Students and staff at Stratton Upper School in Biggleswade are celebrating after the number of higher A-level grades increased, with results opened this morning.
The number of students who got A* to E grades was 99 per cent, and half of the 440 marks awarded were A* to B standard.
Headteacher Rob Watson said: “Nationally, this cohort of students has faced unprecedented pressure due to the introduction of new exam structures.
“Stratton students are, of course, not immune to this – but as a school we have focused on ensuring our students are as well prepared as they possibly could be.
“Our initial analysis shows that A* to B grades represented half of the 440 A-level exam results we have published today. Overall pass marks are also up to a figure exceeding 99 per cent.”
Among the top performers were head students Briony Whitfield, who has secured her place at the University of Cambridge to read engineering, and Peter Hessey – who is off to Durham University to pursue computer science.
Other top performers were fellow head students Joe Rumble – who will study chemistry at University of Brighton – George Thomas, who is off to Reading to specialise in property investment and finance, and Josh Corder, who will read ancient history at Nottingham.
Deputy head Jane Harper said: “We always say at Stratton that the more you put in the more you get out, and our head students fully demonstrate this philosophy.”
Sarah Phillips, who is the head of sixth form, said: “Opportunities for young people with good A-levels have developed rapidly over recent years.
“For instance, among those securing degree-level apprenticeships are Charlie Roberts – who will join builders Willmott Dixon – Emma Scott, who is heading to Vauxhall in Luton, and Ian Mansion, who has signed up for pilot officer training with the RAF.
“Giorgia Chatwin-Rago, who obtained an A*, A and B grades, will be joining consultants Deloitte in London.”
Taking a gap year before university remains a popular choice, with many students at the school using the time to expand their horizons through travel.
This year they include Kirsten Carter, who will be swapping Biggleswade for charity work in Tanzania.
Mr Watson said: “Central to our mission at Stratton is to prepare students to take their place in society.
“The qualifications our students achieve are of course essential for this, but we also prioritise helping our students develop the life skills and confidence that will allow them to explore numerous opportunities.
“The range and depth of the destinations this year are testament to the work of all colleagues at Stratton.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here