TEACHERS at a Colchester college “couldn’t be prouder” of their students for achieving A level results in line with previous years, despite a downward trend nationally.
Pupils at Sigma Sixth at Philip Morant School, in Rembrandt Way, eagerly arrived at the college to collect their exam results this morning.
Jesse Adetunji is Philip Morant's top performing sixth former this year.
He nervously handed the white envelope containing his results to his proud mum Bukola who opened them.
He secured a place to study pharmacy at the University of Nottingham after receiving A*AB - far exceeding his offer of ABB.
The former St Benedict’s Catholic College student said: “The best part of studying here has been the sport - I was able to play for the college basketball team.
"I’m really looking forward to the uni social life and having some independence.”
Ashton Groves and Sean Purchase, both 18, achieved success at Philip Morant’s sports academy, gaining the highest possible grade in a sports coaching and development BTEC.
Basketball fanatic Ashton, who has spent seven years as a Philip Morant student, will soon embark on a sports and exercise science degree at Essex University and hopes to take on the role of team manager for the university’s division one team.
Sean is just weeks away from starting a degree in sports science at the University of Exeter. The former Gilberd School pupil told the Gazette: “I will miss being able to play rugby at the Northern Gateway every week as part of my course. It’s been really good fun.”
Jago Hepburn also achieved top marks and will be completing an applied golf management studies degree at the University of Birmingham.
Lily Carder was delighted to achieve A* in her favourite subject, photography, enabling her to study arts design for publishing at Norwich University of the Arts.
But first she is off to Reading Festival next weekend to celebrate her achievements and her upcoming 18th birthday.
Head of the college Peta Smith said: “The last few years have been challenging for all in education and we are delighted to have returned to a more normal exam experience for our students.
“Despite many students in Year 13 not having sat any form of external assessment previously, each and every one of them rose to the challenge.
“Their results are well deserved, and we could not be more proud.”
Headteacher Stephanie Neill added: “We are delighted with the results of our Sigma Sixth students this year especially as they have had to overcome many barriers in their education due to Covid.
“Given that this cohort did not sit externally assessed exams in Year 11 we are so very proud of their achievements in their formal exams.
“The results are testimony to the hard work of students and staff alike and is a great launch to our STEM academy this year and our creative academy launching for next year’s intake.
“The resilience and determination demonstrated by all students across the UK is to be much admired this summer.”
The college hopes to build on the success of its successful sports academy with its new STEM and creative programmes.
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