GCSE joy as driven Aidan turns his life aroundÂ

Life changed when Aidan was diagnosed with ADHD mid-way through Year 7. 

His behaviour at Ark Charter Academy in Portsmouth became unruly, detention was a regular occurrence and the notion of being expelled once and for all was more probable than possible. 

He was even arrested for assault at one point. 

But yesterday, the U-turn was complete '“ as the 16-year-old proudly marched into the next chapter of his life with GCSE grades and a future to be proud of. 

Smashing predictions of 5s and 6s in the new grading framework, he took home one 5, four 6s, two 7s and an 8. 

'˜I've had nightmares the past two nights thinking I had failed,' Aidan said. 

'˜But I came in today, saw my results, and I was over the moon. 

'˜I've had some happy times in my life but I have never felt like this.' 

Bar himself, there was no one in the room prouder at what Aidan had achieved than his mum, Laura. 

The 39-year-old from Portsmouth said: '˜I cried when I found out about his results. 

'˜This has been a really, really rough road and I don't think anyone would've imagined three years ago he'd go on to do as well as he has today. 

'˜But thanks to excellent support from his teachers, he has turned himself around '“ and I am so proud of him.' 

The first to admit he was '˜not the best of kids' during Years 7, 8 and 9, Aidan will now go to Portsmouth College to study for a BTEC Level-3 extended diploma in sport. 

He is also hoping take criminology alongside '“ collectively, a prospect he is chomping at the bit to get stuck into. 

He said: '˜The first thing to do is celebrate. But I can't wait for college, then university, then to become a teacher later on.' 

 

But before any of those dreams are realised, Aidan's mum believes there is thanks owed. 

'˜ He wouldn't be where he is today without his teachers' belief that he was capable,' she said. 

'˜I work in a school as well so I know how difficult it can be '“ how often you may want to throw your hands up and say you've had enough. But they didn't do that, and I will forever be grateful.'