SIXTH formers at a Hartford high school are celebrating their remarkable A-level success.
St Nicholas Catholic High School has seen huge success this year with 84 per cent of A-level examinees applying to university managing to secure a place for this year.
Many students will be going on to elite Russell Group institutions and prestigious high-demand courses such as medicine, while one student, Sophie Morrin, is off to the University of Texas on a full sports scholarship, thanks to her well-honed skills on the football pitch.
Other student destinations include the Royal Air Force, and both higher and degree level apprenticeships in finance, hospitality, and industry.
Head teacher, Craig Burns, who's only been at the school since easter, says he sorry he hasn’t had change to get to know this year’s leavers class very well.
“We’re incredibly proud of the result they’ve achieved,” he said.
“The vast majority have secured their first choice of university, which is excellent.
“We also have students who’ve secured level three and degree apprenticeships. That's wonderful news and we couldn’t be happier for them.
“I only joined this school at Easter so I’ve only had one term with them, but they way they conduct themselves around school shows me they’re great role models for the younger students.
“They’ve really put the work in and knuckled down, and now they’ve got the results to prove it.
“It’s worth taking a minute to think about what this year group has been through.
"It’s not just the Covid years with the missing proms and uncertainty around teacher-assessed grades.
“If you look at the world today, there is so much going on they have to deal with. What a difficult time to be an 18-year-old moving on to the next stage of your life.
“However, I think they're well prepared, and we’re looking forward to welcoming them onto our alumni scheme where we hope they'll come back and share their life experiences with younger students.”
Tom Bradley, assistant head and sixth form director, said: “I'm immensely proud of all of our students and the achievements they have made in the face of adversity over the past 3 years.
“84 per cent of students who applied to university were successful in securing a place.
"Others have found high level apprenticeships in hospitality, finance, and the RAF.
"We also have students successful in their application to medical school and various Russell Group universities.
"I have no doubt that they will all go on to be a huge success in their various chosen paths."
Logan Crowley is off to medical school at Newcastle University with As in maths and biology, and a B in chemistry.
"I just always want to be a doctor I think", the 18-year-old said.
"It's about the direct impact you can have on people's lives.
"My mum's worried about me living so far from home, but I'm sure it'll be fine.
"I want to say a huge thanks to all my teachers here.
"They've been fantastically supportive."
Alek Jackson, 18, got two A*s and a A in geography, business studies, and PE.
He's off to Lancaster to study physical geography and hopes to work in the environment and sustainability sector.
The 18-year-old is really into walking and climbing, which is why he chose Lancaster - it's right on top of the Lake District.
He's the first person in his family to go to university, so his his top grades are an extra special acheivement.
Jacob Foster is off to the University of Sheffield with AAB with maths, economics and geography.
He's doing maths.
"I'm not sure what I want to do yet, but I've got 3 or 4 years to sort that out", he said.
"Sheffield's handy for the Peak District, and I'm big into climbing."
When asked what he'll be doing with the rest of A-Level results day, he said: 'Spoons!'.
Gabriel Mikoleizik, 18, is delighted with BBC in law, business studies, and economics.
He's off to Manchester Met next month to study law, with hopes of becoming a criminal barrister, and one day, a judge!
"There's such a backlog in the courts at the moment," he said.
"Some people are held on remand for years, waiting for their day in court.
"I want to help close that gap. That's how I want to make a difference."
Bella Jones studied biology, history, and psychology, and is off to Swansea in a few weeks time.
"I didn't sleep a wink last night", she said.
"I'm not certain about what I want to do after uni, but I'm thinking maybe law, or clinical psychology."
St Nicholas' head boy, George Bainbridge, achieved A*s in maths and geography, and an A in French, plus an A grade AS-level in further maths 'which was quite a shock' he said.
He's off to the University of Birmingham to study maths.
"It's been a nerve-wracking few days", he said.
"All the negative media coverage hasn't been helpful.
"I'm really looking forward to uni, especially meeting new people and trying new things, and studying more advanced topics.
"The teachers here have all been amazing."
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