Beccles GCSE results: Sir John Leman High School pupils celebrate as headteacher Sarah Hartshorn praises their ‘drive, resilience and passion to succeed’

Pupils at Beccles’ Sir John Leman High School have been praised after their ‘drive resilience and passion to succeed’ came to fruition on GCSE results day.

Sarah Hartshorn, who joined Sir John Leman as headteacher in Easter, said: “I have only had the pleasure of knowing this cohort of students for a term, but it has been such a delight getting to know them and seeing their drive, resilience, and passion to succeed has come to fruition today.

“As always, huge thanks go to all the staff at Sir John Leman High school, who go above and beyond daily to support the students in their care.

“I must also thank the parents and carers who are such advocates of the school and provide the foundations that secure their child's next step in their educational journey.”

Ms Hartshorn added she was ‘thrilled’ that many of the students would be staying on at Sir John Leman for sixth form, and wished all the students ‘every success’ in the next stage of their educational journey.

Among the top achievers was Emily Taylor, who scored seven 9s, three 8s and an A in additional maths. She said: “I am so unbelievably ecstatic about my grades – obviously, they are the sort of grades you hope for.

“I owe such a large proportion of this joy to my amazing teachers who have never failed to push me to my limits and support me always.

“Sir John Leman has always had a knack for nurturing more able students and allowing us to grow.”

Emily Ruddock thanked the school as she scored six 9s, three 8s, one 7 and a B in additional maths.

“I am overwhelmed with the grades I have received,” she said. “It is all thanks to the support from the staff here.

“I have achieved higher than I think would have been possible without my teachers and the amazing pastoral team at Sir John Leman, who accommodated all the other aspects of school life.”

Reece Turrell got two 9s, four 8s, two 7s, one 6 and an A in additional maths, for which he credited several of his teachers.

He said: “I cannot put into words how pleased I am with these results and thank you to every member of staff who has helped me since year 7.

“Especially Mr Kerry, Mr Miles, Dr Coppola and Mrs. Bradley who helped me achieve the highest grades in their respective subjects.”

Annabelle Taylor said she was ‘relived and euphoric’ with her GCSE results. She got four 9s, five 8s, one 7 and a B in additional maths.

“I am so grateful to all my teachers for helping me to get the best results possible, and for creating a fantastic learning environment in which I could thrive.”

Thomas Cracknell achieved one 9, six 8s, two 7s, one 5 and an A in additional maths in his GCSEs.

He said: “School has never been my favorite place in the world but, thanks to the amazing supportive staff; I have managed to push through and achieved excellent grades in my subjects.

“Special thanks go to Mrs Blackburn who helped me from the start in year 7, and who has agreed to wear an inflatable banana costume in the next years Leman for Life to celebrate my achievements, especially my 9 in computer science.”