Secretary of State for Education Joins Harper Green School for GCSE Results Day
Thursday, 20th August 2026
Harper Green School welcomed Secretary of State for Education Lucy Powell MP on Thursday 20 August, as Year 11 students celebrated their GCSE results and looked ahead to their next steps. During the visit, she met students as they received their results and heard about their achievements, experiences and plans for the future.
There were some outstanding individual achievements across the year group, including Aishani Ajithkumar, who achieved three grade 9s, six grade 8s and one grade 7 and will go on to Runshaw College to study Biology, Chemistry and Maths.
Micah Sonuga achieved five grade 9s, three grade 8s, one grade 7 and a Level 2 Merit in Music and will continue his studies at Xaverian College.
Isabelle Shaw achieved one grade 8, three grade 6s, one grade 5 and a Level 2 Merit in Health & Social Care. She will go on to Bolton Sixth Form to study A Levels in Art, Psychology and Health & Social Care.
Emmanuel Echigeme achieved one grade 7, three grade 6s, a Level 2 Distinction and a Level 2 Merit and will go on to The Manchester College to study a T Level in Cyber Security.
Sally Heppenstall, Headteacher at Harper Green School, said: “We are incredibly proud of all our Year 11 students and everything they have achieved. Their results reflect the hard work, determination and resilience they have shown throughout their time at Harper Green, supported by our dedicated staff and families.
“It was also a privilege to welcome the Secretary of State to Harper Green on such an important day and give her the opportunity to meet our students and staff and see first-hand the opportunities available to young people at our school.”
The visit also provided an opportunity to showcase the breadth of academic, vocational and enrichment opportunities available at Harper Green and the different pathways students can explore.
The Secretary of State visited the school’s new Construction Hub, meeting students and finding out more about Harper Green’s Construction and the Built Environment course. The Hub gives students opportunities to develop practical skills and explore pathways into further education, training and employment.
The facility was officially opened in 2025 by Andy Burnham, during his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Speaking to the Press Association during the visit, Education Secretary Lucy Powell MP said: “What a fantastic school here at Harper Green. It’s so great to see all the positivity and the atmosphere. Obviously some students will be a bit disappointed, but the vast majority seem to be really pleased with what they’ve got and have got real high hopes and aspirations for themselves going forward.”
Paul Roach, CEO of Leverhulme Church of England and Community Trust, said: “Results Day is an important milestone for young people across our Trust and a chance to celebrate everything they have worked towards during their time with us.
“We want to give every young person the opportunities and experiences they need to achieve their ambitions and we are continuing to broaden those opportunities across our schools. Welcoming the Secretary of State to Harper Green was a fantastic opportunity to showcase this work and the difference it is making for our young people.”
Find out more about Harper Green School and its upcoming Open Evening at www.harpergreen.net.
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