Our Year 13 Sixth Form students have been into school to collect their A Level results today and to share their success with each other and teachers and to get advice about possible next steps.

Some of the students had not looked at their results before opening their envelopes here in school and a good number knew they had been accepted by universities or colleges but didn’t know their grades until looking in their envelopes.

Evelyn who got very high grades said: “I was very nervous this morning but I’m very happy now.  I’m going on to study Sports and Exercise Psychology at university.”

Parents/carers have also been celebrating with their children and there were many visitors in the hall with us.  “I am so proud of him,” said one parent.  “He’s the first of our family to get to university or even go to Sixth Form.”  Her son Sam has successfully gained a place a King’s College to study English Law and Spanish Law.

“The staff in the Sixth Form are really, really good,” said Sam.  They are especially good at supporting students like me with autism.”

First Exams

The first formal exams that this cohort sat were these A levels.  Despite the huge amount of pressure and anxiety they were facing in a completely new situation, our students have achieved results that are stable with 2019, pre pandemic.  Mrs Theay, Head of Post 16 said: “It has been a privilege to be part of their journey and I am excited to see where the next stage takes them.”

There were a range of destinations opening up for our students after the results including for Tess and Laurence who both gained places at the University of Oxford.  With four A*s Laurence will be studying Philosophy and French.  “I originally thought about law but have switched to philosophy because I love it so much,” said Laurence.  “I’m not sure about what I want to do for a career but may still go into law or perhaps into the diplomatic service.”

Further destinations include a Nutrition degree which Farrah has a place for at the University of Surrey and Agriculture with Farm Business Management which Hannah is hoping to do.

It has been an emotional day and there are many doors opening for our young people.  A delighted and amazed Maddy whose parents had joined her in the hall said: “I’m kind of scared but very happy and excited.”  She’s going on to study Law at the University of Nottingham and is aiming for a career in law.

Well done everyone and you have taken the first step into the future and we wish you all well.