exams were cancelled this summer due to the coronavirus pandemic, students were awarded grades based on their teachers’ predictions and the Academy’s performance in each subject over the past three years. Despite a challenging few months, many students at the Academy were thrilled with their results.

Abdurazaaq performed exceptionally well, achieving eight grade 9s – the highest grade – in English Language, English Literature, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French and Religious Studies. The hardworking student also secured a grade 8 in Geography. He said: “I’m over the moon to see such amazing results and I’m looking forward to what’s to come in the future.”

Another student who achieved an exceptional set of results was Laila, who gained seven grade 9s in English Literature, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History and Religious Studies, plus a grade 8 in English Language. Laila reflected: “I’m very grateful to the school. They pushed me very hard! It’s a relief, seeing that it has all paid off.” She will study Science and Maths at A-Level and hopes to pursue Medicine in the future.

Syed Mohsin was another high achieving student with a full set of the highest grades. Syed Mohsin was awarded the top grade 9 in three of his subjects, as well as four grade 8s and two grade 7s.

For Zoya, hard work and commitment to her studies resulted in her achieving a remarkable set of results. Zoya was delighted after receiving three grade 9s, five grade 8s and one grade 7.

Maarij was another Small Heath student on cloud 9 after receiving an impressive set of exam results. Maarij achieved five grade 9s and two grade 8s. Maarij said: “I was extremely nervous at first, but seeing my results was a relief. I’m delighted with these results.” Maarij is looking forward to her A-Levels and hoping, ultimately, to study Criminology at university.

Sakariya Yusuf, who only joined Small Heath Leadership Academy in November 2019, also achieved an outstanding set of results. Sakariya achieved the highest grade – grade 9 – in Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology, as well as grade 8s in Physics and Geography.

Akhtarsalim Khan was another pupil who excelled in science. The talented scientist achieved two grade 9s in Combined Science along with a grade 8 in Mathematics.

Mrs Al-Ani, Principal at Small Heath Leadership Academy, praised all the students and staff at the Academy for their efforts in achieving an impressive set of results. She said:

“I congratulate our students on their achievements, and also our staff in view of the unprecedented circumstances that they had to face during the last few months. Together, their hard work and dedication has seen an increase in progress and attainment in the core GCSE subjects of English and Mathematics as well as other subject areas, setting our students on paths for future successes. I am very proud of the immense hard work of the students and staff at the Academy”.