East Sussex schools celebrate with students after 'fantastic' A level results

The number of students accepted on to UK degree courses has fallen this year, Ucas figures show, but many pupils at East Sussex schools managed to buck this national trend.

Almost a third of Year 13 students at Roedean School achieved As and A*s, the Brighton independent school chalked up 55.5% grades at A*/A.

Over half of the year group were awarded at least one A* grade, while nine students achieved straight A* grades.

Head teacher Niamh Green said: said: “I am incredibly proud of what this year group has achieved, particularly taking the educational context of their A Levels into account. These are the first public examinations they have taken, and I am thrilled that all their hard work resulted in fantastic grades. Not only have they been successful academically, but they have also thrown themselves into so many other areas of school life and made a difference both within our community and beyond. I am delighted for them, and extremely grateful to all my colleagues for supporting them so well.

"The Roedean community is incredibly proud of what the Year 13s have achieved – whilst being hugely supportive of each other, they have shown the determination, independence, and resilience required to be highly successful academically, and this will stand them in excellent stead as they move forward to the next stages of their lives.”

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At Varndean College, the overall pass rate at A level was 98%, with the majority of subjects achieving a 100% pass rate and a quarter of our students achieving the very highest of grades of A* and A. Half of the college’s students achieved A*-B and three quarters of students A*-C grades.

Ms Donna-Marie Janson, Varndean College principal, said; “We are incredibly proud of our students this year and of what they have achieved in what is for most of them their first set of public examinations. They have dealt admirably with this milestone and they have been inspiring to work with, to teach and to get to know. Our students are quite frankly amazing and they and their loved ones should feel as proud of themselves as we do for their spirited determination and for all they have achieved.

"I would like to thank and commend my entire staff for their continued hard work and dedication to ensuring that students have the best possible opportunities and the best possible experience. I would also like to thank all the parents and families of our students who have supported us throughout, we could not have done it without you.”

Students at Seaford Head Sixth Form were celebrating exceptional A-Level results and BTEC level 3 results on Thursday.

Lara Hauge secured A* grades in Geography and Biology and an A grade in Chemistry. Lara will be studying Biology at the University of Oxford’s Somerville College. Harry Brown achieved an A * in Biology and A grades in Computer Science and Chemistry. Harry will be studying Biology at the University of Oxford’s Christ Church College.

Harry commented: “I can’t believe that I will be starting at Oxford in a few weeks’ time. I am so grateful to the teachers who have supported me.”

Catherine Wilkinson, the Director of Learning for the sixth form commented: “We knew that students were going to perform well this year but as this cohort had not sat their GCSEs, it was a massive challenge for them to perform under exam conditions. They have rose to the challenge and have secured really exciting progression routes for themselves. Parents and carers have been incredibly supportive and we have all worked together to ensure that this group secured fantastic outcomes.”

East Sussex College saw 42 A-Level courses have a 100% pass-rate.

Eden Patterson, A-Level student at the college, said: ““I studied Law, Sociology and English Language and got an A in each of them. I’m very happy with my results! My tutors were always so helpful, they’d give me extra help when needed, extra sessions, they were always there. Next up I’m going to university to study Law. I’d recommend all three A-Levels that I took for sure. If I could tell my past self one thing about college, I’d say start revision early. In the first year, enjoy it, and always prepare.”

Students, staff and parents celebrated yet another set of outstanding A level and BTEC results at Uckfield Sixth Form College.

Hugh Hennebry, principal, said, “Our students have studied exceptionally hard and learned so much. I am so proud of each and every one of our Sixth Formers. It has been a real privilege to see them develop not just their intellect but also their maturity and individual strength of character.

The sustained improvement in results over many years is outstanding and a reflection of the great teamwork of teachers, support staff, parents and students all working together so positively to inspire and support each student. Every individual student at Uckfield College is very well known by their teachers and the pastoral team. I must thank our amazing staff and fantastic parents for all their inspiration and care for our great students.”