Celebrations at Manor CE Academy on GCSE results day

Manor CE Academy principal, Jordan Cairns, told The Press the results had been “fantastic” across the board and a “significant improvement”.

“I’m incredibly proud of the students today,” he said at the school in Poppleton this morning (Thursday, August 22). “This cohort has had some real challenges to overcome, and they have persevered.

“A huge thank you to the teachers, support staff and families especially who have supported the students, we wish them all the best in their next steps.”

Jordan Cairns, principal at Manor CE Academy (Image: Dylan Connell)

Phoebe Balmer opened her envelope to see two 8s and the rest 9s, the top grade.

“I just wasn’t expecting it, I’m happy,” she said. “All summer your expectations get lower and lower.”

The 16-year-old was joined by friends Sophia Spencer and Isabelle Martin, who also achieved good results.

Phoebe Balmer opening her grades at Manor CE Academy with friends Isabelle Martin and Sophia Spencer (Image: Dylan Connell)

“We’re going pottery painting,” replied Sophia when asked what they would do to celebrate.

Zack Cumberland achieved a 9-8, two 8s, two 7s, two 6s and a 5.

“It’s much better than I expected, I’m chuffed,” the 16-year-old, from Acomb, said. “It’s quite overwhelming.”

Zack Cumberland with his results at Manor CE Academy (Image: Dylan Connell)

He plans to study A-levels at All Saints RC School after the summer to focus on science and sports.

Outside of the classroom, Zack competes in athletics – representing England in the 400m hurdles.

He even has his sights set on appearing in the Olympics one day.

Twins Isaac and Amos Hebden, both 16, from Shipton, achieved mainly 7 and 8s, meaning they are off to All Saints RC for their A-Level results.

Twins Isaac (right) and Amos Hebden (left) celebrate with fellow Manor CE Academy pupils on GCSE results day (Image: Dylan Connell)

“I feel confident,” Isaac said. “We’ve been given the skills to complete A-levels.”

Charlie Preece was planning to go bowling with friends to celebrate his results, which included a 9 for maths.

Charlie Preece and Rohan Sharma celebrate on GCSE results day at Manor CE Academy (Image: Dylan Connell)

His mum Emma Layfield said he is “naturally academic” but the results were still “better than expected”.

 “I’m over the moon, he’s just worked so hard,” she said. “The world’s his oyster.”

'I tried really hard, and it went really well'

Today was particularly special for Henry Bell.

The 16-year-old admitted that he “struggled a lot” previously and was “hanging around with the wrong friend group”, adding: “I used to be quite naughty back in the day.”

Henry Bell (left) with friends on GCSE results day at Manor CE Academy (Image: Dylan Connell)

But in year nine he “locked in”, as he put it, and today was proof that his hard work had paid off.

“I passed everything,” Henry said. “It was very surprising.

“I tried really hard, and it went really well. I struggled a lot then got a new friend group.”

Recommended reading:

• GCSE results day 2024 for York, North and East Yorkshire
• 'Their achievements are truly inspiring' - GCSEs in York, North and East Yorkshire
• 'I'm off to Armenia': GCSE results day at top York school

He is now off to York College to become a joiner.

Asked what he would say to someone in the position he was in previously, Henry replied: “I’d say just find your way. Find your group, lock in and concentrate.”