Twins succeed in A-levels at Tong Leadership Academy

Gerson and Gecelina Afonso are celebrating after their places at university were confirmed, with Gecelina awarded a prestigious scholarship.

This is the first cohort of A-level pupils to sit exams since 2019, and Gerson and Gecelina, along with their fellow students, have faced significant disruption to their education in the past two years, which has included lockdowns and periods of self-isolation and illness.

Despite these challenges, pupils have achieved outstanding results and celebrated alongside their peers, teachers and family.

Gecelina has been granted £10,000 by the Frank Hester scholarship, to help finance her education at university. Achieving MMM (three Merits) in BTec Health and Social, she has secured her place at Derby University for Adult Nursing Funding.

The scholarship has been provided by Leeds-based healthcare software provider, TPP.

Tong Leadership Academy students Muhammed Abuzar and Shamaila Ali celebrate their results

Her twin brother Gerson is also celebrating after he was awarded a D* (Distinction*, the highest grade possible), and a D in BTec Double Science, along with a D in BTec Health and Social Care. Gerson is hoping to study Engineering at Loughborough University.

Speaking about her scholarship, Gecelina said: “I couldn’t believe it today when I saw I’d been granted the scholarship – it’s going to mean so much as finance can always be a worry for people my age looking to study after sixth form.

“I think everyone in the family will be really proud and the fact I got to celebrate it with Gerson today was really special - his results were amazing so I’m so proud of him.

"Thank you to everyone at Tong Leadership Academy for supporting us throughout the past two years.”

Meanwhile, one of Tong’s best sporting talents also achieved a prestigious scholarship; Muhammed Abuzar will be joining Bradford City for the next two years, while also completing a degree in Sports Business.

Another high achieving student was Shamaila Ali whose results included an A* in English Literature. Shamaila will be pursuing her dream career as a lawyer when she goes on to study Law at either Bradford or York University.

Dan Styles, Principal at Tong Leadership Academy, said the pupils were shining examples of resilience during challenging circumstances.

He said: “Studying for and completing their exams at the best of times is a difficult in itself, but our young people have faced so much disruption to their education so they should be even more proud of their achievements.

“All of our staff want to give our students the best possible chance to achieve their aims and I know how much they appreciate their teachers’ support.

“We wish our departing year 13s the best of luck in whatever their futures hold.”