Today is the day students across West Norfolk receive their A-Level results and start on the next stage of their lives.
Schools and colleges have been in touch to let us know how the day has gone.
Springwood High School, King’s Lynn
Staff say they are over the moon with the A-Level results achieved by their students
This year’s figures saw 27 per cent achieving A or A*, 57 per cent A* to B, 83 per cent A* to C and 99 per cent A* to E.
Headteacher Andrew Johnson said: “These results are a a testament to the hard work of students and staff. Scientific and technical subjects, in particular, are a real strength at Springwood and this year was no exception.43 per cent of students taking mathematics and sciences achieved A-A* which is a tribute both to their hard work and that of our committed, specialist staff.”
The results will see students heading off to take on a wide range of new challenges including working for Disney, starting on the path to becoming a vet, and studying Classics and Law at Cambridge.
Students Lucy Allen (A* and two As), Brianna Lee (Two As and a B) and Jessica McKenzie (two A*s and an A) (above) will all be studying veterinary medicine at university from the autumn.
“I’m really pleased with my results,” said Lucy. “I was just so happy. It was so good to see all the hard work had finally paid off. I’ve always wanted to be a vet since I was little, so I’m really excited.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time in the Sixth Form, and even though we had to work online during Covid, the teachers were great and we didn’t really miss out.”
With four A*s, Zara Bek is heading to Cambridge to study Classics. Jake Parrish (Two As and an A*) is also heading to Cambridge, but will be reading law.
“I was quite relieved,” said Zara (pictured at the top of the page with Jake and fellow Springwood students) adding: “I thought I’d missed out on at least two of the grades I needed – but it turned out I’d actually done best in those two subjects!
“I’m very excited about going to Cambridge, but I’ve enjoyed my time at Springwood and the teaching has been good.”
Twins Bento (A* two As and a B) and Jose (A* and three As) Rodrigues are both heading to Leeds to study Computer Science with Mathematics.
Simona Pilmane has four A*s and is heading to Imperial College, London, to study engineering while Harvey Gray (three A*s and an A) is reading biology at Bristol University.
Student Jannis Koulman was awarded four A*s and will be travelling to the Netherlands to study at the University of Groningen.
Sophie Tucker has two A*s and an A which sees her take up an apprenticeship with Disney.
“I was quite shocked,” said Sophie, “as I didn’t feel the exams went well, but they obviously did! I’m really excited about the apprenticeship at Disney. It’s in market research and data analysis, so I’ll get to learn on the job. It’ll be in Hammersmith, so I’ll be moving to live in the centre of London. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Thomas Clarkson Academy, Wisbech
Teachers at Thomas Clarkson Academy in Wisbech say their effort of their A-Level students have been amazing.
Speaking as they received their results, Alison Hornby, Head of sixth form said: “I have personally been inspired by this cohort of students and the spirit they have shown over the past two years. Not only have they demonstrated academic success, but also empathy, creativity and a positive mindset through a challenging time.
“They have collaborated with each other and shown an impressive team mentality which I’m sure will serve them well in their future lives. I am very excited to see what the future holds for these fantastic young people.”
Among those celebrating was James Young, 18 (pictured above with fellow students and principal Richard Scott) who is heading to Warwick University to study maths after he achieved three A*s in maths, further maths and computer sciences.
James, of Wisbech, said he wasn’t entirely sure on his future career path but was looking forward to becoming an undergraduate.
“I was a little surprised when I saw my results, although I worked hard,” he said.
Physics teacher David Bliss was delighted when two students secured their university places to continue studying the subject.
Rhys Morgan, 18 (pictured above with Kris Karkalas), is heading to York to read theoretical physics after gaining Bs in maths and physics and C in computer studies.
“I was nervous when I opened my results, but I got the place I wanted,” he said.
Kris Karkalas, 18, is going to Sheffield University to read physics and astro physics after achieving an A in maths, B in physics and C in biology.
Kris, of Leverington, is aiming for a career in engineering and said he was ‘very happy’ with his results.
There were shouts of delight from Edward Phoon, of Friday Bridge, who is going to Brunel University to study creative writing.
“Writing is my passion and I am very happy. I feel over the top with joy,” he said on achieving A*s in history and sociology and an A in English
Evelyn Anderson was another celebrating success as her results means she can take up her place at York University to read maths and philosophy.
She joined the sixth form when her family moved to the area from Northamptonshire and said she had enjoyed her time at the academy.
“I have chosen a course that looks interesting and don’t have a plan beyond that yet,” she said.
Andrian Parfenovics, 18, and Vladislav Kovakuk, 19, both achieved great results while having English as a second language.
Andrians achieved A*s in psychology and Russian, A in English and is heading to the University of Manchester for ready psychology.
“I aim to get a doctorate,” he said.
He moved to the UK ten years ago and said he had a brilliant time at the sixth form.
Vladislav, achieved A* in Russian, A in maths, Bs in further maths and psychology and he is going to Kings College to read psychology.
He arrived in the UK from Lithuania in 2018 and had no English at the time.
“I had literally nothing – English takes a lot of practice,” he said.
Notable successes also included:
Aleks Strychala who received one A*, two As and an extended project B and is continuing his studies and will be reading law.
“I was speechless when I opened the envelope,” he said.
“The school has been very supportive and we have a beautiful environment to work in. I have enjoyed it,” added Aleks, who has ambitions to be a solicitor. He arrived from Poland ten years ago and said he was looking forward to university.
Jennifer Ford, 19, will be heading to Royal Holloway to read psychology after receiving an A* in the subject, an A in religious studies and a B in English literature.
Emma Cottingham, 18, achieved an A and two Bs and will be studying Drama at the University of Northampton. With ambitions to become an actor, Emma has been in academy productions and is also a member of local amateur dramatics group Leada.
“Sixth form was amazing, the teachers were great and helped me grow in confidence,” she said.
Elyssia Nurse who achieved one A, one Distinction* and a C and will continue her studies at Anglian Ruskin University.
Get in touch
If you would like to share the efforts of your students, contact the Radio West Norfolk news team by clicking here