Students at the Royal Free Hospital Children’s School (RFHCS) are celebrating their exam success on GCSE results day. 

The RFHCS, which is located in the Royal Free Hospital, offers schooling to pupils aged five to 16, during their hospital stay or while they are receiving medical or mental health support. 

Around 12 students picked up their GSCE results today (August 24), and were delighted with their achievements.

One student, Leah O’Dea, of Finchley Road, opened her results to a resounding success.  She has been attending the school while a patient at both the Royal Free Hospital and Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation.

Leah, 16, said: “I have been quite nervous for the past few weeks leading up to the day and opening the envelope was really scary. I can be quite critical of myself, so I really care about my grades and want to do well.

“I was hoping to do better in my sciences, but I felt so relieved when I saw my A grade in art and my grade 7 in English. This means I can continue on to do my A-levels and then hopefully go onto university.”

On talking about receiving hospital support while sitting exams, Leah added that:

“It is important for young people taking their exams to remember to take time out for themselves. While I have been in preparing for my exams and in hospital, I always try to make time to relax and find new hobbies to keep myself busy and positive. 

“It is easy to feel trapped in revision, but the most important thing is to enjoy yourself, as that is when you start to feel better.”

Notes to editors

About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver and kidney transplantation, haemophilia, renal care, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, Parkinson's disease, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London. Read 'A bigger trust, a better future'.