Secretary of State for Education Joins Harper Green School as Students Celebrate GCSE Success
Thursday, 20th August 2026
We were delighted to welcome the Secretary of State for Education, Lucy Powell MP, to Harper Green School today as our Year 11 students collected their GCSE results and celebrated their achievements.
During her visit, the Secretary of State met students as they received their results and spoke to staff about their experiences and the wide range of academic, vocational and enrichment opportunities available at Harper Green.
There was plenty to celebrate across our Year 11 cohort, including some fantastic individual achievements.
Aishani Ajithkumar achieved an outstanding three grade 9s, six grade 8s and one grade 7. Aishani will go on to Runshaw College to study Biology, Chemistry and Maths.
Micah Sonuga achieved an impressive 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 also celebrated a strong set of results, achieving 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. He 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.”
As part of her visit, the Secretary of State also toured our Construction Hub, which was officially opened in 2025 by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham. The Hub supports our vocational Construction and the Built Environment course, giving students opportunities to develop practical skills and explore pathways into one of Greater Manchester’s key employment sectors.
Speaking to the Press Association about her visit, Education Secretary Lucy Powell said: “What a fantastic school here at Harper Green. It’s so great to see all the positivity and the atmosphere… 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.”
Harper Green School is part of Leverhulme Church of England and Community Trust, alongside Rivington and Blackrod High School and Sixth Form and Lostock Primary School. Since its establishment in 2017, the Trust has continued to invest in its schools, improving facilities, learning environments and opportunities for children and young people across Bolton.
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.”
We are incredibly proud of every member of our Class of 2026 and wish them every success as they take their next steps.
Harper Green School is rated Good in all areas by Ofsted. Find out more about our school and our upcoming Open Evening at www.harpergreen.net.