A-Level results day: Star student who scored top marks in A-Levels is now off to study astrophysics
One star student who picked up four A*s is off to study in the equally starry field of astrophysics
It has been a day filled with high emotion and good news stories as the nation’s students finally learned their A-level results today (Thursday August 15, 2024).
There was much to celebrate at Netherthorpe School, in Staveley, with many pupils exceeding their own expectations.
Among the star pupils at the Derbyshire school was Caitlin Ashley, 18, who picked up four A*s in biology, chemistry, maths and physics and is off to study astrophysics at the University of Lancaster.
She said: “It’s been so hard, literally non-stop work, but I’m going on to do astrophysics at university. I just want to study for as long as possible, I’d love to get a PhD.
“I’m going out for lunch with my parents to celebrate, probably out with my friends tonight and this weekend I’m going to York with my family.”
Jamie Manduwi, 18, got an A in maths, a B in further maths, an A in physics and a C in chemistry.
He is going to the University of Birmingham to study maths and physics with a view to working in insurance and probability in the future.
He said: “I feel really good, I was hoping for an A* in maths, maybe a grade or two up would have been nice, but I’m really proud.
“It was a lot of work, so many tests and a lot going on. Working on my exam technique was really important, it doesn’t come naturally to me.
“I really liked going to the study room during break and lunch times, it definitely helped me get here.
“My parents are in the car, they’re really happy, knowing my mum we’ll be off to Costa for a caramel frappe to celebrate.”
Tess Self, 18, picked up an A in history and Bs in politics and maths. She has secured an apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce in project management.
Chloe Oliver, 17, got As in biology and chemistry and a B in maths. She is going to York University to study chemistry.
She said: “I’m feeling really good, so relieved and excited for uni. I’ve been nervous but now I’m just relieved.
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“I’m going to celebrate with uni shopping, I’m excited to decorate my room, and I’ll go to the pub with my family to celebrate.”
Helen McVicar, headteacher of the school which belongs to Cavendish Learning Trust, said: “I'm really proud, just bursting with pride, over what our students have achieved.
“I’ve known many of our pupils for a very long time, I've often taught their parents as well, so this is a very special day.
“I'm thrilled because we have students that wouldn’t necessarily get the opportunity to study post-16; we try and give them that.
“We’ve seen successes across the board and we are thrilled that it's given them the chance to move into whatever they want to do post-16.
“All of the students have gotten where they wanted to, post-16, which is brilliant. Over the last few years there’s been lots of ups and downs, lots of unknowns, but they've been absolutely resilient, confident, and worked really, really hard to get the results that they've achieved.
“We are thrilled that we have students who have exceeded their own expectations. All students have performed incredibly well, and we are so proud.”