GCSE glory for England football ace

GCSE glory for England football ace

ONE of England’s brightest young footballers has scored top GCSE results after juggling exams with her elite sporting career.

Ripon Grammar School student Lottie Day proved she is as impressive in the classroom as she is on the pitch after achieving four 9s, three 8s, one 7 and one six.

The 16-year-old has had to balance the pressures of studying for her GCSEs with life as one of the country’s most exciting young football prospects, juggling lessons and revision with training camps, matches and worldwide travel.

This meant she has missed three days a week of school over the past year.

Having recently signed a two-year contract with Manchester City Women Under-21s, over the past two years she has represented England at Under-16 and Under-17 level and played for Sheffield United Women.

Her success comes after Ripon Grammar School worked closely with Lottie and her family to accommodate her ever-changing football commitments, particularly during her GCSE year.

Headmaster Jonathan Webb said: “Lottie has shown exceptional commitment, resilience and maturity in balancing the demands of elite sport with her education.

“We are incredibly proud of everything she has achieved, both academically and on the football pitch, and we wish her every success as she embarks on this exciting new chapter with Manchester City.”

Lottie said: “I’m really pleased with my results. It hasn’t always been easy balancing football and school, but all the hard work has paid off.”

Proud father, Kevin, and mum, Lucy, praised both their daughter and Ripon Grammar School for helping her manage the challenge.

“We’re incredibly proud of Lottie. She has worked so hard, not only to develop as a footballer but also to make sure she achieved the GCSE results she wanted,” said Kevin.

“Ripon Grammar School were fantastic throughout her GCSE studies, showing real flexibility around her ever-changing football commitments. Their support meant she was able to give everything both on the pitch and in the classroom.”

Lottie has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past two years, featuring for Sheffield United Women’s first team and Under-21s, captaining the club’s Under-16s and earning England honours at Under-16 and Under-17 level.

Earlier this year she was named Player of the Match on her England Under-16 debut after helping her side beat Denmark before representing her country at the prestigious Mondial Montaigu tournament in France.

Now preparing to study A-levels while continuing her football development with Manchester City Women Under-21s, Lottie is determined to keep progressing both on and off the pitch as she pursues her dream of playing at the highest level of the women’s game.

GCSE glory for England football ace