Students & Staff Celebrate Impressive A-Level Results

Students and staff at Tollbar MAT Sixth Form College are celebrating after the publication of A-level results – marking the first set of external examinations following the pandemic.

Alongside some incredible individual achievements, this year the Academy's attainment outcomes have improved in almost every grade category - with almost a quarter of grades awarded at A* and A, and over three quarters of grades at A* to C. There have also been particularly strong results in English Language, History, Politics, Religious Studies and Art & Design.

Those collecting their results will be continuing their academic studies at some of the country's top universities, with significant numbers moving on to Russell Group institutions, including, amongst others; Oxford, Warwick, Nottingham and York. Other students have successfully accessed places on highly competitive apprenticeship programmes, enabling them to complete higher level study whilst gaining invaluable experience of their chosen career pathway.

Amongst the top performers was Lucy Dudgeon, who achieved an A* in Maths, A in Biology and A in Chemistry to secure her place to study Biomedical Chemistry at the University of Oxford.

Lucy said: "Studying A Levels at Tollbar Sixth Form has been a really enjoyable experience. There were times, especially as exams got closer, that I felt the pressure building, but I felt well prepared and all the hard work has definitely paid off."

Joshua Wilkins, who joined Tollbar MAT Sixth Form College at the start of Year 12, was also delighted to find out that he had gained an A*in History, A* in Economics and A in Politics. After a rigorous selection process, Joshua has accepted an offer to join the prestigious Allen and Overy International Law Firm in London, as an apprentice Commercial Solicitor, instead of taking up one of the university places he was offered.

Joshua said: "Tollbar Sixth Form College was absolutely the right choice for me. It provided the right balance of a structured learning environment that feels very personal. The teaching staff have been outstanding in their level of support, from both an academic and pastoral perspective. I'm absolutely ready to take on the challenge of my apprenticeship and am grateful to the Sixth Form for the part they've played."

Among the other smiling faces was:

Madeleine Wilson will now go on read History at the University of Warwick, after achieving an A* in History, A* in Politics and A in English Literature.

Lily-May Williams will now be taking up her place at the University of Warwick to read English Literature after achieving an A* in Philosophy and As in English Literature and History.

Following an impressive set of results, which included three As in Maths, Chemistry and Physics, Josiah Gabbitas, is going to the University of Nottingham to study Physics and Philosophy.

Edward Wells' decision to take four A-level subjects has been met with success across the board, as he achieved an A* and three As, in order to secure his place at the University of York to study Biology.

Euan Lynch will now pursue his great passion for Music at Newcastle University after achieving an A and two Bs alongside a Grade 8 Music qualification.

A number of other students achieving outstanding grades. These included: Isabelle Wood (A,A,A), Harriet Preston (A*,A,A), Isabella Glasson (A*,A*,A), Zaieneb Gharib (A*A,B), Hannah Keenan (A,A,A), Tasha Barnard (A*,A,B), Aidan Cook (A*, A,B) and Riley Gelder (A,A,B).

Mr Nigel Whittle, Principal at Tollbar Academy, said: "We have certainly seen many impressive achievements this year. There is so much for our students to be proud of individually, but we should also applaud their collective efforts. Since I started at Tollbar, I know how hard they have worked as a group, supported by our brilliant teachers, to really challenge and support one another. They are a credit to our community.

"Despite the hurdles they have faced as a result of the pandemic - including missing their GCSE exams – the class of 2022 have excelled. I congratulate every one of them for their hard work and thank our wonderful staff for supporting them every step of the way.

"With many of our students now set to go on to prestigious universities as well as higher level apprenticeships and world-class work placements, a bright future awaits."