The 18-year-old, from Southend, today collected a Distinction* and Distinction in BTEC sport and a B grade in A-level geography from Chase High School Sixth Form, in Westcliff.
With the final hurdles of a fitness test and interview, he is hoping to join the RAF in the new year.
Harry, who has been part of the sixth form’s unique Chelsea FC Football Academy as part of his studies, said:
“I was very, very happy with the B grade; I was expecting to get a C, so was very surprised with a B.
My teachers have been very helpful, providing resources like laptops, revision lessons and study periods. They were always there for us. The school has helped me to achieve the best I could.
Having been at Chase since Year 7, it is emotional leaving as I will miss coming to the school. I am proud of what I have done here. Being head boy was so rewarding for me; it was a great experience to work alongside the senior leadership team and develop my leadership capabilities.
Chase is a great sixth form to go to. The teachers are very supportive and are a credit to the school; they are very helpful people.”
The teenager, part of Southend’s RAF Air Cadets, is Southend Mayor Councillor Nigel Folkard’s first ever Mayor’s Cadet, providing support at public functions.
Harry said:
“I have always wanted to go into the military. I am really proud of my role with the mayor.
I have always been a fit young person who enjoys playing football, so being a part of the football academy linked everything together.
I am very nervous but excited to start Phase One training in the RAF.”
Emma Mulford, head of sixth form, said:
“As head boy in Year 11, he proved himself a natural leader, and his talent between the posts has made him a key player for the Chelsea Football Academy, where he’s guarded the goal with skill and determination.
But Harry’s dedication doesn’t stop at football.
Whether it’s saving goals on the pitch or stepping up to serve his country, Harry is ready for whatever comes next.”
Arriving in England in the middle of Year 11 has not stopped Jetmir Shira from achieving highly.
The 18-year-old, now living in Southend, joined Chase High School, in Westcliff, during Year 11 – hitting the ground running and completing six GCSE courses.
Having come from his home in Albania speaking the English he had learnt at school, he passed all of his exams, with Grades 5, 4 and 3.
Today, he added to that haul with a Distinction* and Distinction in applied science and a Merit in BTEC IT, with his sights set on university and a career as a dentist.
Jetmir, who has settled in Southend with his mum and brother, said:
“When I arrived after the Christmas holidays in the middle of Year 11, it was the first time I had been to the UK.
In the beginning, it was complicated because I was not used to the system here. In Albania, we stay in one classroom all day, whereas here I had to find my way around to all of my different classes. I needed a bit of time to get used to that; to the school, to meeting new friends and living my new life.
I was given a buddy – a classmate who was also from Albania – to help me with any questions I had or when I didn’t understand something.
Staying on at the sixth form meant I already knew my classmates and my teachers. That meant it was easier to get settled.
I am really grateful to everyone as they helped me with everything I asked them. If I did not understand something, they explained it or teachers gave me books to understand better at home.
I am happy with my results; they are what I wanted.”
Emma Mulford, head of sixth form, said:
“When Jetmir arrived in Southend from Albania halfway through Year 11, he faced a challenge that would test anyone’s resolve – settling into a new country, a new school, and preparing for GCSEs all at once.
Undaunted, Jetmir threw himself into his studies, determined to make the most of the opportunity. His hard work paid off, earning him his GCSEs and paving the way for further success at Chase.
Known for his positivity and strong work ethic, Jetmir now has his sights set firmly on university.”