Rick Carroll, Principal at Thomas Deacon Academy, said: “We are absolutely thrilled by these results. They follow on from last week’s strong A level grades and underline TDA’s commitment to securing the best possible outcomes of knowledge, skills and character for each pupil.

“This year group, in particular, has made enormous progress since it entered the academy five years ago. The end of their Year 11 was cut short by the pandemic; the grades they have obtained today are a reflection of their own hard work and determination coupled with skilful and highly focused support from staff. We are also grateful for the way so many parents have given their sons and daughters constant encouragement to sustain their efforts through what is often a very stressful period.

“The pupils obtaining their results today are rightly proud of their achievement. Following their GCSE success, we are looking forward to welcoming a record high number of the year group back into the TDA sixth form. A brilliant performance!”

Lynn Mayes, Principal at Queen Katharine Academy, said: “I am so proud of our pupils who have shown great resilience during these challenging times. They have all worked extremely hard over the last two years and it is fantastic to see them achieve a brilliant set of results despite the pandemic. We wish them all the best in the next phase of their education.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to our fantastic team at the academy who have supported our pupils through this important year in their education, from home learning to the reopening of the academy. I would also like to thank the Thomas Deacon Education Trust for being a constant support.” 

Julie Taylor, CEO of Thomas Deacon Education Trust, said: “We are delighted with the achievements of students at Queen Katharine Academy and Thomas Deacon Academy this year. On behalf of all at TDET, I would like to congratulate our staff and students on their hard work and dedication, despite the challenges they have faced this year.”

Individual student successes at Thomas Deacon Academy included Hira Ali, who achieved seven grade 9s and three grade 7s, Tuba Hejaab, who achieved six grade 9s, one grade 8 and two grade 7s, and Mahfuza Fariha, who received four grade 9s, three grade 8s and two grade 7s. Other pupil successes included Samanta Puskunigyte who achieved two grade 9s and seven grade 8s and Mindaugas Brazlauskas, who received three grade 9s, four grade 8s and two grade 7s.

Individual successes at Queen Katharine Academy include those of Beatriz Santos, whose dedication to her studies was reflected in her 10 GCSEs including Grade 9 in Spanish, Physics and Chemistry and Grade 8 in Biology, History and Portuguese. Additionally, Daniela Jalo also received 9 GCSEs including Grade 9 in Spanish, Grade 8 in Citizenship and Portuguese. Subjects at Queen Katharine Academy also saw impressive attainments, including Languages and Sciences; pupils Robert Arjocan and Bruno Andre received Grade 9 in Spanish, alongside Natalija Calaja who was awarded a Grade 9 in Biology.

Iqra Academy in Peterborough works closely with TDET. Michael Wright, Principal at Iqra Academy, said: “We would like to say a huge congratulations to our students who have achieved another great set of GCSE results this year. They have been dedicated to their studies and it is brilliant to see their hard work rewarded. Thank you also to our teachers, parents and staff who have supported our students through a very challenging year.”

Among the top performing students at Iqra Academy were two Syrian refugees who only joined the school in September 2016 having gaps in their education and neither could speak any English. Shaimaa Bakesh achieved 7 GCSE passes, six at grade 5+ and Maya Alhamoud achieved 4 GCSE passes. Both are going on to study A Levels.