A-Level Success for Vandyke Students

A-Level students at Vandyke Upper have been celebrating their fantastic achievements this morning.

Headteacher Tim Carroll said, “The long wait for results is over and students have come into school to open results envelopes. There has been a terrific atmosphere in school this morning with staff here to celebrate with students as they collect impressive A Level results. I am delighted with the results and proud of students’ achievements. Teachers have worked so hard to support students and students have developed a terrific work ethic. That all comes together to produce great outcomes.”

“Students have worked so hard over two years. This cohort did not get to sit their GCSE exams due to the pandemic so for many this was the first exam room experience and they have come through with flying colours. Sixth Form courses are demanding and students deserve every credit for their achievements. This is an exciting time for them and they deserve our congratulations and best wishes.”

Director of Sixth Form Kerry Quinn said, ”We are incredibly proud of this phenomenal group of young people. This year has seen Vandyke students achieve a record number of places at Oxbridge institutions and other top Russell Group universities which is testament to the ambition and self-belief of this year group. It has been well reported that this was a tough year for A-Level results and UCAS entries, however most of our students are rightfully delighted with their results and into their first-choice universities. Supporting them for the past two years has been inspiring – they have worked hard, supported each other and delivered under pressure in these examinations without the experience of external GCSE’s. There are, as ever, some really exciting next steps including Yacht and Powercraft design, Liberal Arts, Interior Architecture and Design, Medical Pharmacology, Culinary Arts, Nursing apprenticeships, Outdoor Activity planning and Costume Design! We are really proud of all of them.”

After achieving A*, A*, A*, A* in Psychology, Maths, Further Maths, English Language (and an A in the EPQ) George Phillips will start at the University of Cambridge this Autumn where he will be studying Psychological and Behavioural Sciences. “I am absolutely delighted – the past two years have honestly been amazing. The support I have received from my teachers and the Sixth Form team has been incredible – I don’t think I could have had a more supportive community around me. I can’t wait to start my course.”

Molly Griffith will start her Level 6 Apprenticeship with Mercedes Benz Financial Services in September after achieving grades A, B and C in Financial Studies, Law and English Language. “I am really happy with my results and I cannot wait to start my apprenticeship, although I will really miss school. All the support offered from staff has been really helpful in getting me this far. The recruitment process for the apprenticeship was tough – I had six interviews from January to May and beat lots of other candidates but eventually secured the offer!”

Beth Pearson will be going to university in Edinburgh to study geography after getting A* grades in all of her subjects and completing the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). “Edinburgh is a beautiful city and I am excited to be living there to study. The university has a strong reputation for geography. I managed to park my thoughts about the A level results until yesterday but I am glad the waiting is now over,” Beth said. “I went to Fulbrook Middle School and have enjoyed my time there and at Vandyke. The atmosphere in the Vandyke Sixth Form is great. I am sad to leave but feel ready to move on. I can see how Vandyke has prepared me well.”

Ethan Janes achieved A* grades in maths, biology and chemistry and will take up a place at Hereford College, Oxford to read biochemistry. “A two week work placement at a lab really switched me on to bio-chemistry, it is such a fascinating area of study. Apart from my lessons I got involved in other activities and learned about teamwork. My time at Vandyke has been brilliant and I will look back on it fondly.

Ollie Ewing will study PPE at Leeds having achieved A grades across all subjects. “I felt quite chilled until last week when I started to think about results day but now it’s over I am relaxed and looking forward to going to university in an exciting city.”

Charlotte Silber achieved straight top grades and goes on to Oxford to study French and German. “I feel really really good – waiting for results was stressful, especially with the headlines about exam boards awarding fewer top grades this year. I would like to thank all my teachers – every department was incredibly supportive and always challenged me to achieve my best. I plan to celebrate and am excited about preparing to start in October.”

Molly Roberts got distinction star in music, B in English and A in Media Studies. “I am going to study music at Coventry University. I was so impressed by the staff at Coventry and the course that it was my obvious first choice. I have loved my time at Vandyke. Teachers and staff are so helpful. There have been so many activities to get involved in beyond my lessons and I was part of the Senior Student Team that helped organise our charity fund-raising and the Summer Ball which have given me great memories.”

Dan Miller got A* in history, A* in English Literature and B in psychology and will be going to university in Leeds. “My time here has been so good. The teaching has been excellent, so engaging and you know that the teachers really want you to do well. There is a lovely community feel in the school that I have really enjoyed being part of.”

Zoe White will be studying music at university in Liverpool having achieved a distinction in music, A in media studies and C in psychology. “I am pleased with my results and I can look forward now to going to Liverpool which will be a brilliant city to live in and the course looks exciting.”

Evie Bell got B in English Literature, B in history and A in geography. “I am pleased about my grades and looking forward now to going to Birmingham to study history and politics. My time at Vandyke has been great and I will miss it but I am excited about next steps.”

Kian Callaghan will be studying law at Royal Holloway. “I got A in law and B in English and Business Studies. My English teacher was inspirational and all of my teachers were amazing. I went to Priory Middle School in Dunstable but chose Vandyke for the Sixth Form and I knew immediately it was the right choice for me. I have loved the energy here and have appreciated our teachers pushing us each step of the way. I could never have asked for a better experience.”

Mia Richardson will be going to UEA at Norwich to study history. “Norwich is lovely and the course offers lots of modules. I have really enjoyed my time all through Vandyke. I have made good friends here and I am very happy with my results.”

Warmest congratulations go to all of our students, and we wish everyone the very best of luck with their next steps.