PERSONNEL issues at Ernulf Academy may have hampered overall figures, but staff and students still had something to smile about.

PERSONNEL issues at Ernulf Academy may have hampered overall figures, but staff and students still had something to smile about.

Sixty per cent of students achieved “good” grades in English, which was a new record for the Academy and three vocational courses – BTEC, Music and Sport all secured 100 per cent higher grades.

Three students in particular, were ecstatic. Grace Stevens, 16, who achieved three As, five Bs and one C, told The Hunts Post: “I’m really so happy.

“I didn’t expect these results and now I’m planning to go to Longsands 6th form to study Media, Sociology, Business and Human Biology.”

And friend Isobel Sewell, who plans to be a teacher, raised the bar even higher with 9 A*s and two As.

Overall, 29 per cent of students achieved five A* - C grades including English and Maths, 49 per cent achieved five A* - C grades in all subjects, 78 per cent secured five A* - G grades in all subjects, and 95 per cent of students achieved one A* - G in all subjects.

Executive principal, Rob Whatmough, told The Hunts Post: “We new this was going to be a difficult year.

“There were staffing problems we didn’t foresee in September and we sought medical advice but in the end the problems persisted and were resolved at the end of the academic year.

“We utilised several supply agencies but the pupils suffered from lack of continuity which affected the results.

“However, there were lots of subjects which did very well and we’re delighted by the English which showed a big improvement.”

Ernulf Director, Scott Preston, added: “With coming into this morning expecting disappointment I think it’s clear to see that we’ve been able to minimise the impact of staffing issues.

“Pretty much all students have got what they wanted and can go onto the next phase of their education.”