Thomas Gainsborough School A-level students celebrate ‘significant improvement’

Students at Thomas Gainsborough School are celebrating after their A*-C A-level pass rate rose to 80% - up from last year’s 62%.

An overall pass rate of 97%, an increase on the 96% in 2015, was achieved by the 49 students who sat A-Levels and other Level 3 qualifications.

Wayne Lloyd, headteacher at Thomas Gainsborough School, said: “Once again, we are encouraged by the progress that these results illustrate, being, as they are, a significant improvement on last year.

“This demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the young people of this area, through the high quality teaching and excellent support that the school has provided them with.”

Director of Sixth Form, Kenny Alexander said: “These results will open many doors to the young people who have worked so hard to achieve these results.

“We wish them all the very best for the next phase of their lives, be that university, college, apprenticeships or employment.”

From the overall pass rate, 10% of all entries were graded A* or A with performance in vocational subjects also strong - 79% of all entries being graded Distinction* or Distinction.

In addition, the strength of the Extended Project Qualification, an independent, student chosen and lead project, designed to prepare students for the greater independence required for higher education was a significant feature of this year’s results. 78% of all entries were graded A*-B and 96% A*-C.

These performances are significantly above those that might be expected in terms of progress, the new headline performance measure when compared to national progress rates.

Alex Southam, 19, from Clare, achieved an A, A, B and B in maths, chemistry, further maths and physics.

He said: “I felt quite confident after the exams, but as the results day gets closer you do feel nervous and have self-doubt. But I am delighted with the results and delighted to have got my first choice – studying maths at the University of Surrey.”

Harriet Barber, 18, from Great Cornard, is now preparing to study for a Master’s degree in maths at the University of Exeter after gaining an A, B and B in maths, further maths and physics.

She said: “I found out this morning that UCAS had posted the university places online. I was by myself but I was so excited that I ran downstairs and hugged my mum. I’m really happy with the results I have got.”

Daniel Young, 18, from Acton, said he was pleased with his A, A and B in maths, physics and further physics as he prepares to study physics at the University of Surrey.

Daniel admitted: “You try and stay relaxed but I was nervous before I got my results.”