A Capital City Academy student and son of a famous English actress, who starred in hit television programme Sherlock, celebrated his impressive set of GCSE results.
An anxious Orlando Phipps, the child of Haydn Gwynne who plays Miss Wenceslas in the TV drama -best known for her role as Alex Pates in 1990s comedy series Drop the Dead Donkey- burst into a fit of laughter after looking upon his results for the very first time.
The jet-lagged 16 year-old, who endured a 3,250 mile trip across the Atlantic from New York City, in America, the day before in order to get back in time for results day, achieved six A*s in history, english literature, chemistry, physics, religious education and maths.
He also gained As in english language, biology and a B in French.
He said: “I expected good things because I have never before in my life invested so many hours on working hard to get good grades.
“My mum will not believe it when I tell her. She will stay silent for minutes before bursting into celebration.”
Overall, 53 per cent of students at the school, in Doyle Gardens, achieved five or more A*-C grades including english and maths.
Another pupil, Rahim Adeniyi who achieved an A*, six A, two Bs and one C, claimed his single mother would be proud of his achievements.
He now plans to study english, art, physics and maths for A-Level, with aspirations to become a graphic designer,
He said: “She will be over the moon. Before I left home, she said she would be proud of me regardless of the results.
He continued: “It shows that the strongest single mother can achieve, and help her children achieve, anything if they put their mind to it.”
Alex Thomas, headtecher, said: “In a year when nationally English results have fallen this represents a great effort by our students and teachers.
“We are really pleased with the progress this year group have made over the last five years; well done to all those receiving excellent results.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here