STUDENTS across the Vale were pondering the next step yesterday after picking up their exam results.

Thousands of young people picked up results for their studies of A Levels, BTECs and more on Thursday, August 17.

Schools praised their pupils, congratulating them on successes and their efforts.

The Gryphon School, Sherborne

ACTING headteacher, Jim Gower, said he was “incredibly proud” of all students.

“This year group has never sat formal examinations before, having had their GCSE year disrupted by the pandemic and lockdowns,” he said.

“This led to the cancellation of their GCSEs, and teacher assessed grades being used, so to see them succeed despite the challenges of the last three years is amazing.

“The students’ success reflects their hard work and talent but also the incredible commitment and dedication of our truly wonderful staff.

“Our school community is a tight knit team that works closely together to achieve the very best possible outcomes for our students in order to maximise their life chances. I am so proud and grateful to everyone who has contributed to these excellent results”.

And head of sixth form, Paul O’Donnell, added: “We are delighted with the A level and BTEC results of our Sixth Form students this year.

“This year group was a fantastic group of students to work with and they have achieved superb results that reflect their effort and hard work as well as their intellect and endeavour.

“Every single student should be proud of their efforts, as should their teachers and tutors who have supported them over this time.

“These results will undoubtedly set them up well for their next stage of their lives and we look forward to hearing about their future successes.”

Three Gryphon students are heading to Oxbridge universities this year: Adam Coleman, to read Physics and Ed Smith to read Engineering at Oxford University; and Neve Mumford to read English at Cambridge University.

The Gryphon also has students entering other highly competitive courses: Emma Gompertz (University of Cardiff), Aaron Neaves (Brighton & Sussex Medical School) and Vicky Andanova (Cardiff University) to study Medicine; Amelie Moores (Cardiff University) to study Dentistry and Rosie Beeson (University of Surrey) to study Veterinary Science.
Other students who have demonstrated exceptional performances include Henry Spencer and Jess Watson who achieved 3 A* grades and Jazz Smith, Chloe Gillett, Seb Barker, Hannah Blundy, who were awarded 2 A*s and an A grade.

Chloe Gillett is heading to Royal Holloway University to study English and Creative Writing.

She said: “I’m very relieved, it’s been a long process and it’s paid off. I’m very excited about my next steps.”

Ed Smith, who is going to Oxford to read Engineering, said: “I’m delighted – I wasn’t expecting it. I’m so grateful and just really happy.”

Vicky Andanova added: “It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions. I’m so thankful for my teachers, I couldn’t have done it without them. I’m super excited and I can’t wait for university.”

Students who have chosen to follow a different route studying BTECs also performed ‘superbly’, the school said.

The following students achieved a Distinction* in their specialist fields: Ethan Bailey, Lillian Clothier, Isabel Green & Charlie Littlewood (Catering) and Harriet Caws-Lovelace (Heath & Social Care).

Sturminster Newton High School

HEADTEACHER Jason Davis said: “We are very proud of all our students today. These results reflect their ongoing hard work throughout the course and also the support and encouragement they received from their parents and school staff.

“Well done to all of them and we wish them continued success in their future studies and employment.”

Head of sixth form, Sam Ling, said: “They are a tremendous group of students and I’m so please their hard work has paid off.

“They have really gone above and beyond in the sixth form, not just in academic work but in working with younger students, heading school events and working in the community.

“I am really pleased and proud for them. Every student should be proud of their efforts.”

Among the highlights were Katie Hull, who achieved an A* and two A grades, plus an A grade in her EPQ in the Arts and Humanities subjects.

Elsie Hayward achieved four A grades and an A grade EPQ.

In a highly competitive field Rosie Woods-Richmond will be heading to Cardiff to study medicine.

A number of students achieved top grades in BTEC subjects, including Willow Franklin and Kayleigh Hall who achieved Distinction* and Rebecca Hill and Shannon Lockyer-Briggs achieving Distinction.

Students are off to a wide range of destinations this year: Tom White (Plymouth) Ocean Science and Marine Conservation, Toby Gomer (East Anglia) Speech and Language, Henry Haydon (Bournemouth) Geography, Shannon Lockyer-Briggs (Bournemouth) Psychology with Forensic investigation, Beckie Hill (Portsmouth) Social Work, and Willow Franklin (Blandford Hospital) Apprenticeship Physiotherapy.

Shaftesbury School

EVERY student who studies drama at Shaftesbury School achieved A* grades.

Meanwhile, all of those studying Spanish achieved an A grade. In English Literature, 100% of students gained an A*-B, and students excelled in the Extended Project Qualification, with 71% gaining an A*-B grade.

Headteacher, Donna London-Hill, said: “We are immensely proud of the hard work, dedication, and perseverance our students have demonstrated throughout their academic journey and despite the numerous interruptions due to Covid, they have not given up.

“Their impressive achievements reflect not only their academic ability but also their commitment to personal growth and development.

“These results are a testament to the collaborative effort of our students, parents, school staff working together to nurture a thriving learning environment.

“It is truly inspiring to witness the diverse talents and aspirations of our students as they step onto this new path. As a school community, we are excited to see them thrive and excel in their chosen fields, carrying with them the values of integrity, resilience, and a hunger for lifelong learning that we hold dear at Shaftesbury.

“As our students transition to the next phase of their lives, whether it’s embarking on higher education, pursuing apprenticeships, or entering the workforce, we have full confidence in their ability to shine brightly and make meaningful contributions to society.

“The skills and knowledge they have acquired during their time at Shaftesbury School will undoubtedly serve as a strong foundation for their future endeavours.

“The success of our students would not have been possible without the tireless support of our dedicated staff and the encouragement of parents and carers. Together, we have cultivated an environment that nurtures holistic growth and academic excellence.

“As we bid farewell to this chapter, we want to assure our school leavers that they will always be a part of the Shaftesbury School family.

“We eagerly anticipate hearing about their future achievements and are here to offer ongoing support whenever they need it.

“Congratulations once again to the Class of 2013. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact you will undoubtedly make on the world.”

The Blandford School

A TOTAL of 92 percent of students at The Blandford School secured their first-choice university.

Sally Wilson, headteacher, said: “I am incredibly proud of this year group who had their GCSE years disrupted by the pandemic and lockdowns, to see them succeed despite these challenges is fabulous.

“Students and staff should also be extremely proud of the fact their performance is well above national comparators.”

Vicky Moore, head of sixth form/assistant headteacher, added: “We always encourage students of all abilities to follow their dreams and carefully consider all opportunities to secure their future ambitions; it is brilliant to see such a wide range of courses taking many TBS students to other parts of the country where they will meet new friends and embark upon exciting new challenges.

“I wish them all luck and look forward to hearing of their future successes.”

Morgan, Quninn, Joe and Rob

Soij, Jamie and Scarlett

Rosema and Millie

Felix and Henry

Steph, Amelie, Mia and Corin

Elisa and Lottie

Honey and Emily

Leweston School

LEWESTON School students celebrated some of the school’s best results for nearly a decade.

Nearly two thirds of all grades at Leweston were A* or A, over twice the national average.

While the proportion of top grades in England is about 1% higher than 2019, Leweston’s grades are 20% higher than the last set of pre-Covid results at the school.

Almost half of the students achieved at least two A* or A grades, and Caitlin, Katerina, Mimi and Anna achieved an impressive 4 A*, 12 A and 2 B grades between them.

Those students taking the popular Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) achieved 100% A* and A grades.

The EPQ helps students to develop independent research, essay writing and time management skills and enables them to explore a subject of their choice.

Other subjects that saw majority A* and A grades this summer were Chemistry, Geography, Economics, Computer Science, Religious Studies, Fine Art and Photography.

John Paget-Tomlinson, headmaster, said: “It has been well reported in the run up to A Level results day that there was a plan to bring grades back down in line with pre-pandemic levels, after sharp rises in 2020 and 2021, when results were based on teachers’ assessment; however, our students have out-performed these pre-Covid years.

“This is testament to the hard work and dedication shown by Year 13, as well as the teaching staff that support them.

“I am incredibly proud of their achievements and delighted by the wide range of courses and destinations they have chosen. This is truly a reflection of our intent to find the right pathway for each individual pupil.”

Students will be leaving to take up places at universities including Durham, Exeter, York, Bristol, Nottingham, Reading and Hartpury on courses as diverse as Medicine, History and Ancient History, Politics and Modern Languages, Computer Science with Maths, Politics, Philosophy and Economics, Product Design Technology and Equestrian Sports Science.

Bryanston School

DEPUTY head academic, Mark Deketelaere, said: “This year group went into these exams without any formal exam experience, having missed GCSEs two years ago.

“These grades reflect the effort our A2 pupils put in over that time and I am proud of the way they have approached them, and of the whole school community that has supported them.”

University places gained by students include Oxford, Imperial, Edinburgh, UCL, Exeter, Bristol and Durham as well as overseas including Harvard, Berkeley, Columbia, Boston in the USA and IE Madrid, ESCP Paris and Amsterdam in Europe.

“Our pupils achieved A level results in keeping with pre-pandemic levels, indeed better than our 2019 results,” Mark added.

“We also had some fantastic individual outcomes for Misha T-B and Ella W who gained four A* grades – those top grades coming in a range of subjects from the sciences and maths to the liberal arts and humanities.”

Bryanston’s A level results (57% of grades awarded at A*, A or B), follow this year’s IB results where pupils achieved an average score of 32 points, surpassing the global average of 30 points.