At Paddington Academy they were able to ‘remain focused on their goals’

THE hard work paid off for teenagers at Westminster schools, who collected GCSE results yesterday (Thursday) in the pouring rain.

There were smiles of joy at Ormiston Beachcroft Academy in St John’s Wood that helps a range of youngsters who struggled to stay in mainstream school.

Beating the rain: hard work paid off for girls at St Marylebone CE School

Shehroz got eight GCSEs with some excellent results in geography, maths and science while Izah, who enrolled later in the academic year while also working a part-time job in a sports centre, notched six qualifications including in maths, science, English and sociology.

Seysha has been accepted to complete an art and design course next year after getting six qualifications including GCSEs in science, English and art.

Smile of joy at Ormiston Beachcroft Academy

Headteacher Michelle Burgess-Allen said: “I am really pleased with how mature our learners have been throughout the exam process considering the challenges they have overcome over the last two years.”

Westminster Academy principal and CEO Dr Paul Wood praised students and teachers who during Covid-19 “delivered a full timetable of online lessons and support from their own homes at that time”.

Students and staff won praise from Westminster Academy’s principal

Paddington Academy head Peter Jones also spoke of the “challenges” faced by schoolchildren, adding: “It demonstrates how adversity can drive students to adapt and remain focused on their goals and overcome any barriers.”

‘Top achiever’ Faris at Marylebone Boys

St Marylebone recorded “a great set of grades, a passport to their next steps and a real tribute to their effort, dedication and resilience”.

And at Marylebone Boys there was special praise for Milo who got seven grade 9s and four grade 8s.

The head Richard Ardron said the “fantastic young men” had persevered.