Students bid a fond farewell to Plantsbrook School alongside looking ahead to exciting new beginnings as they returned to collect their A-Level and BTEC results.
Queues built up outside the entrance ahead of the 8.30am opening time before students were able to open those all-important envelopes to see the results of their hard work which, for many, spans seven years spent at the school.
A range of senior management and staff were all on hand to share in the celebrations and also offer vital advice and guidance for those students assessing their next steps, particularly in Higher Education.
And there were plenty of smiling faces, including from twins Finn and Sam Rowley, who both delivered excellent results ahead of moving on to University.
Finn secured A grades in Maths, Biology and Physics and will continue his studies with a biological sciences degree at the University of Sheffield while Sam, who registered A*s in physics and maths and an A in computer sciences, is destined for the University of Birmingham to study physics.
“I was a bit surprised I managed to get an A in maths but obviously very pleased and I’ve got the grades to be able to take my first choice University,” said Finn.
“We’re just off to tell our family now. My Mum cried when we got our UCAS offers so am sure she’ll be very pleased!”
“It’s been great here but now it’s the time for an exciting new challenge for both of us which is something to really look forward to,” added Sam.
Elliott Kent also picked up what he needed to move into further education, a BTEC distinction in applied science and two Bs in accounting and product design. He will now head to the University of Cardiff to study accounting.
“I’m really pleased with those results, it’s just what I needed, and it brings the end of an era after seven years here at school,” he said.
“It’s been great fun and I’ve met some great people and now I’ve just got to go and do the same at University!”
Megan Bailey is also heading to the University of Cardiff after some fantastic results, netting an A in geography and two Bs. She will be studying politics, international relations and sociology.
“It’s a bit emotional to come to the end of seven years here but all the hard work has been worth it – I’m delighted,” she said.
Tafara Nyamupfukudza was straight into his family group chat after loudly celebrating his results, also another fantastic achievement.
Tafara picked up two As and a B in sociology, economics and accounting, and is now going to take a gap year working before deciding on a more permanent next step.
“Those results are better than what I expected so I’m absolutely buzzing,” he said.
Harry Jones was able to celebrate with his family after also picking up some excellent results. He secured an A*, two A’s and B, and declared himself ‘super pleased’.
“I’ve got a couple of higher grades than I was expecting, and was really hoping for at least one A* which I have managed to get, so that’s great,” he added, ahead of taking up a place studying for an integrated master’s in chemical engineering at the University of Bath.
“I was nervous earlier this morning and the heart was going but all the hard work is worth it when you pick up the results. It’s time to go and celebrate!”
Plantsbrook Headteacher Mrs Neal said: “I could not be prouder of our Year 13 students today.
“Their results demonstrate remarkable progress across our entire sixth form community. With improvements in Value Added, a higher Average Point Score, and a shift toward higher overall grades, their hard work and dedication have truly paid off, securing fantastic foundations for their futures.
“Congratulations to all our students and the staff who supported them every step of the way!”