Abiaz Afzal

• Student Leadership Team
• Achieved 9 grade 9s in his GCSEs
• Jack Petchey Foundation Winner
• Mathletics participant
• National League Table Tennis
• Mentor to younger students

After leaving The Gateway Academy, Abiaz went on to secure four A*s in his A Levels.  He then gained a place at Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge where he studied Medicine.  Abiaz has been a mentor to year 11 students whilst at University and has come back to Gateway to talk about his experiences here to students and families at our Open Evening.  Abiaz was a proud and high-profile Grammar Band student whose hard work, commitment, ambition and dedication allowed him to go on to such academic and professional successes.

Lilie De Breuk

• Achieved grades 7+ in all subjects
• Student Leadership Team
• Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge
• Fluent in four languages

Following her graduation from The Gateway Academy, Lilie went on to study History, Spanish and Art History at the London Academy of Excellence at A-Level where she achieved two A*s and an A.  From there, she went to the University of Sheffield to study for a BA in Japanese Studies, spending a year abroad in Japan.  Lilie says that in a time when diplomacy is growing more important by the day, she wants to help bridge the gap in communication through her skills and knowledge of languages. 

Chibuike Udeh

• Achieved grades 7+ in all subjects
• Represented the Academy at Basketball
• Represented the Academy at Football

Chibzz left The Gateway Academy to study A-levels achieving an A* in Sociology, A in Business Studies and A in Economics.  He then went on to the University of Warwick to study Business Management.  Chibzz became the strategy consultant at Oliver Wyman, the business and management consultancy firm in London, where he solved business strategic problems using data analytics, research skills and proven financial and strategic models.  Chibzz says he has very fond memories of his time at Gateway and was honoured to come in and speak to parents and students at our Open Evening.

Braedie Atkins

• Achieved 11 GCSEs with top grades
• Vice Chair, Thurrock Youth Cabinet
• Teaching Assistant intern

Since leaving The Gateway Academy, Braedie went on to Sixth Form and secured four A Levels with top grades.  She then gained a place at Warwick University to study Politics and International Studies.  From here, Braedie moved on to Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge where she gained an MPhil in Education.  Braedie has been a prolific champion of widening participation in education and chaired the association whilst at Warwick.  Braedie is also a writer for Perspectives Magazine and Warwick University’s The Boar.

Gabriele Vaitkute

• Head Girl
• Student Leadership Team
• Achieved grades 8+ in all subjects
• Represented the Academy at Netball

After leaving The Gateway Academy, Gabriele moved on to study Psychology, Sociology and Politics at A Level.  She achieved grades A* and A and secured a place at Warwick University to study Psychology.  Gabriele has been a frequent returner to The Gateway Academy and has been of great support at events, including a presentation to parents regarding academic study and at our Open Evening. 

Andrea Neville

• Student Leadership Team
• Achieved grades 7+ in all subjects
• Jack Petchey Foundation Speak Out

Andrea left The Gateway Academy and went on to study for her A Levels and achieved top grades.  She was then awarded a place to study Ancient History at Hertford College, University of Oxford.  Whilst at Oxford, Andrea was a schools ambassador and an integral part of their outreach team.  Andrea has been a mentor to year 11 students alongside her University studies and has gone on to a Masters in Museum Studies at University College London. 

 Asif Salarzai

• Student Leadership Team
• Achieved grades 7+ in all subjects
• Full scholarship to the University of Oxford

Asif came to The Gateway Academy aged 14 as an Afghan refugee who had never been to school and did not speak English.  His achievements whilst here and since then have been phenomenal.  Asif has gone on to score top grades in his A Levels and was awarded a full scholarship to study History and Economics at Somerville College, University of Oxford.  Asif has had an active role in youth councils, has been an Ambassador for A National (Coram) Voice and served as an Expert by Experience panellist to England’s Independent Care Review.  Asif has also served as a research intern at the GloCoBank project.

 Oyinola Agoro

• Represented the Academy at Basketball
• Thurrock’s Next Top Boss
• Grades A* to B in all subjects

Since leaving The Gateway Academy, Oyin set up his own social media company with over 100,000 followers across all platforms and will soon be launching his own app.  His e-commerce business has generated over a six-figure turnover in revenue over two years and has partnered up with some of the biggest brands in the world, becoming a media partner for Limitless Live, the UK’s biggest free music festival.  Oyin has a business degree and gained a job at LadBible running their sports pages.  He has worked with Thierry Henry, Bukayo Saka and Cesc Fabregas and says The Gateway Academy instilled in him a work ethic, a positive mindset and the belief that anything is possible if you work hard enough. 

Dominic Baker

• Head Boy
• Represented the Academy at Basketball
• Represented the Academy at Football
• Achieved grades A* to B in all subjects

Dominic left The Gateway Academy and went on to secure a first-class marketing degree from the University of Greenwich.  He then went on to the graduate scheme at Sports Interactive in their Social Media team.  As part of this role, he interviewed professional sportspeople, managed marketing campaigns, organised events and shoots and has worked with a wide range of clients.  Dominic credits The Gateway Academy with giving him the confidence during his time here to go on and fulfil his ambitions.

Emily Marshall

• Student Leadership Team
• Achieved grades A*-B in all subjects

After leaving The Gateway Academy, Emily went on to study A-Levels in English Literature and Language, Sociology, Geography and the Extended Project Qualification where she achieved 3 As and a B.  She then went on to study for a BA in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status at the University of Greenwich graduating with a First Class Degree and qualified teacher status.  Whilst at university Emily had the pleasure to be a part of The Open University and the United Kingdom Literacy Association (UKLA) Student Teacher Reading for Pleasure Ambassador scheme whereby she was nominated to help support student teachers by raising understanding and awareness of the importance of choice-led reading in childhood.  Emily currently teaches within the GLC Trust and hopes to give back to the community in which she grew up.  In the future Emily wishes to return to university to study for a masters in Children’s Literature looking at the theoretical approaches to children’s and young adults literature.

 Klaudia Lysakowska

• Achieved 11 GCSEs at A*/A
• Member of the Respect Project
• Work experience at Berenberg Asset and Management, London

After leaving The Gateway Academy Klaudia joined University College London to study Mechanical Engineering achieving a First-Class Honours Degree.  Between her second and third year she completed a placement at Red Bull Racing.  Klaudia went on to complete a one-year role at CERN, working as a Thermodynamic Engineer on the Compact Muon Solenoid detector.  During university Klaudia was part of the UCL Rocket Team and worked on a medical startup company. 

Jasleen Kaur Devgun

• Achieved 11 GCSEs with top grades
• Student Leadership Team

Jasleen left The Gateway Academy and went on to study A levels in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry at Sixth Form.  Jasleen then went on to study for a Master’s Engineering degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bristol.  Jasleen committed herself fully to her studies and has enjoyed the challenges that academic curiosity and research have brought her.

Patricija Paleviciute

From Gateway, and having achieved grade 7 or better in all her GCSEs, Patricija went on to study at Brampton Manor Academy where she did 3 A-levels in Psychology, Maths and Biology in which Patricija achieved A*AA.  After this, Patricija gained a place at the University of Warwick to study for a BSc in Psychology.

Al-Habib Mraish

On leaving Gateway in 2019, Al-Habib went onto Coopers’ Coburn Sixth form to study Maths, Further Maths and Physics.  After his A Levels, Al-Habib gained a place at Queen Mary University to study for a BSc in Physics with Data Science.

Senny Limbu

After leaving Gateway, Senny went onto Sixth Form to study A Levels in Business, Law, Maths.  Senny worked as a Digital Marketing Executive during her gap year, before going to the University of Essex to study Economics and Psychology.  Whilst at University Senny worked for six months in Brand Management, Advertising for two months, then helping as a lead for students with a new career development programme being launched at the University.

Praise Adebusoye

• Achieved 11 GCSEs with top grades
• Student Leadership Team
• Represented the Academy at Netball and Rounders

Praise left The Gateway Academy and went on to study A Levels at Sixth Form where she achieved top grades.  As a result of her hard work and determination, Praise secured a place to study Law at Oxford University.  Praise says she is very grateful for being pushed to achieve the very best grades at Gateway and beyond, having played a full part in Academy life whilst here.

Leah Coles

• Achieved 11 GCSEs with top grades
• Student Leadership Team
• Peer Mentor
• Thurrock’s Next Top Boss

Leah left The Gateway Academy and went on to be awarded a First-Class Honours degree in Medical Science from Anglia Ruskin University.  Leah is grateful for the support and belief that The Gateway Academy had in her to reach her full potential. 

Liyel Jones

• Achieved 11 GCSEs with top grades
• Student Leader
• Represented the Academy at Football, Basketball and Athletics

After leaving The Gateway Academy and completing his A levels, Liyel went to the University of Portsmouth to complete a BSc in Pharmacology, then a Masters in Pharmacy followed by a PGCert in Independent Prescribing at the University of Birmingham.  Liyel is a registered Pharmacist and works in Medical Science Liaison, specialising in Immunology (Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology).

Sam Richards

• Achieved 10 GCSEs with top grades
• Represented the Academy at Football and Rugby

Sam went on to complete his A Levels before gaining a place at the University of Hertfordshire where he achieved a First-Class Honours degree in law.  He then went on to gain an MSc in Global Cooperation and Security from the University of Birmingham.  Sam is using his degrees as a Risk and Complaints Manager with Davison’s Law based in Birmingham.

Uyi Ozigbo

• Achieved 10 GCSEs with top grades
• Student Leadership Team
• Represented the Academy at Netball, Athletics and Rounders

Uyi left The Gateway Academy and studied A Levels in Maths, Economics and Spanish.  She went on to secure the grades to get her to Aston University where she studied for a BSc in Business and International Relations.  Uyi then went on to be a Business Graduate at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) at Aston University.  Uyi was also a Corporate Responsibility Intern with IHG Hotels and Resorts, as well as being a Debate Mentor with Debate Mate.  Uyi also studied at the Korea University Business School.

 Chloe Locke

Teacher of Mathematics

I left the Gateway Academy in 2019.  After leaving, I went on to study A Levels in Maths, Biology and Chemistry at Palmers College, achieving a grade A in all three subjects.  I then secured a place at the University of Nottingham where I studied Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, graduating in 2024 with a 2:1.

The Gateway Academy has been a defining part of my life, shaping me first as a student and now as a teacher.  Returning to the very place that once nurtured my own growth has been both humbling and inspiring.  The transition from student to educator has deepened my appreciation for the Academy’s values and the unwavering support it provides.  Throughout every stage of my journey, I have felt genuinely encouraged—by teachers who believed in me, by mentors who guided me and now by colleagues who continue to inspire me.  This consistent support has given me the confidence to grow, give back and help others discover their own potential.

The Gateway Academy has taught me that education is not just about passing exams—it is about nurturing confidence, building character and lighting the way forward for each individual.  I am proud to be a part of an environment where every member of staff is deeply invested in making a lasting difference.  We are not just shaping students’ futures—we are building a better community, together.

 Danielle Robertson

Teacher of Mathematics

I left The Gateway Academy in 2013.   After leaving, I went on to study A Levels in Maths, BTEC Sports and Exercise Science, Dance and Health and Social Care at Palmer’s College.  I then secured a place at Canterbury Christ Church University where I studied BA Sports and Exercise Science and Physical Education for three years, graduating in 2018 with a 2:1.  I continued my studies by completing my Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Maths and PE.

The Gateway Academy made a long-lasting impression on me—one which I did not fully grasp the depth of until years after I had left.  It was only with time and experience that I began to understand how profoundly my time at the Academy had shaped me—not just academically but in terms of my character, aspirations, and sense of purpose.  It instilled in me values that I carry to this day: resilience, compassion and a belief in the power of education to transform lives.

Now, with a deeper appreciation for the role the Academy played in my own journey, I am more determined than ever to give back.  I want to dedicate my career to being that same source of inspiration and support for other young people, especially those in the local area I proudly call home.  My goal is to create the same positive, lasting impact that I was fortunate enough to experience.

Sam Blake

Teacher of Mathematics and Science

I left The Gateway Academy in 2019.  After leaving, I went on to study A Levels in Maths, Business and Computer Science at Palmer’s College.  I then secured a place at the University of Wolverhampton where I studied Mathematics with Secondary Education and then moved on to the Open University to finish my degree in Combined STEM.

Growing up in Thurrock, I attended The Gateway Academy.  Through the Academy’s values, I gained a real sense of community and I knew that I wanted to make a difference to the people in our community.

As a student, through high quality teaching taking place in a supportive, inclusive and interactive environment and the unmatched dedication of my teachers, I not only achieved the grades I needed to progress in my education but I also grew personally in a way which I could not have imagined doing without the support of the Academy and its staff.  I was encouraged and given the confidence to pursue my career in teaching. The Academy provided me countless opportunities to make a career that once was my dream and is now a reality. 

I returned to the Gateway Academy as a teacher as I believe in the people of Thurrock.  I believe that our young people can achieve and working at the Gateway gives me the opportunity to help our young people build solid and secure foundations for their future.  Every single member of staff at the Academy shares this same belief in our young people.  It is this belief that changed my life as a student and inspires me to change the lives of our young people.

Jodie Lee

Teacher of History

I left The Gateway Academy in 2018 and went on to study A Levels in Law and Sociology, along with a BTEC in Health and Social Care at Palmers College.

I chose to work at The Gateway Academy because of its welcoming, inclusive environment and the strong sense of collaboration amongst staff.  From the moment I joined, I felt a genuine sense of belonging and shared purpose, with everyone committed to both student success and supporting one another.

Working with young people from my local community is incredibly rewarding.  Helping them grow, learn, and achieve their goals fills me with pride and motivates me every day, especially in a school that is dedicated to making a difference.

I am also grateful for the support I have received here—through professional development, mentorship and everyday encouragement from colleagues.  The Gateway Academy is more than just a workplace; it’s a community I am proud to be a part of.

Michaela Moon

Teacher of Science

I left The Gateway Academy in 2009, focusing on PE and Dance.   I then studied Sport and Exercise Science at the University of East London, graduating with a 2:1 in 2014.  Afterwards, I returned to the Academy as a Coach within the Pastoral Team, where I decided to pursue teaching, completing my PGCE and gaining QTS.

The Gateway Academy has been a significant part of my life, providing support through both challenges and successes.  Looking back, I realise how much it shaped my confidence and resilience.  I am so proud to be a former student and that pride motivated me to return and contribute to students' lives in the same way my teachers did for me.

Having experienced the Academy’s impact firsthand, I am dedicated to supporting and uplifting young people, particularly those from the community that shaped me.  My goal is to be a positive, steady presence in their lives, just as my teachers were for me.  I am proud to be part of The Gateway Academy family. 

Natasha Gazzard

Teacher of Science

After leaving The Gateway Academy in 2013, I studied AS Psychology, AS Sociology and BTEC Triple Applied Science at Palmer’s College.  I then went on to study Veterinary Bioscience BSc (Hons) at the University of Surrey, completing a placement in Valencia, supporting research on bacterial infections in the farming industry, and graduated with a 2:1.

I was later invited back to The Gateway Academy as a Learning Support Assistant in the Science Department, where I found satisfaction in supporting students' learning.  With the support of colleagues, I completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Science while working at the school.

I have stayed at The Gateway Academy because of the strong community and the opportunity to be part of students' journeys.  Now, as Head of Biology, I am focused on my self-development and contributing to the Academy’s progress, ensuring we continue to support our students even more effectively.