Smiles all around as Worksop students collect their A-level results

Students from Worksop’s Outwood Academy Post 16 Centre have achieved a 99.5 per cent pass rate at A2, an increase from last year by 0.3 per cent.Out of this 53.5 per cent of students achieved a grade of A*-B, rising 1.4 per cent, and 82 per cent of students achieved an A*-C grade, rising by 1.1 per cent.Janette Shea, head of the centre, said: “We are delighted with the results our students have achieved again this year which is testament to the incredible hard work all our students, their families, staff, the trust board and governors at the Outwood Academy Post 16 Centre that we have yet again achieved so well.”Dr Philip Smith, executive principal at the centre added that everyone was very proud of the amazing results achieved by students, recognising the hard work needed to get these grades, and wishing them luck for the next stage of their journey.Securing a place at either Cambridge, Oxford or Warwick University were William Beswick who achieved three A* grades in chemistry, maths and further maths, Oliver Spacey who achieved three A* grades in biology, chemistry and maths along with a grade A* in extended project and grade A in AS further maths and Winnie Tai achieved A* in biology, chemistry and maths. William said: “I am waiting to hear back if I have gotten a place at Cambridge.”Winnie said: “I got three A*s, I’m very happy. I’m going to Cambridge to study medicine, “I’ve wanted to do it since year 11, so I’ve done work experience towards it. I’m very happy.Emily Jessop also achieved fantastic results with three A* grades in biology, chemistry and maths and will be studying biological sciences at the University of Durham.Emily said: “I’m really happy, I got four A*s. I’m now going to Durham University to do biological sciences, it’s been my favourite subject and I find it really interesting.”Other high achievers include Amelia Denyer who achieved two A* and one A grade in law, sociology and psychology and will be studying psychology at Sheffield Hallam University. Dominika Litwin achieved one A* and two As and one B grade and will be studying fine art at Sheffield Hallam University.Callum Ellis, Shauna Marsden and Ella Simmonite all achieved one A* and two A grades and will be studying law at the University of Leeds, primary education at Bishop Grosseteste University and neuroscience at the University of Leeds respectively.Callum said: “I’m buzzing to be honest with you. I didn’t think I would get it. I’m going to the University of Leeds to do Law. I’m really interested in it.”Shauna said: “I’m really happy. I am looking forward to getting teaching experience and I like that.”Ella said: “I’m really happy. I’m really surprised as I wasn’t sure after the exam. They were really hard so I wasn’t sure how I was going to do.“I’m going to Leeds to study Neuroscience.“It’s something that has interested me from being young.“I have seen relatives with dementia so I wanted to find out more about it.”And Leah Fanshaw, 18, said: “I’m ecstatic. I’m really surprised with my maths result. I got a C when last year I got an E. I’m going to do education studies. I just like working with children and being in a teaching environment.” Thomas Clarke said: “I got two Cs and a B. I’m going to the University of Lincoln to study physics because I like it.”Harry Langford said: “I got a distinction* in ICT, which is an A* equivalent, an A in History and a C in Business. “I got an unconditional offer from Sheffield Hallam, I’m all prepped and ready to go. “I’m studying cyber security, I’ve had a great interest in it ever since I discovered the principles of it. “I originally wanted to do ICT but I wanted to specialise in a certain area, I’m interested in protecting computers and anti-virus software and the other things that you get up to in cyber security and I decided that’s for me.”Janette said: “At this early stage, the vast majority of students have already secured their places at university and in the remaining days we hope to place everyone in a university of their choice.”And there were big smiles and happy tears at Worksop College as their students received their A-level results.With a 100 per cent pass rate and some stunning individual results, the non-academically selective school has seen a nine per cent increase in A-C grades on last year and a seven per cent increase on pupils achieving A and A* grades.Emily Marshall from Retford is over the moon with her results, getting an A, A and B. Emily is now off to take up a volunteering position in India, raising awareness and support for Women’s Rights.She said: “I’m just so happy. I actually can’t believe it.”Ollie Cordingley who started at Worksop College’s Prep School Ranby House in 2011, is currently working as a Paralegal for Sheffield firm Irwin Mitchells and had to ask for the day off to come and collect his A*, A, B grades.He said: “I haven’t decided my next step. “I know my future is in Law and Irwin Mitchell have already offered me a position, so I may go down the Degree Apprenticeship route.”Clare Tilley, head of senior school, is extremely proud as the results mark the end of her year as Acting Head at Worksop College.Clare said: “Despite the fact that the A-levels have now changed and the final exam being crucial, our results have improved across the board. “As a non-academically selective school, I believe our pastoral support and individual approach is what helps our pupils achieve their potential. “We are as proud of those who have achieved the very top grades, as we are of those who have improved on their predicted marks through sheer determination, hard work and the support of their parents and teachers. “It has been my pleasure to watch them grow and achieve and I can’t wait to see them back as Old Worksopians.”The pass rate at Doncaster’s independent school, Hill House School, was a record 100 per cent. The highest grades also saw a new record, with 36 per cent of exams at A* or A grades and an impressive 63 per cent of exams were graded at A* to B, with another record 89 per cent graded at C or above. Star performers include Worksop’s Joe Pollard who gained one A* and two As and will now go to study History and Politics at Warwick University. Alexander Wilson-MacCormack, of Lound, also did extremely well, gaining A, B, B and C.Gianni Capozzoli, who combined studies with playing for Worksop Hockey Club, also came away with some fantastic results. David Holland, headteacher, was delighted with the successes.He said: "These record results reflect a lot of hard work and talent from both students and teachers."It is also important to realise these excellent results are purely in academically challenging A-levels, and so the majority of our Upper Sixth are going to top universities on very competitive courses.’Year 13 students at Retford Oaks Academy, part of Diverse Academies, are looking forward to bright futures after another set of excellent Alevel and Level 3 results. Almost a fifth of all students achieved the top A*-B grades, and the academy saw a pass rate of 97 per cent. This is the first year that the academy has taught sixth form students in-house, with students moving back to the academy from Retford Post 16 Centre in September 2018. A number of inspirational student success stories include Tyla Sagar who achieved an A* in Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), B grades in history and English literature and a Distinction in IT. Amy Williams achieved an A in Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), a B in business studies, a B in sociology and a C in English literature.Amy said: “I am really pleased with my results. I have already been accepted for an apprenticeship in business administration at Rampton Hospital and am very excited about it.”Olivia Hurt achieved an A in sociology, a B in drama and a C in English literature.She said: “I am so happy to see that my hard work has paid off. I initially wanted to study sociology at university but didn’t think I would do quite as well as I have, so I’m now going to explore my options through clearing.”Heather Widdup, principal at Retford Oaks Academy, said: “We could not be prouder of this year’s students. With the move back into the academy coming half way through their studies, they have shown incredible perseverance and determination to achieve the best grades that they can. “Our students have benefitted from support from teachers and staff members that they are familiar with this year, and have set an excellent example to our younger students. They have shown leadership skills, maturity and responsibility in activities inside and outside of the academy and have represented us brilliantly at every level. “They all have bright futures ahead of them and their work ethic will be an excellent asset in any career path that they choose. I wish them all the best in everything that is to come.” And post 16 students at Tuxford Academy, also part of Diverse Academies, also performed exceptionally well, increasing the number of high level grades on previous years. Almost a fifth of all grades were A* or A, and 44 per cent of all grades were grade B or above. The academy’s year 13 students are also celebrating an overall pass rate of 98 per cent.There was 75 per cent of this year’s Tuxford Academy year 13 students who have been accepted to their first choice of university, further education or employment. A quarter of students have chosen to attend Russell Group universities.Matthew Dinsdale, from Tuxford, gained four A* grades in maths, physics, chemistry and biology. He will now study dentistry at the University of Sheffield.Matthew said: “I’m feeling a bit dazed, it’s amazing that all my hard work has paid off.”Caitlin Cook, from Collingham, was awarded an A* in religious studies and two A grades in history and psychology. She will be attending the University of Leeds to study history and sociology.She said: “I am surprised but very happy with my results!”Also celebrating is Megan Davies, from Cromwell, who achieved three A grades in English literature, history and fine art and will be attending the University of Edinburgh to study art history and fine art.Megan said: “I am really proud of myself and very thankful for all the help and support I received from the academy.”Another high-achiever is George Moncaster, who was awarded three A grades in history, sociology and geography and will be attending Hull University to study American studies.George said: “I am humbled and proud that my hard work has paid off.”David Vernon, Tuxford Academy principal, said: “Each year, I come to the academy on results day knowing that we will have had another fantastic set of results and excited to see what our students have achieved, and this year is no different. Our students have worked incredibly hard to achieve their goals and I am delighted to see so many happy faces and proud families today. “I wish them all the very best of luck in their next steps and would like to extend my thanks to them and to our dedicated staff team for their drive and determination over the past two years.”Leanne Murphy, assistant principal and head of Post 16 at the academy, added: “It has been a real privilege to watch these students grow and mature over the past two years, and I am thrilled for them that they have achieved the results that they deserve. I look forward to seeing what they go on to accomplish next.”