Ipswich A-level results: 'Exciting destinations' for students as Ipswich School, One Sixth Form and Royal Hospital School get their results
Ipswich School
Camaraderie, goodbyes and preparations for the future were all present as students at Ipswich School Sixth Form collected their A-level results today.
Despite a tough two years all round for students, headteacher Nicholas Weaver noted they had 'maxed out results' despite the difficulties presented by the pandemic, with more than one-third achieving at least three A grades.
The Sixth Form boasts an impressive 83.2 per cent rate of A*-B grades, with 126 pupils in total having taken A-levels this year, with 28 per cent getting all A*s.
He said: "This year has done exceptionally well as we knew they would, and there can be no real comparison to last year.
"They worked hard during the lockdown, they worked hard at home and they worked hard when they came back into school.
"We've really seen them get their heads down and produce great results."
He said that the uncertainty of learning over the past two years means staff didn't quite know what to expect.
However, once the results were in, the school felt it matched not only the 'national picture' but also their expectations on how they'd been performing.
He said the entire day could be summed up with 'smiles', revealing the results should lead to 'exciting destinations' for students.
He also noted the passion students had for their studies this year in comparison to previous years.
One notable success story was for twins Olivia and Will MacDonnel Hannah, 18, who received six A* grades between them.
Both were 'buzzing' to head off to Bristol University in September, with Will off to study English Literature and Olivia set to do a course in International Business and French.
Olivia revealed it was an ambition of hers to be fluent in French, while Will sees his future as a screenwriter.
Both described Bristol as their 'dream university'.
Will said: "We both did plenty of revision, and it's tough because you have to wait so long for your results."
Olivia was particularly overjoyed with her results as she revealed she did not finish a single one of her maths papers.
Both are heading off to Spain to relax before heading off to University.
Head Boy Toby Jermyn, who also served in the school's Combined Cadet Force (CCF), is preparing for a life in the military.
Originally wanting to join the RAF, he is about to start an apprenticeship with the Royal Navy, following in his brother's footsteps.
His ambition is to serve on one of the new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers and hopes to one day become an officer.
He said: "I enjoyed my time at Ipswich School so much. It was definitely tough juggling being Head Boy with the CCF and studies.
"With the pandemic, there were difficult times, but everyone managed to work their way through it and supported each other, and in the end we all got here."
Toby has been at Ipswich School since nursery.
He added: "I've made friends, both pupils and teachers, that I'll hopefully keep for the rest of my life.
"I wouldn't change a single thing looking back, it's been the most amazing experience."
He is one of three students at the school undertaking apprenticeships after his A-levels.
A group of five friends are all looking forward to starting their Economics degrees at the University of Warwick in the coming months.
Douglas Baker, Marc Atkinson, Jy Naha and twins Paul and Lewis Glancey are looking to work in the financial sector, teaching or banking once they finish university.
Paul and Lewis achieved eight A*s and two As between them, while Jy received three A*s and 2 As, Marc received three A*s and one A, with Douglas getting two A*s and an A.
Marc believes they had a 'top quality education', with Jy revealing it was tough to balance their entrance exams for university on top of their A-Levels.
One Sixth Form
With a 96 per cent pass rate from over 640 students, One Sixth Form is 'incredibly proud' of its results.
44% of pupils got A*-B grades, with a stunning 100% pass rate for BTECs.
Jake Robson, the Head of Centre at Suffolk One Sixth Form, said: “This results day follows our new Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rating, so it’s great to see these achievements come to life with our students gaining such brilliant results.
"It’s an emotional day for the staff too, seeing our students reach the end of their journey with us but we are of course here to support everyone with the next step."
Freddie King, 18, of Ipswich, is one of the first people in the country to benefit from a new scheme to aid disadvantaged students in getting into Cambridge.
He studied Modern History and English at A-level, and is currently on an RSL course in acting that should cement his place at Sydney Sussex College at the University of Cambridge.
He said: “I’m going to be on a one year foundation course in humanities and social sciences and I’ve been given this opportunity as part of a scheme that aims to increase the amount of people from lower socio economic communities into Cambridge.
He said his teachers helped him realise that he was 'clever enough to get into Oxbridge' and that he college helped him get this opportunity.
Freddie added: “The thought of being surrounded by potentially some of the brightest minds in the world was initially terrifying. I felt that I was representing everyone from my background – then I had an induction day, met others on the course and it was a lovely atmosphere."
After winning an award at the annual Eastern Colleges Group Celebration of Achievement event in June 2022, Abbie Griggs, also 18, said she was going to celebrate in a different way.
She revealed she was 'going to play netball this evening' and celebrate properly later in the week after getting three A*s and an A in her maths, biology, chemistry, drama and theatre studies A levels.
Abbie added: “It was a good shock when I opened the results. I’m a bit of a perfectionist so the A annoyed be a little bit – but I can’t complain.
“I’m actually going to stay at One Sixth Form College and do a level four art course and then work out what I want to do at university.
“I’ve had a really good time at One – it’s been an enjoyable experience – the fact I’m staying here another year shows you how much I like it.”
Royal Hospital School
The Royal Hospital School in Holbrook near Ipswich said its Year 13s had performed 'extremely well', with an 88 per cent pass rate - its highest results to date.
Thirty four per cent of the year group secured points equivalent to 3 A grades or better, compared to 16 per cent in 2019 and 21 per cent in 2020.
Headmaster Simon Lockyear described it as an 'upward trend' that will be good for both pupils and the school as a whole.
Due to the pandemic, many had not been exposed to full exams, which he feels makes their performance even more impressive.
He added: “I am very grateful to my colleagues who have provided excellent academic support, commitment and encouragement to our pupils to allow them to achieve their best, in addition to exceptional opportunities that go way beyond the curriculum. Our immediate response to provide online learning during lockdown ensured a continuity of education that undoubtedly contributed to this successful outcome.”
In terms of results, 41.2% of students received A*-A grades, 72.3% received A*-B grades and 13% clocked in all A*s.
To see how other schools performed, click here.
