STUDENTS across Coventry have been finding out how well they have done in their A-Levels today with many exceptional performances across the city.
This year sees the first set of results since 2019 having reverted to predicted grades during the pandemic, meaning this will be the first time that many of these students will have sat any exams.
Whitley Academy
Whitley Academy students will be celebrating a ‘hugely pleasing’ set of results.
The Academy, which changes its name to Meadow Park School next month, saw 26 per cent of all grades be between A* and B with many of their students securing their first choice university or apprenticeship.
Jakub Krupa achieved a B in Maths and Physics and a C in Chemistry and will be off to Coventry University to study Aerospace Systems Engineering.
Khelya Bitemo will be studying Adult Nursing at Northampton University after getting two distinctions in Applied Science and Health and Social Care.
Headteacher Bernadette Pettman said: “It is easy to forget that for many of these students this was their first full and formal set of exams.
“They couldn’t sit their GCSEs in 2020, and they have not seen any of their peers prepare for these crucial examinations before.
“That being said, they performed brilliantly and have secured some remarkable personal outcomes that are a direct result of their hard work and determination.”
The National Mathematics and Science College
The National Mathematics and Science College saw an outstanding set of A-Level results with almost nine out of ten students achieving A* grades.
In addition, over two out of five students received at least two A* grades and 20 per cent achieved straight A* grades in Maths and Science.
This impressive string of results has seen several students confirming their places at Oxford or Cambridge, while all of their medics will be moving on to read medicine.
Principal, Dr Andy Kemp said: “The outstanding quality of these results, achieved against the backdrop of COVID19, coupled with our students’ outstanding performances throughout the year in national and international competitions, confirms that The National Mathematics and Science College is indeed the best place to be for any young person who is truly passionate about Mathematics and Science.
“The teaching they have received over the last two years has set them on an exciting path to great success, and we wish them all the best for the next stage of their exciting journeys.”
Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School
Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School has received unprecedented A-Level results, with the sixth form reporting a 100 per cent pass rate.
They also had a ten per cent increase from 2019 in the number of students receiving an A* or A, with 27 per cent achieving those grades.
Student Malachy Fawcett has become the only person in the city to secure a place on the Dyson Degree Apprenticeship after achieving an A* in Maths, an A in Further Maths and a B in Chemistry.
He said: “I’m very happy, it was lots of hard work but worth it.
“The transition from the first year to the second year was massive, some things really clicked but some other things took a while but it was a great experience.”
Declan Booth managed to secure three A* results in Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths and will study Maths at the University of Warwick.
Elizabeth Henry will also be going to the University of Warwick to study Economics after securing two A*s in Economics and Physics as well as an A in Maths.
She said: “This is my first proper examination experience and I don’t think I’ve ever been as nervous as that in my whole life but I just tried to prepare and stay calm and I got there in the end.”
Meanwhile, Kian Burke, who got an A* in Biology and two A’s in Chemistry and Maths, plans to work in a hospital during a gap year before studying medicine.
Cardinal Wiseman’s Head of Sixth Form, Richard Kingshott said: “Confronted by so much that none of us could have predicted, this amazing group of young people have not sought excuses and we are extremely proud of all of them.
“This set of results is a testament to our students’ determination to achieve academic excellence, fulfil their aspirations and continue their journey to be the best they can be.”
WMG Academy
WMG Academy is also celebrating an outstanding set of A-Level results for its Year 13 students.
Among these is 18-year-old budding software engineer Daniel Baynton who has secured an apprenticeship at Roke Manor Research after achieving three A* grades.
Daniel’s future studies will involve him focusing on defence and national security.
Other results highlights include Reece Ashby achieved three Distinction* grades and will be going on to study Games Design at Bournemouth University.
Chloe Schoolar also achieved three Distinction* grades and will be studying Veterinary Physiotherapy at Warwickshire College.
WMG Academy Chief Executive,Stewart Tait said: “I am delighted that students at WMG Academy have once again overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic over the last two years to secure world-class destinations.
“We are proud of everything our learners have achieved during their time here and wish them the very best of luck for their future careers.”
West Coventry Academy
West Coventry Academy students were also celebrating a hugely successful set of results, with several of them securing places at Russell Group Universities including Birmingham, Manchester and Queen’s University, Belfast.
Headteacher Ana Neofitou said: “We are so very proud of our students.
“It has been a difficult two years and they have shown such resilience to achieve the results they need to move on to their next life stage successfully.
“We would like to congratulate all our students on their hard work and commitment.”
Ash Green School
Ash Green school put in additional efforts to support students as they returned to the exam hall for the first time in three years.
These measures included one-to-one’ closing the gap’ classes, small group tutorials and virtual work experience opportunities, and the extra efforts by staff and pupils resulted in some fantastic results.
Lily Roett will be off to the University of Cambridge to study Natural Sciences after gaining three A* grades in Biology, Geography, Maths and an A in Chemistry.
Charlotte Radford will be taking a gap year to build her work experience following her results day grades of an A* in Biology and Psychology, along with an A in Chemistry.
Charlotte is aiming to study Psychology in 2024.
Jenna Virdee will be going to Nottingham Trent University to study Graphic Design after getting an A* in Graphics and Maths and an A in Computer Science.
Principal Umbar Sharif said: “I am very proud that our sixth formers are going out into the world as confident and independent young people who are ready for the challenges of university and the world of work.
“Thank you to all our staff for their tireless efforts to support all our students during this challenging time.”
