Student Across the Trust Excel in First Post-COVID A-Level Results

Today (Thursday 18th August 2022) was a day of celebrations across the Wessex Learning Trust’s sixth form settings as students received an exceptional set of A-Level and Level 3 results.

Across both the Kings of Wessex Academy and Nailsea School the morning was dominated by smiles as student’s discovered how their two years of hard work had paid off. This year marked the first time students had sat public examinations since the disruption caused by COVID-19. Despite the disruption however, students achieved strong results across the board, with 30% of learners across both schools earning grades A* to A; 79% being awarded A* to C; and 98% achieving A* to E. Beyond just these headline figures however, every learner should feel an immense sense of pride at completing their formal education and demonstrating such extraordinary determination and resilience throughout a challenging time for the sector.

Some particular individual achievements include William Nash (who received two ‘A*s’ and two ‘A’ grades, and will go on to read Mathematics at the University of Nottingham), Erin Hemms (who achieved three ‘A*’ grades and will continue with her studies in Psychology) and Abigail Campbell, Molly Day, and Thomas Vallance who all achieved two ‘A*s’ and an ‘A’.

Additionally, some students who have shown exceptional progress since their GCSEs include Eleanor Foggin (who will go on to study Counselling and Mental Health), Amelia Thomas-Perfect, Zak Wilkinson, Lily-Rose Dunn-Mills and Samuel Perry (who will all go on to study Business Management). The progress made by these students is significantly above the national average compared to students with the same prior attainment and this is reflective of their commitment, hard work and tenacity in achieving their very best.

Now they have received their results our Year 13 students will begin to move onto pastures new, with many going on to take up places at prestigious universities across the country, begin competitive apprenticeships with world-leading companies, enter the ‘world of work’, or enjoy a break from education and travel the world. Whatever path they choose, we are incredibly proud of their achievements during their time at the Trust and look forward to following their journeys as they go on to new and amazing things.

Commenting on the results, Chief executive of the Trust – Gavin Ball – said:

“I am delighted to be able to extend a huge congratulations to all our Year 13s who have received their exceptional A-Level and Level 3 results today! These results are the culmination of two years of hard work and determination and are incredibly well deserved. I sincerely hope that your time as part of the Wessex Learning Trust – although now coming to an end – has prepared you for whatever the future may hold, and I know I speak for everyone across the Trust when I say we can’t wait to see where these exceptional results take you!”

Gavin Ball – Chief Executive, the Wessex Learning Trust

With Headteacher at the Kings of Wessex, Dave Wiltshire, adding:

“Our Sixth Form have achieved an exceptional set of results and this is testament to their hard work and commitment. In conjunction with their engagement with their community, both in and outside the Academy, this cohort of students are an inspiration for our younger students. We wish everyone the best of luck with their next steps and look forward to hearing about their journeys. Congratulations!”

Dave Wiltshire – Headteacher, the Kings of Wessex Academy

And Dee Elliott- Headteacher at Nailsea School – saying:

“Being present today to see students celebrating their achievements and confirming their next steps is a huge privilege. Students, staff and parents have all shown great resilience and focus over the last two years leading to this point. We are very proud of the variety of routes that students have chosen after their A Level and vocational results. With these fantastic results and the places they have accepted to fulfil their ambitions, we can all be very excited about their futures”

Dee Elliott – Headteacher, Nailsea School