BUDEHAVEN Community School has been celebrating the achievements of 81 sixth form students as the school again declares outstanding A Level and BTEC examination results.

Budehaven students are celebrating the culmination of two years’ hard work with excellent A Level and BTEC examination results. A third of Budehaven students achieved A*, A or Distinction grades, with an overall pass rate of 98%.

Headteacher, Tracey Reynolds, said: “It has been particularly pleasing to see students rise to the challenge of the new tougher A Levels. These students were the first year group to take the new two-year A Level courses, so their achievements are even more outstanding when set into that context.

“I am thrilled that over half of our students achieved A*, A and B grades, and that they have gained even more A* and A grade results in their A Level results than last year. In addition, 100% of our students studying for BTEC examinations achieved distinction or merits — so a huge well done to all our sixth formers. I am very proud of them.”

Many students have done especially well, and have been accepted onto high status courses at the best universities in the UK. Shaun Foster gained an incredible A*, A*, A*, A grades and will study modern languages and international relations at Cambridge University after a year’s travelling. Finn Roper achieved two A*s and two A grades, and will now embark on a physics degree at Durham University. Joining him at Durham will be Lowenna Hooper, who gained A*, A, B and will study for a degree in mathematics.

Tom Sobey achieved A*, A, A, B, opening the doors to the University of Bristol, one of the top performing Russell Group universities, to read mechanical engineering. Also attending Bristol University will be Alfie Oliver, Budehaven’s recipient of the Jon Coney award this year, who achieved A*, A, A.

Kai Sells achieved A*, A and two Distinction awards, and he is off to Exeter University to study computer science. Molly Turner achieved two A grades and a B grade, which has enabled her to read history at the University of Edinburgh. Chloe McGrath, who has now achieved a full set of A grades, will realise her dream to study to become a doctor. She will be joining the medics at the University of Liverpool to study for a degree in medicine.

This year, students studying BTEC courses achieved a string of Distinction grades, enabling many of them to pursue undergraduate courses. Over half of students taking a BTEC of Cambridge National course achieved Distinction. Most students of BTEC courses are moving on to university, and the vast majority have achieved the grades necessary to attend their first choice university. Those moving into employment and apprenticeships have all gained the grades required to secure their places.

Three of the BTEC sport students gained three Distinction grades — Will Clarke, Harry Finley and Archie Harriss. Will intends to read sport management at the University of Buckingham; Archie will be using his grades to move into a career in the Armed Forces, whilst Harry will take a gap year.

Assistant headteacher and director of Post 16, Matt White, praised the students for their commitment and efforts. He said: “I am so pleased that the hard work has paid off and that they can now realise their ambitions. The year group are leaving us with results that will stand them in good stead for the future with grades that they can be really proud of.”

Chair of governors, Darren Humphries, praised the work of the staff at the school in ensuring the continued success of Post 16 students. He said: “The governors are proud of our students’ hard work and their results, and the high quality of teaching that has helped them to get to this point. We wish them the absolute best as they move onto university, into employment or onto apprenticeships.”