It was a day of cheers, tears, and celebrations at Ofsted Outstanding Feversham Girls’ Academy, as students opened their GCSE results envelopes to reveal the school’s best ever results.
For Pastoral Leader Jacqueline Abbott, the sense of pride was unmistakable. “It’s been the school’s best results ever,” she beamed. “We are very proud of the girls and their results. It’s not just about the top achievers – it’s about every girl who pushed through challenges, who told us they would prove us wrong, and who did just that. Their journeys make them just as big winners.”
Dreams, doubts, and determination
Among the standout achievers was Tayyiba Nafees, who scored an incredible nine grade 9s and one grade 8. “I am so shocked yet so happy – the hard work has paid off,” said Tayyiba, who admitted she was anxious right up until she opened her results.
“I even dreamt I got all 5s and my Chemistry paper wasn’t submitted,” she laughed. “Even on the way here, I was hoping for 9s but expecting 8s. I can’t believe I got this!”
For Tayyiba, the journey wasn’t just about academics. “I had pressure as my four elder sisters all did really well. But my challenge was confidence, not studies. The school’s focus on mental wellbeing made all the difference. The teachers care for us emotionally as much as academically – my success is thanks to that support.”
Parents, pride, and perseverance
Parents, too, shared in the celebrations. Mr and Mrs Abu Bakar, who brought gifts for teachers after daughter Somaiya achieved top grades, were full of praise. “We are very proud,” said Mrs Abu Bakar. “The teachers have been so supportive and encouraging. We are delighted with the results.”
For student Zoha, who returned from Pakistan just in time to collect her grades, achieving grade 7s was a personal triumph. “Zoha has had a challenging year,” said Mrs Abbott. “To achieve 7s despite everything is an excellent achievement.”
Science teachers, whose subject saw a string of top grades between 7’s and 9’s, said the results were “deeply rewarding.” “We guide and nurture them,” said one teacher, “but it’s their hard work that gets them here. Seeing them succeed after years with us is emotional but wonderful.”
Headteacher Sajida Muneer reflected on the day: “Overall, the results have been fantastic, some of the strongest we’ve ever had. Behind every set of grades is a story of resilience, hard work, and the partnership between students, staff, and families. We are proud of every one of them.”
A national picture of resilience
Nationally, fears that this year’s GCSE cohort, heavily affected by pandemic disruptions, would struggle proved unfounded. 23% of entries for English 16-year-olds achieved grades 7 or above, a rise from last year, with girls continuing to outperform boys, though the gap has narrowed.
Jill Duffy, Chair of the Joint Council for Qualifications, praised students’ determination: “These students have shown resilience and breadth of skills through incredibly challenging years. They now have the chance to thrive in their next steps.”
A day to remember
As students, parents, and teachers at Feversham Girls’ Academy celebrated together, one thing was clear: GCSE results day is about much more than grades on paper. It’s about overcoming fears, defying expectations, and beginning the next chapter with pride and confidence.
From all of us at Asian Standard News, huge congratulations to every student collecting their results this year.
