Results a ‘Family Affair’ for Deanna

It was a family affair for Deanna Taylor as she collected her GCSE results from Beacon Academy alongside her parents – who are both also former students of the school.

Andy and Helen Taylor attended the school when it was known as Matthew Humberstone, whilst Helen’s father Paul McNally, who was also by Deanna’s side on results day, held assemblies there as part of his role as Salvation Army leader.

The family celebrated as Deanna collected nine GCSE passes including the highest grade 7-9s in English Language, English Literature, Double Science, History, Religious Studies. She also achieved a grade 9 in Acting.

She said: “I’m really pleased with my results; I wasn’t expecting to get such high grades in some of them so I’m really happy.

“All of the staff have been so supportive and helpful, and there were a lot of additional revision sessions put on for us. I attended as many as I could to try and improve my grades so it’s nice that the hard work has paid off.”

Deanna is now going to study Travel and Tourism, Music Performance and Drama and Theatre Studies at Franklin College, and would love to work on a Disney cruise ship in future.

“I’m really excited about going to Franklin and ready for the next chapter.”

Helen and Andy said returning to their former school was “nostalgic”, adding: “It’s changed quite a bit since we were here, but it’s still surreal to be back.

“The support Deanna has had from her teachers has been amazing. They look after students as a whole, rather than just on the academic side. She’s achieved brilliant results and we’re very proud.”