A Levels: First Oxbridge student in Sir William Robertson Academy’s history

Year 13 students are celebrating their A level and BTEC results, with Sixth Former Alethea Meachem from Newark becoming the first in the school’s history to achieve a place at prestigious Oxford University.

Alethea, Head Student and leader of the School Council, achieved three A* grades in Chemistry, English Literature and French, and has secured a place at St Anne’s College to read English Literature and French.

Alethea’s achievement marks a significant milestone for the Academy, whose Sixth Form was established in September 2012. The school’s recent results reflect its continued success, with the majority of students securing places at their first choice universities.

Samuel Wright, also from Newark, is going to study Computer Science at the University of Sheffield having achieved Distinction* in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Computing. Callum Laud from Caythorpe gained a Distinction in this qualification, and will be studying Computer Science at the University of Lincoln. Hannah Grindley from Waddington will begin a degree in Nursing at the University of York and Charlotte Jordan will be studying Primary Education with QTS in Nottingham.

Health and Social Care students Laura Enright from Navenby and Madison Lowdon from Newark both achieved A* grades, and Beth Andersen from Welbourn achieved grade A. All are now intending to continue their studies in this field at university. Fleur Hutton from Grantham will be undertaking a degree in Drama having achieved grade B in the subject at A level.

Sir William Robertson Academy’s BTEC Level 3 Sport students are again celebrating success in their course, with Abbie Bennison from Newark gaining a triple Distinction and Freya Grocock from Fulbeck gaining a double Distinction and Merit. Both are going on to study Sports Business Management at the University of Lincoln. Dylan Mercer from Sleaford, Jack O’Malley Dempsey and Connor Jackson are also pursuing the field at Leeds Beckett University having achieved Merit in the single qualification.

Some students opted to join apprenticeship programmes, including Lucy Finch from Beckingham, who will be returning to the Academy in September as a Teaching Assistant.

Exams were cancelled for the first time in history this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, meaning that results were calculated using centre assessed grades which were then moderated nationally.

Mr Mark Guest, Headteacher, said: “We are delighted that this year’s grades continue the school’s strong track record of performance in our growing Sixth Form. After a year like no other, it is wonderful to know that our students are securing their preferred courses at their chosen universities or are entering some fantastic workplaces with great career opportunities. I am delighted that Alethea has secured her place at Oxford University and I should like to wish her, and all of our 2020 cohort of students, every success for the future.”

Charlotte Wilson, Head of Sixth Form, added: “I am so proud of the outgoing Year 13 students who have flourished during their time at Sixth Form; they have developed skills and knowledge that they can confidently take forward into their chosen destinations. It is also fantastic to see more students than ever choosing to continue their education at university, pursuing courses they have achieved well in at A level. I have no doubt that this excellent group of young people will be successful and I wish them all the very best for the future.

“Special congratulations must go to Alethea Meachem - Oxford University is lucky to have gained an exceptionally gifted academic and wonderful young woman.”