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A young girl who suffered from crippling anxiety which made her struggle to attend school is today facing a brighter future.

Dilys Cook, from Harlow, today returned to Burnt Mill Academy to collect two grade 9, three grade 8 and six grade 7 in her GCSEs.

Back in Year 7, Dilys was so anxious and nervous, she was terrified to attend her lessons.

Now, the head girl is looking forward to studying biology, physics and sociology at sixth form.

She said: “Today, I have got everything I expected and more, so I am pleased.

“Back a few years, I was so nervous that my parents even considered home-schooling me. I have always just been a nervous person. It was a new environment at secondary school and I struggled with the transition and change. The nerves made me anxious to go in.

“I persevered and then Covid-19 came along and lockdown gave me the chance to think and to turn things around. I was able to really focus without pressure and to give things another try.

“The school has been excellent, with lots of mentoring and support. They made me realise I could tackle it; that I could knuckle down and get the results I have got today.

“People cannot believe it; it is like a different version of me. I feel like it has been the best transformation I have ever seen. There are no words.

“The school has played a big part in that. They noticed I was nervous and put things in place to help me. The dedication and time they put in was just amazing. They listened and understood and were passionate about getting things sorted to help me.

“It put a spring in my step. I now feel like I am open to opportunities; the world is my oyster. I can now go to sixth form which will lead to university which will lead me to so many other things; that is mind-blowing.”

Head of school Laura McGlashan said: “Dilys has been supported through her journey and has gone on to flourish at school, becoming head girl, achieving highly and excelling in all aspects of school life.

“She is a student who would go above and beyond for staff and her peers. She is kind, organised and well mannered. If a student is worried or upset, she would help to support them.

“She is a true role model to her peers.”

 

Physical difficulties have not stopped Jerry Arday from excelling at school.

Having been diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at the age of one, he has overcome his barrier to achieve his potential.

Today, he picked up three grade 6 and two grade 5 in his GCSEs from Burnt Mill Academy, in Harlow.

Jerry, from Harlow, said: “I feel good about my results. I am proud of myself and of all the hard work I have put into it.

“The school has helped me and my year group so much to get where we are.

“I have a condition which affects my muscles, so I can’t walk for more than 15 minutes or I get really tired.

“I have not let it affect my learning at all.”

Head of school Laura McGlashan said: “Jerry never complains and always asks after others. He is a role model and an inspiration to us all. You could not meet a nicer human being, and we are incredibly proud of him and his achievements.”