In a year that marked the return of external examinations to pre-pandemic grading students and staff at The Ecclesbourne School are celebrating after once again achieving fantastic A level results today 31% of grades were at A* or A, two thirds of grades were at A* to B, over 80% were A* to C grades. 31 students gained A* and A grades in all of their A Levels, an incredible achievement.
This year’s incredible results are testament to the hard work and tenacity of our students and staff and I would like to congratulate them for all of their outstanding achievements.
When you are celebrating results like this it is easy to forget what these students have been through in the last few years. They have faced significant disruption, and this is their first proper set of exams as their GCSEs were cancelled due to the pandemic. They are an incredible group of young people.
In fact, the Upper Sixth are our largest ever Sixth Form year group with almost 200 students, reflecting the popularity of our Sixth Form and our commitment to supporting all of our students to reach their personal best.
As a headteacher this is one of my favourite days of the year, as we get to see students achieving all that they have worked for and taking up their places at some of the country’s top universities as well as prestigious higher-level apprenticeships.
I wish them all every success for the future. They deserve all the praise and plaudits we can give them.
This year, more students than ever have been successful in gaining high level apprenticeships. Emma Maxwell along with Sammie Hopkins, Finn Stott, Zach Sillett and Luca Hidderley-Burton came through a very tough selection process to join Rolls Royce nuclear division as apprentices.
Emma said: “I am so happy I chose to study Physics at A Level. It is the hardest thing I have ever done and the best decision I have ever made.” Emma’s Physics teacher Dr Gregory is over the moon and said “Emma will be part of cutting-edge research and development to reduce the need for fossil fuels. I am so proud of Emma, she is the real deal and a team player.”
Archie Needham, who joined Ecclesbourne for GCSE and A Level after previously attending two other local schools, was celebrating gaining a place to read PPE at Oxford having gained A*, A, A. Archie said: “I have been very happy at Ecclesbourne and enjoyed every minute. I have loved my A Level subjects and the passion and commitment of my teachers.”
This year seven students secured places to read medicine. John Weller is off to Liverpool University realising his ambition to train as a doctor. John has balanced his studies with a very full life at school as a House Captain and even won this year’s Stars in Your Eyes competition performing as The Strokes. “I’ve loved my time at Ecclesbourne and am so glad to be going to Liverpool to study medicine.”
We would like to wish all our Year 13 Leavers happiness and success in their exciting new chapter. We will miss you but know you will continue to make us proud.