‘STUDENTS have excelled’. That’s the message from Matthew Judd, the headteacher of Shinfield’s Leighton Park school.
He was celebrating with sixth formers who collected their A-level results.
The school said that one of its areas of excellence is its science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM) provision, with pass rates in maths at 64% A*-B, 69% A*-B for design and technology and 67% for art.
“Once again, our students have excelled in every area and we congratulate the class of 2019 on an exceptional set of results,” Mr Judd said.
“Their hard work and dedication has been rewarded in splendid achievements, both individually and collectively.
“I am thrilled that our students are off to excellent university placements, knowing that they will thrive academically but also be young people of distinction in their character and contribution to society.”
This view was echoed by the school’s academic deputy headteacher, Karen Gracie-Langrick.
“Leighton Park is recognised as one of the top two schools in Berkshire and is in the top 3% in England by the Government’s league tables for Sixth Form progress,” she said.
“The quality of our teaching is exceptional, and a significant proportion go onto Russell Group universities each year.”
The students’ results
Aspiring doctor Faye Mui is headed for a medical degree at Queen’s University, Belfast, after receiving three A grades.
“I’m so excited, I’m shaking! I haven’t stopped shaking for an hour-and-a-half,” laughed Faye.
“I know it will be a tough five years of my life but I’m so happy that I’ve made it happen.
“I worked every day, so hard, and I got incredible support from my teachers; they have been my lifesavers.”
Fellow future medic Tilly Beckett said she was delighted with her outstanding results: “I got 2A*s and 1 A and I’m thinking about taking a gap year and applying for medicine, it’s good to have all my options open.”
Her proud Mum added: “I think we’re both in shock really.”
Wallance Chen (2A*s, 1A) is heading to Economics and Maths at London School of Economics (LSE). Wallance is also a talented musician, famed at school for his performances on the Chinese instrument, the erhu.
Equally musical, cellist Aamina Morbi, who enjoyed playing in the School’s orchestra was delighted to achieve A*AA and is looking forward to reading English Literature in Scotland.
She said: “I chose Edinburgh University because I’ve always liked the city and the course suited me the most.
“I will cover so much; I’m looking forward to it. I just want to get there now. My teachers here were so great, they really inspired me. I don’t think I’d have done English if it wasn’t for them.”
Surpassing his grade expectations, national para-swimmer Owen Say is looking forward to a year out, starting with a jaunt of Interrailing, followed by six months of intensive training at High Wycombe Swimming Club, one of the Swim England National Performance Centres.
He hopes to go on to study Geography or Psychology at Nottingham or Manchester, both of which are also National Performance Centres, with his sights set on the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Head boy in Exiles
Already out to work, with a contract starting the day after his final A-level is Leighton Park’s head boy, Chunya Munga (A*AA).
He has signed to Premiershiup rugby union side London Irish for an initial two years as a rugby professional and will be appearing at the Madejski Stadium this autumn.
“It’s like a dream; I’m getting to do something that I love every day, with my friends, and I’m being paid for it,” he said.
His Mum, Lisa, was over the moon at his results.
“I was trying not to cry on my way in,” she said. “We’re all going to miss Leighton Park so much. Chunya had a brilliant experience here, there is something so special about LP that you can’t put your finger on. I’m delighted he’s got the results he has.”
Open evening
The school is holding a sixth form open evening on Tuesday, October 15, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. For more details, log on to www.leightonpark.com/visitus or call the school on 0118 987 9608.
