Ark students are celebrating GCSE and BTEC successes following a uniquely challenging year.
On this page we are sharing some of the individual stories about our hard-working students receiving their results today.
Header image: Press Association at Ark Evelyn Grace Academy
Yumna triumphs with straight 9s!
Yumna from Ark Isaac Newton Academy achieved 9s in English Literature, English Language, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History and Spanish and aims to study medicine 
Yumna said: “I couldn’t be happier – I got straight 9s. I hoped I was going to do well, but I wasn’t expecting this. The teachers have been amazing, I wouldn’t have got 9s if I hadn’t been taught well so the school has really helped, and I am grateful. I spent my entire summer last year revising for the GCSE exams, which didn’t happen, and I was worried I had wasted all that time, but I now feel that all that hard work was worth it.”
Ark Putney student overcomes a challenging year to secure top grades
Andria’s long-term aspirations to be a lawyer and to graduate from Kings College University are one step closer with having secured 9, 9, 8, 8, 8, 8, 7, 7 in her GCSEs and a Business L2 Award from Ark Putney Academy.
Andria said: “This year has been challenging for me, balancing my GCSE studies and my council housing relocation far away from the school. Ark Putney Academy have helped me throughout, especially my head of year. I am very grateful to all my teachers wo have helped me with school work and access to resources. In September I am going to study History, Psychology, and Sociology in the Ark Putney Academy sixth form. My long-term aspirations are to be a lawyer and to graduate from Kings College University. I am looking forward to what next year has to offer.”
A hugely impressive nine grade 9s, one 8 and one 7!
Robert achieved an incredible 9 grade 9s, 1 grade 8 and 1 grade 7, and will be taking A Levels in French, History, Religious Studies and Music Technology. He has been a top student since joining Ark Burlington Danes in Year 7, having displayed his many talents in rugby, drama and the school literacy squad.
“I’m very pleased with my results – relieved and excited for 6th form! My advice to younger students would be to take your mocks seriously – I’m very glad I did!”
Alfie thrives at Ark Putney and stays on to study sciences at sixth form
Despite learning difficulties, notably dyspraxia, Alfie scores excellent GCSE grades of 9, 9, 9, 9, 8, 8, 7, 7, 7 from Ark Putney Academy.
Alfie said: “Ark Putney Academy’s SEN department have supported me throughout my school career by making sure that I am not at a disadvantage to my peers and providing me with the help that I need for exams. I have also had superb pastoral care and support from subject specialist teachers and been included in clubs such as drama. I feel that Ark Putney Academy has enabled me to thrive which has helped me achieve a the Jack Petchey Award and now GCSE grades that I am proud of. I am looking forward to being in the 6th form at Ark Putney Academy, and the destinations it could lead to beyond that. I hope to study sciences at university.”
Head Girl heading to Sixth Form 
Head Girl Afeefah has worked extremely hard and achieved a great set of results. She was awarded 3 Grade 9s, 1 Grade 8, 2 Grade 7s and 3 Grade 6s.
Afeefah has represented Ark Victoria Academy at a range of events and has been an excellent role model for her peers. She intends to continue her studies at A Level at the University of Birmingham Sixth Form, studying English Literature, Psychology and History.
Afeefah said: “This school is amazing! I could not have achieved these grades without my teachers. Thank you so much.”
Brenda’s early revision paid off 
Brenda’s 5 9s, 2 8s, 3 7s & 2 6s has her set to study English Literature, Politics, Philosophy, Geography and Law
The Ark Evelyn Grace student said: “I would advise the new year 11 students to start revising early! It’s never too early.”
Ghufran outshines her brothers with outstanding results and a full scholarship
Ghufran, 16, from Ark Burlington Danes Academy, achieved 7 grade 9s and 4 grade 8s. She will be continuing her studies with A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths at Latymer Upper School, having received a full scholarship.
She has made the most of her time at Burlington Danes, having been part of the rowing team, and volunteered to support with sports days and open evenings. Ghufran has been keen to outperform her brothers, and she’s certainly done that! She will be celebrating with a Nandos this evening.
Her advice to GCSE students: “Don’t get stressed out, take your studies day by day”.
Working towards his goal 
Abdimajid from Ark Victoria achieved 1 Grade 8, 3 Grade 7s, 2 Grade 6s and 2 Grade 5s. He will be joining the Under 18s team for Port Vale FC, where he will continue his studies in Sport and continue to play football. Abdimajid said: “The school and teachers pushed me to keep working hard and to be the best. I'm very happy with my results!”
Devina's amazing grades delight her family
Devina from Ark Globe Academy has always put excellent effort into her work and her persistent dedication to her studies has allowed her to achieve great grades: seven 9s, two 8s, a 7. She has ambitions of becoming a lawyer and will stay at Ark Globe to study her A Levels.
Devina said: “When I opened my envelope… I knew it would be good, but it was better than I expected. It was kind of nerve wrecking waiting for today. I didn’t sit the exams and I had no idea what I would get.
My family was screaming on the phone when they heard my exams. Everyone is very happy.
I feel like had a very long summer. I am now really looking forward to starting my A levels.”
Eleanor plans to give back to the staff who have helped her acheive outstanding results
Eleanor from Ark Isaac Newton Academy achieved: 9s in English Literature, English Language, Maths, Biology, Physics, Drama, History and French, and an 8 in Chemistry.
Eleanor said: "I plan to stay at Isaac Newton Academy and study. I really like the sound of the Sixth Form Giveback Programme where you have the opportunity to give back to the staff that have helped you through the years.”
Jumping for joy
Deputy Head Boy, Jakaria Joy achieved 4 Grade 9s, 2 Grade 8s, 2 Grade 7s and 1 Grade 5. Jakaria has been an asset to the Ark Victoria Academy throughout the five years. Not only has he demonstrated an incredible work ethic during his time at school, teachers and students also speak very highly of him.
Jakaria intends to continue his studies at A Level in Computer Science, Maths, Business and Physics at the University of Birmingham Sixth Form. Jakaria said that his advice for the next cohort of Year 11 students is “hard work pays off in the long run.”
Adriana’s motivation pushed her to strive
Ark Evelyn Grace student secures 4 9s, 5 8s, 7 & 6 and goes onto study History, Politics, Psychology, Spanish and Portuguese.
Adriana said: "I would like to pursue a career into international law or teaching. I have always had a supportive network of teachers who prepared us for every exam. They never gave up on us and I really appreciate all that has been invested in us"
Ark Academy students celebrate their GCSE successes
Ismail Abbas, Hamza Arybou, Shreyasi Srivastava and Waheeda Yousafzai led the pack of students from Ark Academy achieving amazing results.
Ismail and Hamza racked up nine grade 9’s and one grade 8 plus grade A in additional maths. 
Ismail will study maths, further maths, economics and history.
Hamza summed it all up when he said: “After 6 months of uncertainty about how our grades were going to be calculated, it felt good to finally get the results in my hand. I’m extremely happy to see that the hard work that me and my peers put in throughout the years paid off.”
Shreyasi achieved straight 9’s in triple science. Waheeda achieved top grades in English language, geography, RE and French.
Shreyasi said, “I am extremely delighted to get the grades I want, it was truly a special moment. I’m so fortunate to be part of Ark Academy and I’m incredibly grateful to all my teachers for their constant motivation and support throughout.”