Results days in the United Kingdom mark the culmination of a year of study and exams and serves as a moment for reflection, nervous excitement and recognition across the education sector.

For Archway Learning Trust and the team at Eden, results fortnight is about telling powerful stories that reflect resilience, pride and real progress within the Trust’s schools.

This summer, Eden partnered with Archway Learning Trust to deliver a proactive, media-first approach to results day communications, ensuring that student achievements across the Trust’s schools were recognised by audiences both locally and nationally.

From live BBC Radio Nottingham interviews at The Nottingham Emmanuel School to ITV Central coverage at Bluecoat Aspley Academy and LBC London News coverage from Lees Brook Academy, the coverage was broad, balanced and impactful.

Eden’s Daniela (left) and The Nottingham Emmanuel School Principal Sandra Stapleton on GCSE results day.

Young people in schools face a growing number of external pressures that can make it harder to stay focused on education. Research published in July by media regulator Ofcom revealed that 80% of 16-24-year-olds now get their news online, with 75% turning specifically to social media.

Among 12-15-year-olds, TikTok is the most used platform for news, followed by YouTube and Instagram. While these platforms can be a source of information and entertainment, they also present risks such as exposure to harmful content, cyber bullying and an always-on culture that can impact mental health.

For developing minds, the distraction of smartphones and social media can make it difficult to engage consistently in the classroom. That is why shining a spotlight on student success through credible, trusted media channels remains so important. It reinforces the value of education and celebrates the dedication it takes to succeed in a noisy, competitive world.

At Lees Brook Academy, coverage focused on the story of Steve Gourgel, a student whose six-hour daily commute and limited English skills did not stop him from sitting nine GCSEs and achieving success. His journey and achievements are a remarkable reflection of the school’s values: Learn, Believe, Achieve. It demonstrated a level of resilience and ambition that captured the spirit of a school where students are supported to become who they aspire to be and are encouraged to chase their dreams.

Steve plans to attend Loughborough College to study business – and be closer to home.

Meanwhile, at Bluecoat Aspley Academy, the spotlight was on its pioneering success with T Level qualifications. The school celebrated its first cohort of Health and Education T Level students, all of whom completed the qualification.

The success included a remarkable 100% retention and completion rate. 17% of students achieved distinctions and every learner is progressing to their first-choice university. These results are particularly notable when compared with national statistics from the Education Policy Institute (EPI), which reveal that nearly one in three students on Health and Science T Level courses drop out within the first year.

T Level students overall are also 20% less likely to complete their qualification than those on other courses. Bluecoat’s results buck that trend dramatically, showcasing how a values-driven approach rooted in faith, hope, family and respect, alongside strong employer partnerships and expert teaching, can transform outcomes.

Sarah Anderson, Principal at Bluecoat Aspley Academy (left) and Eden’s Emily on A Level results day

Coverage across Notts TV, BBC Radio Nottingham and ITV Central helped to raise awareness of the academy’s achievements and the growing value and credibility of T Levels as a post-16 option.

Eden’s team, including Daniela, Ryan and Emily, were on site on both results days to support leaders, students and school staff. From managing live broadcasts to liaising with regional press, every effort was made to help capture moments of celebration.