Today is A Level results day and pupils in schools across Wokingham borough – and just over the border – are celebrating their grades.
We’ll be bringing you updates from the schools as we get them.
Bracknell & Wokingham College
STUDENTS on half of the A-Level subjects studied at Bracknell and Wokingham College achieved a 100% pass rate as results were released on Thursday, August 18.
Cheri Ashby, Activate Learning’s deputy chief executive officer, said: “I would like to say a massive congratulations to everyone who has passed their A-Levels today and got the grades they need to go onto the next stage of their chosen career pathway.
“I know there are a number of students with offers from some of the best universities in the country and I’m incredibly proud of all the hard work they have put in over the past two years to get where they are.
“What our students have achieved today is nothing short of amazing, given the disruption they have experienced to their education during the pandemic.”
The further mathematics department maintained a 100% pass rate for the fourth consecutive year, 4% above the national average from 2018/19.
The biology department preserved their 100% pass rate for the second consecutive year, 6% above the pre-pandemic national average.
Physics students also secured a 100% pass rate, with history pupils achieving 93%.
The college’s top performer was Natasha Wheeler who received three A*s in biology, chemistry and mathematics.
She finished her A-Levels at the college after relocating, having originally started them at school.
Natasha said: “I’m very happy. I had a really good time at college. I joined in September as we moved to the area. Adjusting to studying here was much easier than I thought it would be, as everyone was very nice and welcoming.
“Thank you to all my teachers who were very supportive and checked on me regularly. I hope they miss me.
“I’m very excited about going to the University of Oxford to study medicine and train to become a doctor.”
Lizzy Hatherley achieved an A* in mathematics and B grades in physics and further mathematics.
She will be studying a master’s degree in mathematics and physics at the University of Surrey, with aspirations of becoming a researcher in astrophysics or nuclear physics.
Lizzy said: “I’m very happy about my grade for maths. I thought I would have done better in further maths but I’ve got my place at university, so never mind.
“I’m quite nervous about going to university as it’s a big change, but I’m excited to be studying what I’m more interested in.”
Leah Waughman secured an A in Biology, a B in Chemistry and a B in mathematics
and is going to read biological sciences at the University of Brighton.
Leah said: “I’m really happy with my results, especially Biology, as that is the one I really cared about the most.
“I’m really excited about going to university. I’m a little nervous, but it will be a good move for me.”
Ellie Wingfield achieved B grades for mathematics and further mathematics.
She will return to Bracknell and Wokingham College in September to study A-Level physics on a fast-track basis.
Ellie said: “I’m happy with my results. I did much better than I thought I would have done.
“The teaching was really good. I had Bal and Richard, who were both really good. I could go to them whenever I needed or get in touch with them by email. They were really helpful.
“Doing A-Level physics here will be hard but I will get through it.”
The college are also hand to assist students who didn’t achieve the results they wanted.
Ms Ashby said: ““Unfortunately, there will be some of our students who have not done as well as expected today. For these students, we will be working with them to find a solution
and make sure they are able to progress onto something they want to do.
“We will also be offering our support to students from other schools and colleges that might not have done as well as expected, as we want to ensure every young
person achieves their potential.”
Edgebarrow
STUDENTS at a Crowthorne sixth form are celebrating their A-Level results, with more than 90% receiving A* to C grades.
Of that 92%, 69% of pupils at Edgbarrow School achieved A* to B, something the school is keen to recognise.
A spokesperson said: “We would like to congratulate our students for all their hard work and are very grateful to families for all their magnificent support.
“This cohort of students had to cope with huge disruption during the pandemic and this is the first set of external exams that they have had to sit; they should be hugely proud of their achievements.
“We would also like to thank all the staff at the school for their time, dedication and support of our fantastic students.”
A number of pupils have secured places at highly selective universities including Dylan Henry who achieved 4A* and will be reading computer science at Warwick.
Joel Trainer with 3A*s and an A will study Engineering at Oxford, Tallie Hacke-Woods with 2A*A, and an A* in her EPQ, is off to read Sociology and Politics at Edinburgh and Ella Conduit’s two A*s and an A earned her a place to read History and Politics at Cambridge.
Riona Nothard, who secured an A* and two As, is going to Oxford to study psychology and linguistics.
She said: “I am so thrilled with my results and overwhelming relief that I have my university place and really excited about my courses.
“I haven’t decided on a career path yet but I’m so looking forward to uni life.”
Kai Gordeno also received an A* and two As and is going to Manchester to study International Business.
Kai said: ‘I am feeling pretty pleased. I didn’t get much sleep last night because I think the news made it more stressful than it actually was.
“I would never have got such good grades if the teachers weren’t so supportive and friendly, and I also had a really good set of friends – we drove each other on.”
Similar successes have been achieved by students studying vocational courses.
Izzie Warner earned double distinction* and an A* and will be taking a gap year
Cameron Fritz secured a double distinction* and a distinction, earning his place to read computer game design at the University of South Wales.
Other successful students have secured jobs and apprenticeships.
Will Clark is already working as operations manager at Gravity Force and achieved distinction* and two Distinctions, whilst Ben Mihell will be starting an apprenticeship in underwriting at Zurich Insurance after earning a double distinction* and a merit.
Emmbrook
YEAR 13 students at The Emmbrook School are celebrating this morning after receiving their A-Level results following more than two years of disrupted learning.
More than a quarter of all grades were A* or A and over 50% of grades at A*-B.
There was success for individuals, with over 12% of students achieving three A grades or better and almost half of students achieving an A grade in at least one of their subjects.
David Constable, head of sixth form at the school, said: “The results this year group have achieved are the culmination of two years of hard work.
“This year group have experienced a number of challenges, and have had a far from normal sixth form experience, but they have risen to the challenge to achieve an excellent set of results which is evidence of the quality of student we had in this year group.
“They have been a wonderful group of students to work with. We are all very proud of everything they have achieved, and everything they have done for the school.”
Due to the pandemic, qualifications have not been determined by exams since 2019.
This year group of students were unable to sit their GCSE’s when they were in Year 11 so faced the pressure of exams for the first time.
Pete Whitehouse, assistant headteacher responsible for post-16, said: “The way the students approached their studies and prepared for their ‘first’ public exams demonstrated what a resilient and aspirational group they are.
“They managed to block out all the external noise around the uncertainty of exams and overcome the challenges of the disruptions of covid.
“The end outcome is a superb set of results which will allow them access to move on to the next stage of their journeys, whether it be university, apprenticeship or the world of work.”
High performing subjects at A*-A included maths and further maths, computer science, biology, chemistry and physics, English literature, psychology and economics.
One of those high performing students is Will Mansell-Cook, 18, who studied Maths, Computer Science and Economics and achieved three A’s .
He said: “It’s relieving in a lot of ways, I was worried because of the effects of covid on learning but I got the grades I needed.
“Personally I feel online learning wasn’t too hard for me but you definitely had to focus more.
“Coming back after lockdown with all the masks and stuff was annoying.”
As a result of his grades, he received his first choice of university and is going to study a three year Computer Science course at the University of Birmingham in September.
“I’m definitely excited but it’s going to be a big change,” said Will.
Forest School
FOREST SCHOOL in Winnersh is celebrating its A-Level students after 23% achieved A* to A this year, more than double what was obtained in 2019.
Headteacher Shirley Austin said she was personally delighted that all students are leaving with A-Levels and a “high proportion” with A* to C grades.
Ms Austin was also keen to pay tribute to her colleagues.
She said: “Moving our A*-A is astonishing and highlights the teachers’ work.
“Students from Forest will be leaving here to take up places at universities such as Oxford, London School of Economics, Bristol, Cardiff, Royal Holloway, Sheffield and Sussex to study a diverse range of subjects including maths, astrophysics, economics, pharmacy, neuroscience, film and engineering.
“Others have gained employment at sought after apprenticeships schemes following the outstanding guidance from all staff but particularly Mr Jackman, who as head of sixth form also offers fantastic independent and individualised careers guidance to every student.”
Particular achievements included Maya leading the way with 3 A*s, Cillian fulfilling his ambition to read languages at Oxford and Haroon with 2 A* and 2A’s which takes him to Warwick University to study engineering.
Many students achieved A*-B, including Tommy Crompton, Thomas D’Abreo, Miraj Choudhry, Ezra Peters, Theo Phillips, James Roberts, Dan Jones and James Swain.
The school is also celebrating Josh Cox, Max Drury and Joel Whitlock’s success, achieving well above their expected grades with distinctions and distinctions star.
Ms Austin added: “Well done to all our students – another great year of academic success to go alongside the already excellent sporting success, and one for us to build on as we journey to becoming outstanding in the eyes of Ofsted.”
LVS Ascot
STUDENTS at LVS Ascot are commemorating a successful day after receiving their A-Level results on Thursday, August 18.
As of 8AM. 39 pupils had received offers from their preferred universities.
Despite a drop in top grades nationally, the school increased the number of A* grades by 50% from 2021.
Principal, Christine Cunniffe, said “We are so proud of all our pupils who have shown such resilience after not taking formal exams for two years, each and every one of them should be so proud of their outstanding results.
“We are so delighted that our results this year are the highest they have been in a decade, this is a testament to not only our students but our staff.”
Kiertan, head boy who achieved three A*’s and will be attending Imperial College in September.
He said “I am really happy with my results, the support I have received from the teachers at LVS has impacted the grades I got today. I wish everyone the best of luck for their next steps.”
Joel, a sixth former who took BTEC’s, said “The small class sizes and support that each student receives enabled me to achieve great results.
“I am excited for my next steps at London South Bank University to take media production. LVS Ascot has left me with fond memories and great friends.”
Maiden Erlegh
WITH two thirds of them achieving A*-B grades at A Level, pupils at a school in Earley are celebrating today.
Maiden Erlegh School students’ grades are significantly higher overall than in pre-covid 2019.
Paul Gibson, Headteacher said:
“This year group have been through so much.
“To achieve what they have is nothing short of remarkable.
Results are significantly up on all previous measures including the Teacher Assessed Grades in 2021.
With a 99% pass rate, there is much for them all to celebrate.
More than a third of pupils, (36%) achieved an A or A* grade, and an impressive 85% gained a C grade or above.
Mr Gibson continued:
“It is a true testament to the students’ resilience, dedication, and focus.
“I am proud of each one of them and I know they will go on to wonderful careers and flourish, based on the character they have shown.”
There were big smiles for Sean B and George C, both of whom gained 4 A*s; Zainab A and Cameron C who achieved 3 A*s; and Kieran M’s 3 A*s and 1 A.
Ann Cheshire, Head of Sixth Form said:
“Our students’ results today are richly deserved.
“They were an exceptional year group who faced unprecedented challenges.
“I wish all of them every luck for the future.
“I am absolutely delighted for them and their parents.”
Many students will be taking exciting next steps, some going on to Oxbridge, Russell Group Universities, some taking on apprenticeships, and others exploring gap year opportunities.
“There are many success stories,” said Mr Gibson.
“Too many to individually mention, such as students who have lost close family relatives and gone on to gain outstanding results.
“Today, I have been celebrating with them all.”
“Class of 2022, it has been a privilege to call you Maiden Erlegh students – we wish you all the best!”
St Crispins
WITH 64% of St Crispin’s students achieving an A*-B grade today, there are plenty of reasons to punch the air.
“We are delighted!” says Headteacher Andy Hinchliff.
“So many of our students have achieved wonderful A Level and Level 3 qualification results.”
Special congratulations go to Will Martin, who achieved A*A*A and will go on to study Engineering at the University of Exeter.
“We are thrilled that the hard work Will has demonstrated throughout his time at St. Crispin’s has been rewarded, said Mr Hinchliff.
Achieving A*A*A in her A levels and an A in the Extended Project Qualification, Emma Pill will go to further her studies in Modern Languages and History at the University of Birmingham.
“It has been a joy to witness Emma flourish in the Sixth Form and we are sure that she is destined for great things,” continues the headteacher.
Robyn Draper achieved an A grade and two Distinction* grades and will study Criminology at Bournemouth University.
Mr Hinchliff says:
“Robyn has done fantastically well to achieve these results and we are delighted to hear of her success.”
And Timothy Wyper will read Mathematics at Southampton University, having achieved A*AA.
“A highly committed student, Timothy deserves this recognition and we look forward to hearing of his future successes,”
He continues:
So many of our students have secured their next steps in education, gaining access to apprenticeships and university courses, which we are so proud to see.”
Waingels
A WOODLEY college has seen almost two-thirds of its pupils obtain A* to B grades, with 35% achieving A* to A in their A-Level results.
Lindsey Humber, head of school at Waingels College, said the staff are “immensely proud” of the students’ achievements after two years of disrupted learning.
She said: “Our students have shown remarkable maturity and resilience and our teachers and support staff have worked tirelessly to ensure students are all able to progress onto further education and study, and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future.”
As well as A-Levels, pupils on vocational courses are receiving their results today and the average grade at Waingels was a distinction.
The school is also celebrating some of its pupils’ “truly outstanding achievements”.
Millie has accepted an offer from the University of Bristol to study Geography
Arun will be heading to Oxford University’s Worcester College to read German.
Matthew is going to study Mathematics at the University of Warwick
Deborah joined the college in Year 12 from another local school and, whilst holding a role on the Waingels head team, will be going to study sports rehabilitation at AECC University College.
Many of the students will also be starting apprenticeships in the coming months.
Ben has secured a nuclear engineering apprenticeship with AWE, Jamie will be starting an apprenticeship in project management at Thames Water and Jade is going to do an apprenticeship with British Airways
Wellington College
WELLINGTON COLLEGE has lauded the “phenomenal” efforts of its pupils and staff after A-Level results were released on Thursday, August 18.
Of all grades received, 94.8% were A* to B with 37.4% of those an A*.
A total of 22 students achieved A*s across the board with 51 pupils securing A*AA or better.
Benjamin Evans, the deputy head academic, said: “Wellington College’s A level results are very pleasing, representing a significant improvement from 2019, with more top grades than were achieved in 2020.
“All members of the community have displayed genuine fortitude and resilience during the last two years and this group of young adults realise that obstacles exist to be overcome and that challenges are to be met head on.
“As a community, we have not wavered in our understanding that though the path to success never runs smooth, the rewards of commitment to academic study are far more profound than can be measured by grades.”
The college also offers sixth form pupils the opportunity to study the International Baccalaureate (IB)
When the A-Level and IB results are combined, 47% of grades were A* or 7, 84% were A*/A or 7/6 and 97% were A* to B or 7 to 5.
James Dahl, the Master of Wellington, was delighted with the results and commented: “I am so proud of all our upper sixth graduates and their results are the product of a phenomenal team effort between staff and pupils.
“We must not forget that this year group also produced performing arts of professional quality, were national finalists – and even champions – in numerous girls’ and boys’ sports and were simply a delight to have around the college, contributing so generously and leading so effectively both internally and with numerous external partnerships.
“They were a brilliant cohort who deserve every success.”
