Students flying high and enjoying free lunch to celebrate GCSE results

Enjoying a free meal at Nando’s and flying in a helicopter were among the fun afternoon plans of students at Eggar’s and Amery Hill schools in Alton who were celebrating their GCSE results this morning.

The restaurant was offering its peri-peri chicken and other goodies for nothing to all students who showed off their exam results.

And Eggar’s student Olivia Kowalska was already wearing her RAF Odiham Summer Camp T-shirt in preparation for going up in a Chinook.

She said: “I’m going to Peter Symonds College in Winchester next to study biology, English literature and psychology. After that I want to do zoology, volunteering and helping with animals.”

Eggar’s student Eliot Busby is off to Queen Mary’s College in Basingstoke in September to do a performing arts diploma. Her ambition is to act in the West End.

Earning a 7 in English literature, plus 6s in English language and drama, she said: “I got a lot of grades that I’m happy with.”

Adam Girling of Eggar’s took 11 GCSEs and was “really happy” to achieve grades between 6 and 9 in all of them. He is going to Peter Symonds to do A-levels in mathematics, geography and economics.

Of a possible future career, he said: “I’m thinking of something like geography or engineering. I’ll probably go to university first and see where that takes me.”

Jiya Deny Mathew is leaving Eggar’s to take chemistry, biology and computer science A-levels at Godalming College. She said: “I’m also thinking about taking mathematics as a fourth A-level, to keep the medical and computer science career options open.”

Finn Woolston said the first thing he was going to do after collecting his results from Eggar’s was “call my Dad”. His father would have been pleased, as Finn earned two 9s and an 8 in the sciences. Of his 9 in design technology, he said: “I’ve been working for that, so I’m very, very happy with that.”

Peter Symonds is Finn’s next destination, but he is undecided after that. He said: “I’m still split between university or a degree apprenticeship. They’re becoming very popular and they’re a good way into a lot of careers. Also, you get paid rather than having to pay!”

Amery Hill headteacher Rob Jeckells said: “We send our heartfelt congratulations to the Amery Hill School Class of 2026 following their superb GCSE achievements.

“This cohort’s performance reflects genuinely impressive attainment and excellent academic progress. The school has a recognised history of strong academic performance.

“We are delighted, however, to say that particularly pleasing results in 2026, across the full range of subjects, have led to the best attainment seen at Amery Hill School in recent years.”