It has obviously been an exceptionally unusual year for exams and results, but the feelings of joy, pride and relief amongst students and staff have been just as strong as ever this morning.
The students certainly should feel proud too. They have had to put up with so much this year, not just academically but socially as well, and they have shown remarkable forbearance and grit to maintain the levels of performance they have. There can be no doubt that their successes today have been hard-earned and thoroughly deserved. It has been a real privilege to work with such wonderful young people and we are delighted to see them do so well.
In line with tradition, we would like to pay special tribute to the highest performers. Imogen Good secured a magnificent four A* grades at A’ level and the following students all gained three A* grades: Thomas Antrobus, Samuel Boyer, Elliot Haskins, Francis Nesarajah, Aidan-Lea Porter, Thomas Ridge, Harry Smith, Gwen Tavernier.
On BTEC courses, Sophie Mullarkey got a triple Distinction* in Sport and the following students got at least two Distinction* and/or A* A’ level grades: Ellie Atkin, Sadie Fairhurst, Natasha Garside, Bradley Gibson and Georgina Fitton.
Of course, these students are just the tip of the iceberg and there are so many others who we could mention for performances that are exceptional in different ways. Huge congratulations to all of them.
Ultimately, today is about ensuring students have achieved what they need to take their desired next steps and we are delighted that the nearly all have now secured places at their chosen universities. These include many of the most prestigious institutions in the country, such as Oxford, Durham, Edinburgh, York, Warwick, Manchester, Bristol, Imperial College London and UCL.
As always, there are a very small number of students who haven’t quite got what they needed and we understand what a horrible feeling that can be – and it’s perhaps worse than ever in the circumstances of this year. However, we are working hard to support these individuals and are confident that they will soon find a pathway they are happy with.
Congratulations once again to Year 13: you really do deserve it, and I’m sure today’s success is just the start for all of you.
Gwyn Williams
10th August 2021
