Son of Sherlock actress gains impressive GCSEs at Capital City Academy

High-achievers: (left to right) Damian Ancuta, Orlando Phipps, Rahim Adeniyi (Image: Archant)

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.”