STUDENTS at Ashlawn School celebrated A-Level and BTEC results which were up on almost every measure on previous years.
The number of students achieving the top grades of A* and A was up by almost 25 per cent on last year, with the average grade for BTECs moving to a Distinction.
Luke Marsh managed to secure three A*s alongside training as part of the Great Britian gymnastic squad. His hope is to compete at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
He said: “I have had really strong support from the school as I have tried to balance training with my education. It has been a real team effort, and I am delighted with my results today.”
Maisie Holloway was also celebrating after securing an A in Chemistry. Maisie broke her back in a fall from a horse in 2023, and was unable to complete her exams last year as well as she would have hoped as she was in a back brace.
Determined to secure the grades she needed to be accepted to train to become a vet, she resat Chemistry this year and secured the final A she needed to achieve her dream.
Maisie said: “I am blown away to get the grade this year. I have spent 20 hours per week studying this subject over the last 12 months, and getting the grade I needed now gives me the platform to achieve my dream of caring for large animals.”
Tom Unett surpassed his own expectations to secure two A*s and an A.
Tom said: I can’t thank the school enough. The support over the last two years has been excellent, and my teachers really have done everything they could to support me.”
Richard Phipps secured three A*s and opened up his results live on the BBC – who were at the school to capture Ashlawn’s success stories.
Principal Paul Brockwell said: “It has just been lovely getting to see these students collect their results today. Not only are they intelligent and enthusiastic students, they are also genuinely impressive young people who are kind and compassionate and deserve to go far in life.
“Behind every impressive result is a story of challenges overcome, sacrifices made and real dedication to their goals and dreams. Alongside our brilliant staff, they have worked together to support one another through this – and that sense of community was evident today.
“It is also important to acknowledge the role that family, friends and our own staff have in supporting these students. It is a huge team effort, and I know the lengths our staff go to help them achieve their huge potential.
“As a community we should all be hugely proud not just of what the Class of 2024 has achieved now – but the platform we have helped set for their futures.
“I have no doubt that they will go one to shine in their careers and passions, and I look forward to seeing the impact that they will have.”
