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Having had major surgery delayed during the pandemic, Jack Hunnisett was called for his operation just before his GCSE exams.

The 16-year-old  was diagnosed with scoliosis during the outbreak of Covid-19.

Lockdown and restrictions meant he saw a lengthy wait to correct the curve in his spine, which was leaving him in pain and unable to focus on his school work.

His surgery was finally scheduled for April this year – just weeks ahead of the start of his GCSE exams.

Despite the major health setback, he today collected three Grade 8, two Grade 7, three Grade 6 and one Grade 5 from the summer’s exams.

He said: “A month before my GCSE exams, I had surgery on my back for major scoliosis. I was in recovery in hospital for a month, so I did not have any time in school to prepare. The school gave me revision material to use while I recovered and made sure my wellbeing was their primary concern. They played a massive part in ensuring I got good grades.

“We did consider pushing the operation to after my exams, but there was the risk it would get even worse and I would not be able to revise or sit for the two or three-hour exams with a painful back.

“I have had a pretty magnificent recovery. It is not uncomfortable anymore. Before I had the operation, I could not think about anything else.

“Despite the fact it was bad timing, directly before my GCSEs, it was the best thing to do, to get it out of the way. I was so focused on my GCSEs in the end and making sure I did well with them that it pushed everything to the back of my mind.

“I am very pleased with my results. They are a lot better than I expected as I thought my back would have had an impact. I am very pleased with myself with having a lot to struggle with the last couple of months and not having a moment to breathe, going from one thing to another.

“I have come out the other side now with good results, but it has been a challenge.”

Jack is going on to sixth form to study science and maths.