GCSE Results Day 2024: Fakenham Academy doubles number of students with top scores

There were plenty of smiling faces at Fakenham Academy this morning as the Year 11s opened their GCSE results.

The school has improved its scores significantly from previous years, particularly in English and Maths, according to head teacher Gavin Green, who said that the number of children with top scores has doubled.

“It’s really a testament to how much hard work staff and students have put in,” he added.

“I don’t think I have ever had a year group that has worked so hard.”

Zanzi Pearce put her great results down to not getting “swamped”.

“I got 9s in Geography, Biology and Physics, so I’m very happy with those,” she said.

“I think you’ve got to find a balance, I got overwhelmed quite early on, but then I figured it all out.”

She is planning to continue her studies at Fakenham, like many of her peers, to take on Geography, Biology and Maths.

Mr Green added: “We’ve got lots of our students carrying on at the Sixth Form here, and because of our A-Level results, many now question whether or not they should go somewhere else, which is really nice.”

Another wanting to stay on at Fakenham was Nash Mervyn Copper who achieved 8s in Maths, Physics and English Literature.

“I’m very pleased with myself, I worked very hard for it.

“There isn’t really a secret, I just made sure that I did all my work and I didn’t slack.”

Additionally, there was a double celebration for a set of twins who have both decided they want to go a bit further afield to the College of West Anglia in Lynn.

Libby and Summer Murfit said they are both relieved the hard work is over, with Libby getting an 8/7 in Combined Science and Summer achieving 5s in both Combined Science and Business.

Also heading to Lynn is Lucy Wills-Gillings, who said she is “so happy” with the 8s she got in History and Geography and lots of 7s and 6s in her other subjects which will help her carry on her education at Springwood High School.

“I focused on the stuff that I want to do for A-Levels, like Geography and History,” she said.

One of a handful of students going on to an apprenticeship is Ollie Featherstone.

With 7s in Physics and Maths, Ollie is excited to start the trade of cabinet making.

Mr Green, who has been head teacher since 2021, admitted that although it has been “challenging”, the school has made lots of progress.

“It’s all down to the team of people here,” he added.