Duke's Aldridge Academy pupils celebrate GCSE results

Year 11 pupils at Duke’s Aldridge Academy have been praised for their "resilience and commitment" by principal Claire Bessa after results were released on August 20.

Many students have secured places at sixth forms, colleges, and other further education opportunities.

Ms Bessa said: "Today is an opportunity to celebrate not only the results our students have achieved, but the determination, ambition and resilience they have shown along the way.

"At Duke’s, we want every young person to recognise their potential and have the confidence to pursue their ambitions. Our community is built on trust and respect, and it is wonderful to see those values reflected in the way our students have supported one another and approached their studies."

This year, 42 per cent of students achieved five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths, while 30 per cent achieved five GCSEs at grade 5 or above.

The school recorded a Progress 8 score of 0.15. Notable subject results include a 100 per cent strong pass rate in single sciences, 100 per cent achieving 4+ in music vocational, and 90 per cent in health and social care. In media studies, 30 per cent of students earned a grade 7 or above.

Arjol was among the top performers, achieving grade 9s in biology, chemistry, physics, history and maths. He also earned grade 8s in English language, English literature, computer science, RE and sociology. He will now move on to King’s Maths School, which was recently named Sixth Form College of the Year for Academic Excellence 2026.

Sullie achieved a grade 9 in media, grade 8s in English literature, maths, history and RE, and grade 7s in biology, chemistry, physics and sociology. She will study A-levels in psychology, politics, English literature and philosophy at LAET.

Ishaq, who will also continue on a science-based pathway at LAET, said: "It felt amazing."

Christina said: "I worked really hard and it paid off and I am really happy with my 9 in science, 8 in English and 7s in everything else. I came from Ghana to England when I was 13, the cultural difference was huge, it was difficult to adjust, but I felt really welcome, really enjoyed school and have been able to achieve my best. I am looking forward to starting at London Academy of Excellence."

Sullie expressed gratitude for the support she received, she said: "I couldn’t believe these results. Thank you to all the teachers that gave up their time to support me even during holiday."

Roj, who achieved a grade 9 in media, grade 8s in English literature and history, and grade 6s in sociology and science, will join LAET to study history, politics, English literature and philosophy, saying: "I felt the pressure in year11, but I didn’t give up and focussed on my revision and I am really proud of what I have achieved!"

Sofia, who arrived in England just four years ago with limited English, achieved an average attainment grade of 7+. She earned an 8 in English literature and media, and 7s in maths and sociology. Her parents have expressed deep gratitude for the support she received at Duke’s, and she will go on to study media, history and psychology at Alexandra Park Sixth Form.

The academy also celebrated students who exceeded their targets and demonstrated exceptional progress.

Ms Bessa said every result represented a "personal journey" and paid tribute to the support system behind each student, saying: "Behind every result is a personal journey, and we are incredibly proud of the progress our students have made.

"They have worked hard, responded positively to challenges and shown that resilience can open the door to exciting opportunities. I would also like to thank our dedicated staff and our students’ families for the encouragement, care and support they have provided throughout the past five years.

"As our Year 11 students move on to their next destinations, we want them to leave Duke’s knowing that they have the skills, character and ambition to succeed. We are excited to see what they achieve next."

"Today’s celebrations reflect the academy’s belief that success looks different for every young person.

"Whether students are progressing to academic study, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships or specialist training, Duke’s is committed to ensuring they leave with high aspirations and the resilience to pursue them."

The school is part of the Aldridge Education family of schools and describes itself as "We are Duke’s. A community built on trust and respect that inspires resilience, ambition and success for all."