Students at Brighton Aldridge and Community Academy in Moulsecoomb gathered on Thursday to collect their GCSE results and mark the occasion with peers.
Tilly Humphries, aged 16 from Brighton, was recognised as the academy’s top performer. She secured grade 9s in mathematics, biology and chemistry, grade 8s in art, English literature, physics and further maths, and grade 7s in statistics and additional biology.
Her mother, who declined to provide her name, expressed pride in her daughter’s achievements, noting that Tilly had certainly put in the effort required to attain those grades and that all the hard work had paid off.
Tilly plans to pursue biology, chemistry and mathematics at Haywards Heath College.
Nadia Colino Martinez, also 16 from Brighton, reflected on her journey at the academy. She noted that when she first arrived, the school was not in great shape but she had witnessed significant improvement. She expressed pride in attending BACAS, describing it as an excellent institution that had provided her with substantial support.
Nadia achieved a grade 9 in French and Spanish, along with a level two merit in hospitality and grade 7s in English literature and statistics. She will enrol at Varndean to undertake the International Baccalaureate programme.
Neil Singla, 16 from Bognor, expressed satisfaction with his grades. He described BACA as a supportive learning environment that had helped him manage both his academic commitments and sporting pursuits. He credited the cricket coaching team for supporting both his development in the sport and his personal growth.
Neil attained grade 9s in mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology.
James Plymouth, 16 from Burgess Hill, explained that the school had provided considerable assistance throughout his five years there. He arrived knowing no one but had formed many friendships. Teachers had supported him throughout his entire journey.
James will remain at BACA to study psychology, sociology and sport, having achieved grade 8s in citizenship and history.
Eva Cook and Olivia Cottrell, both 16 from Brighton, will be joining BHASVIC in September. The pair were photographed alongside the academy’s canine companion, Maggie.
Eva expressed happiness with her results, noting that some outcomes differed from her expectations. She remarked that it felt strange to be leaving school for the final time but that she was departing on a positive note.
Olivia simply stated that she was pleased to have completed the journey.
Zach Tullet, 16 from Brighton, celebrated various results including a grade 8 in English language and a grade 7 in history. He indicated that while he was glad to have finished, he would miss the social aspects of school life. He intends to pursue an apprenticeship in electrical work.
Parents also joined in the celebrations. Carleen Wilson, 42, has had four children attend BACA over the past decade. She stated that all her offspring had performed well and she would certainly recommend the academy.
Katie Blood, 51, said she was highly pleased with her daughter’s performance, particularly noting strong results in music, drama, history and biology. She described the school as excellent.
Jack Davies, the academy’s headteacher, issued a statement expressing immense pride in the students and their accomplishments. He noted that results day held significance but that these grades represented only part of the students’ broader narrative. During their time at BACA, he explained, staff had observed the students develop in confidence, resilience and ambition. They had worked diligently, supported one another and demonstrated the resolve to continue progressing even during challenging periods.
Mr Davies also commented on the importance of fostering a sense of community within the school, emphasising the value of understanding students as individuals and being familiar with their families.
Throughout his conversation with The Argus, Mr Davies took breaks to congratulate students passing by or bid them farewell as they departed.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that BACA has reported what it describes as record-breaking results alongside notable improvement.