THERE were smiles all round at Treetops yesterday as students met with their peers, parents, carers and staff to celebrate their GCSE results and wider successes.
As for every other 16 year old in the country, the day marked a significant milestone in their journeys.
The only difference at Treetops was this cohort of students – and their families – have overcome significant challenges to access education in a school setting.
Tudor Grange Academy Treetops is a bespoke specialist provision currently providing exceptional education for 42 children who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) with a diagnosis of autism as a primary need.
With every student passing every exam that was taken and some achieving top grades in their favourite subjects, there was certainly plenty to celebrate.
Ellie Grierson, deputy headteacher, said the results were something to be proud of, and the staff would miss them so much.
“The pride I feel today is overwhelming because these children have achieved so much to get to this point in their lives. They all have to deal with a range of personal challenges every day and they all get up and come into school every day.
“Coming here, being part of a small school community in this leafy green setting and building strong relationships with our specialist staff, our children start to feel safe and then they want to come to school.
“Academically, they are all very capable children, and some are exceptional in their preferred subjects, and we have high aspirations for them all.”
Student, Ethan West, and parents Kerry and Adam West were over the moon with his results. With a glowing set of seven GCSEs he gained two 8s and a 9 in his favourite science subjects.
Ethan’s mother, Kerry, said: “We are so pleased for Ethan. Since coming to Treetops in year 8, he’s wanted to come to school and he fell in love with learning. Moreso, he started to feel comfortable with people – albeit on a one-to-one or in small groups.
“He’s got a really strong friendship group now and that is just as important to me.”
Ethan will now be going on to take his A levels at Heathfield Knowle to pursue his love of sciences and computer science.
Ethan said: “I’m really looking forward to going to my next school and I know I have already got a good friend here that will also be going.
“If I get the grades I’m aiming for then I’m hoping to go to university, maybe in Birmingham.”
Di Fellowes, head of Tudor Grange Academy Treetops added: “We have some exceptional results, but we are celebrating far more than GCSE grades.
“I know our children are going out into the wider world with the experience, confidence and skills to excel in whatever they decide to do.
“This cohort has grown so much and we wish them all the very best.”
