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 GCSE students who showed off their exam results.
And Olivia Kowalska of Eggar’s 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.”
Star of the year honours went to Charlotte Stephens of Amery Hill, whose list of grades comprised ten 9s and an 8.
She is also off to Peter Symonds to take biology, environmental science, English literature and philosophy A-levels.
Charlotte said: “I really want to be a conservationist - work in different places, help animals and deal with climate change.”
Eliot Busby of Eggar’s 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.”
Rose Bridger of Amery Hill confounded the experts by turning a grade 2 in her mock mathematics exam into a grade 4 when she took the GCSE several months later. She said: “I was very pleased about that - I started crying!”
She also earned a 7 in English literature and a 6 in geography. Rose said she has “no career plans yet” but will go to Godalming College to study travel and tourism, geography and history.
Fellow Amery Hill student Ollie Rolfe, who earned a 6 in English language, is off to Peter Symonds to take sports and film studies courses, then “whatever I can get after that”. He and Rose were both keen to take up the free feed offer at Nando’s.
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!”
Another Eggar’s student off to Peter Symonds is Lily Arthur, who said: “I’m fairly happy with my results. I got higher than predicted in some of my subjects, so that’s always nice to see.”
Lily will be doing A-levels in English literature, drama and art. She added: “I want to be an actor. I’d quite like to do the serious stuff like sci-fi, horror or a drama.”
Of her afternoon plans, she said: “I think I might be seeing some friends afterwards to celebrate, but it was more a case of see how I do first!”
And Lucky Wanjohi of Eggar’s may never have to face daunting garage bills as he is off to do a vehicle maintenance college course in Fareham after achieving “all 5s and 4s” in his GCSEs.
Eggar’s School headteacher Sarah Holman said: "I am delighted that so many children have achieved such impressive results this year. This is testament to their high aspirations, commitment and determination to do their very best.
“It has been lovely for our staff to share this special moment with students and their families, and we are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished.”
There were exceptional individual performances from Lily Jones, Finn Woolston, Genevieve Collins, Alana McRiley, Lyra Colvin and Elle Y, with the school achieving particularly impressive results in English, music, science, French, drama and art.
Mrs Holman added: “Eggar's School congratulates all students on their results and thanks them for the positive contribution they have made to the school community.
“We know they have bright futures ahead of them and we look forward to hearing about their ongoing success in whatever path they choose.”
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.”
Mr Jeckells paid tribute to the Class of 2026 for the positive attitude they displayed during their five years at the school.
He said: “Throughout our students’ time with us, they have stood out for their resolve, diligence and upbeat spirit, making a lasting impact both academically and across our broader school life.
“Their constant mutual support and genuine care for one another have reinforced the vibrant, supportive community we cherish here in the heart of Alton, at Amery Hill School.”
The students had also bought into the school’s philosophy, added Mr Jeckells: “In line with our motto, ‘Education for Life,’ our goal is to guide every student towards becoming an adaptable, self-assured and capable young adult prepared for whatever the future holds.
“The Class of 2026 has truly exemplified this mission: they have excelled. Working hand-in-hand with our excellent staff and supported every step of the way by their families, they have shown precisely what happens when high ambitions are paired with hard work and integrity.”
Mr Jeckells said this year group - who joined Amery Hill in September 2021, not long after the lifting of Covid restrictions - would be remembered fondly.
He added: “We could not be prouder of their accomplishments. This success stands as a testament to our core values - independence, creativity, active learning, resilience and empathy.
“Armed with these traits, our departing students are exceptionally well-equipped to step into college, apprenticeships or vocational training with clarity and conviction.
“Though their time at Amery began soon after a period of global uncertainty, their dedication has secured them a bright and defined path forward.
“It has been an absolute honour to work with this remarkable group of young people. They leave behind a legacy defined by their vitality, strength of character and good cheer.
“On behalf of everyone at Amery Hill School, we wish the Class of 2026 abundant success, health and fulfilment as they embark on this next chapter.”
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