Coventry: Cardinal Wiseman School celebrates stunning GCSE results

Cardinal Wiseman pupil Herbert Nduwuchi achieved seven 9s and two 8s

High-achieving pupils at a Coventry school are celebrating a stunning collection of GCSE grades that left their headteacher "immensely proud".

Pupils at Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School, part of the Romero Catholic Academy, revelled in a resounding set of results; a reflection of five years of learning, hard work and perseverance.

Many students overcame different challenges to secure the grades needed to progress to sixth form - with many planning to stay on to study A-levels at the school - further education, apprenticeships and other pathways.

Thanks to the hard work and commitment of teachers at the Potters Green Road school, a number of students bounced back from disappointing results in their mocks to deliver better grades in their actual exams; far exceeding their own expectations.

Few celebrated results quite so striking as Herbert Nduwuchi, who achieved a staggering seven 9s and two 8s, leaving the 16-year-old "literally over the moon".

Herbert said: "I wasn't feeling nervous waking up, but then on the car ride here I actually felt chills. After seeing my results, I am really happy and proud because they show that hard work really does pay off, and I am feeling very motivated for my A-levels.

"English language was a worry for me. I was unsure about how well I did and was predicting that I achieved a grade 6, but I managed to get a grade 8 which I am really happy with as I think that was probably my hardest subject."

Herbert, who plans to have a gap year after studying further maths, maths, computer science and physics at A-level, added: "I'm not sure what's happening later today. I think my family are planning a feast, but it's a surprise!"

Regenia Mikayo hopes her brilliant results might just take some of the attention away from her brother on his birthday!

She said: "My best grades were in English language and literature. I think I must be a good writer! I was panicked this morning, but I did better than expected in quite a few subjects. I was really disappointed in my history mock exam result, but I actually got a 6.

"I was crying at the time I opened my results with my friends. Now, I'm really excited and very happy. It's my brother's birthday today. Hopefully I've taken some of the limelight away from him!"

Lesley Ayenor felt "pretty anxious" before arriving to school first thing this morning, yet passed each and every subject.

"I was a little worried when the first grade I saw was a 5, but everything that followed was great," she said. "I'd like to be a doctor so I was more anxious about the sciences. I got an 8 in chemistry and 7s in biology and physics, so really happy."

Schools across the country sent out GCSE results via an app following a trial across the West Midlands last year that Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School was part of.

But student Annabelle Pocock, who achieved one 9, two 8s, two 7s, one 6 and two 5s, said she felt comforted by collecting her results in person and did not want to find out through an app.

"It was very stressful coming in today, but I felt more relaxed being at school because we were all in the same boat," she said. "I'd much rather come into school and so glad I did that. The teachers here are amazing and they did really help me get the grades I achieved. I am so grateful for their support."

Emmanuelle Boafo passed all of her subjects with flying colours. She said: "I feel so proud and grateful. I'm especially proud of my grades in the sciences. During the exams I was not actually that confident, but I still had some hope.

"I owe a lot to my teachers who have been so supportive; especially my biology teacher who gave me a lot of good pep talks and encouragement. Maybe I'll go out later with my friends to celebrate."

Melina Saracevic, who achieved two 9s, one 8, four 7s and one 6, said: "I was feeling really nervous and didn't think that I'd done quite as well as I did. After seeing my results, I feel relieved and very happy."

Anna Matevjeva racked up three 9s, two 8s, and one 7 among her passes. She said: "I felt really anxious and had a lot of nerves coming into school today, but also had a sense of anticipation to see how I'd done.

"After seeing my results, I am extremely proud of myself. I am looking forward to staying here (for A-levels) because the teachers are amazing. The school has a great environment and it's a safe place to be."

Principal Laura Burtonwood said: "We are incredibly proud of all our students receiving their GCSE results today. Behind every set of results is a young person who has worked hard, shown resilience and determination, and been supported by their teachers, families and friends throughout their journey.

"What makes today particularly special is seeing our young people recognise how much they have achieved. Every student will have their own story to tell and today is an opportunity to celebrate their individual journeys, the challenges they have overcome and the progress they have made.

"Today also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Our students are now moving on to a wide range of opportunities, whether that is continuing their studies at Cardinal Wiseman, moving to another sixth form or college, beginning an apprenticeship or pursuing another pathway.

"I would like to congratulate every student on reaching this important milestone and thank our dedicated staff and families for the encouragement, care and support they have given our young people throughout their journey.

"We are immensely proud of our Year 11 students and wish each and every one of them every happiness and success for the future. We look forward to seeing all that they go on to achieve."