GCSE Results Day: Havering Students Celebrate Outstanding Achievements and Exciting New Beginnings

21st August 202621st August 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Education, GCSE Resukts, Havering, Pupils, Schools min read

More than 3,000 Havering pupils are celebrating their GCSE results, with schools across the borough reporting some remarkable achievements after years of hard work, determination and perseverance.

Yesterday was a huge day for thousands of young people across Havering as they arrived at their schools to collect the results they had worked towards for the past five years.

For some, there were tears of joy. For others, huge smiles and celebrations with friends, teachers and proud parents.

And behind every result was a story.

At Emerson Park Academy, pupils gathered to collect their results and begin planning their next steps, whether that means sixth form, college, apprenticeships or starting a new chapter altogether.

Councillor Kevin Gill, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, visited the school to congratulate students and hear about their plans.

He said:

“Once again there have been some remarkable achievements by students, who should be very proud of their efforts.

“This is a pivotal time in many of their lives as they decide which road to take and they have so many options from sixth form to college to apprenticeships. Whatever path they choose I wish them success on this next step of their journey.”

Among the celebrating students was Ethan, who achieved an impressive two grade 9s, five grade 8s and two grade 7s.

He hopes to attend The Coopers Company and Coborn School in Upminster next term, where he plans to study A-level Maths, Economics and possibly Business.

Bonnie is also hoping to continue her education at Coopers after achieving 11 GCSEs, including two grade 9s. She plans to study Maths, Biology and Chemistry.

Meanwhile, TJ has chosen a different path and has already secured an apprenticeship at a London jewellers.

He also plans to continue pursuing his passion for boxing, a sport he has been involved in since the age of 11.

More than 200 pupils sat their GCSEs at Emerson Park Academy, which has recently received a positive Ofsted visit.

Headteacher Scott McGuinness said every set of results represented an individual story.

“Every set of results represents an individual story, and there have been many achievements this year of which our whole school community can be proud.”

He highlighted the resilience of students who had faced challenges during their secondary education.

“For some of our pupils, the past five years have brought considerable challenges, making their success particularly significant. Their resilience, perseverance and willingness to keep moving forward have been truly commendable.”

He also paid tribute to the parents, carers, families, friends and staff who supported students throughout their school journey.

“Success such as this is never achieved in isolation,” he said.

“Our pupils have been supported by dedicated staff, parents, carers, families and friends, all of whom have played an important part in helping them reach this point.”

Drapers’ Academy celebrates record-breaking results

There were also celebrations at Drapers’ Academy, where the Class of 2026 achieved what the school described as another strong set of GCSE results.

The academy reported further improvements in key areas, including Attainment 8, Maths results and English Grade 4 results.

It also celebrated its best-ever results in Maths Grade 7, Pupil Premium Attainment, girls achieving Grade 4s in English and Maths, and girls’ overall Attainment.

Principal Gillian Dineen said:

“I am delighted that the hard work from our pupils and staff show our success at both sustaining the significant improvements in GCSE results we achieved over the last two academic years, as well as achieving a number of record-breaking results for the Academy.”

Among the school’s exceptional performers was Delia Scutaru, who achieved an extraordinary six grade 9s and three grade 8s.

Delia achieved grade 9s in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Literature, Geography and History, alongside grade 8s in English Language, Maths and German.

She said:

“I am really happy and I really want to thank my parents and my teachers because they helped me achieve this.”

Delia moved to the UK from Moldova five years ago and said her journey had brought its challenges.

“It has been quite a journey with lots of challenges, but it is really nice to see all the hard work I have put in pay off.”

She hopes to study English Literature, History and Economics at A-level, with ambitions of a career in Law or International Relations.

Vishali Chagger also achieved an outstanding set of results, securing four grade 9s and five grade 8s.

She plans to remain at Drapers’ for sixth form, studying Maths, Chemistry and Business.

“I got four 9s and five 8s and I am really proud,” she said.

“My mum and sister are here with me today and they are so happy for me.”

Kristupas Kulsinskas achieved grade 9s in Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, as well as a distinction in Music.

He hopes to study Physics, Chemistry and Maths at A-level before pursuing Engineering at university.

Other impressive results included Olly Rowland, who achieved a grade 9 in Maths, grade 8s in German and Physics and grade 7s across Biology, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature and Geography.

Ryan Fethers achieved grade 8s in Biology, German and Maths, alongside grade 7s in Business Studies, Chemistry, Geography and Physics.

Ten years of strong results at Emerson Park

Emerson Park Academy is also celebrating another strong year.

The school said that, for the tenth consecutive year, its results have compared favourably with many national averages.

The academy praised pupils for their endeavour, perseverance and commitment to academic excellence.

It also celebrated former pupils who achieved outstanding A-level results last week and are now heading to leading universities across the country.

Mr McGuinness said:

“We are immensely proud of every pupil who has worked so hard to achieve their goals.”

He also praised the wider school community.

“This is a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration, encouragement and a shared commitment to helping young people fulfil their potential.”

Frances Bardsley Academy celebrates excellent results

There were further celebrations at Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls, where the Class of 2026 achieved an excellent set of GCSE results.

The school said the results reflected the hard work, determination and ambition of its Year 11 students.

An impressive 79 per cent of all exam entries were graded 9–4.

English and Maths results were particularly strong, with 55.7 per cent achieving Grade 5 or above in both subjects, while 73 per cent achieved Grade 4 or above.

The school said the results represented a significant improvement on last year and praised the entire Frances Bardsley community.

But once again, the message from the school was that GCSE results are about much more than statistics.

“Behind every grade is a story of hard work, perseverance and determination,” the school said.

Students will now head in many different directions.

Some will remain at Frances Bardsley Sixth Form, while others will move on to different schools, colleges, apprenticeships and other opportunities.

Headteacher Emilie Darabasz and Executive Headteacher David Turrell said:

“We would like to thank our exceptional staff and our students’ families for the encouragement and support they have given along the way.”

They added:

“We are very excited to welcome back students to our Sixth Form but equally proud of those heading to other schools, colleges, apprenticeships and other new opportunities, and we wish every one of them enormous success for the future.”

“Congratulations, Class of 2026!”

A new chapter begins

Councillor Gill also acknowledged that GCSE results day can bring mixed emotions, with some students achieving exactly what they hoped for and others finding that their results were not what they expected.

“While we recognise that many pupils will have had great success there are some students who may not have done as well as they’d hope,” he said.

“However, it’s important that they know help and support is available to help them decide what to do next.”

And that is perhaps the most important message from this year’s results.

GCSE results do not define a young person’s future.

For some, the next step will be sixth form.

For others, college, an apprenticeship, employment or another pathway.

Every student has their own journey ahead.

Behind every grade is a young person who has worked hard, overcome challenges and reached an important milestone.

So to every Havering student who collected their results yesterday:

Be proud of what you have achieved.

Celebrate your successes. Learn from the challenges. And look forward to what comes next.

From everyone at the Havering Daily: