Day of joy and relief as students celebrate A Level, BTEC and CTEC success

Students celebrated with relief and joy as they opened their A Level, BTEC and CTEC results  during a morning filled with laughter and excitement at Richard Taunton Sixth Form College.

The college opened its doors at 9am and almost straight away a steady stream of nervous students, some accompanied by families, poured in to put an end to the anxious wait they have been enduring all summer.

It was not long before the air was filled with whoops and shouts of relief as the white envelopes they prised open revealed the reward for their hard work.

Executive Principal Andy Grant said it is a fantastic occasion to share with students that staff have come to know so well. “It’s wonderful to see the students success on a day like today after years of dedication and commitment,” he said.

“There’s also a hint of sadness as today will likely be the last day we see many of the students and it’s the last time we’ll have them on site.

“From a staff point of view, we’re just happy to be a part of their journey and it is days like today where it really hits home, with so many students going off to university and to move forward with their lives.

“My staff have been brilliant and have cultivated an atmosphere for students to thrive. We’ve excelled in many of our subjects, particularly those involved in the arts and humanities.”

Among the many successes were Piper and Jesse Pallot, who are two of triplets. Piper, 17, was delighted with her A*s in biology, maths, chemistry and physics. The former Oasis Academy pupil said: “I was hoping I would do well but I didn’t expect to do as well as that.”

She will be starting a degree apprenticeship as a laboratory analyst. “I’m looking forward to it,” she said.

Jesse, who also studied at The Oasis Academy, got As in maths, chemistry and physics and a B in biology. She said she was excited with her results and is how looking into starting an apprenticeship.

Eimear Moriarty, 18, was thrilled with merits in performing arts, acting, and dance. “I’m really happy with the results that I got,” said the former New Forest Academy pupil.” I had high expectations but it was nice to see that I came out with something higher than I thought I would get.”

She has a place at Nottingham University where she will be studying dance.

Daisy Cappell, 18, was overjoyed with a merit in applied law, a distinction in health and social care and an A* in criminology. “I’m really happy,” she said. “I’m quite relieved that I know what I’m doing now.”

The former Oasis Academy, pupil is going on to study for a degree in social work at Solent University.

The college is pleased with students’ performance in many subjects, with a 100 per cent pass rate (A* to E) in English Language, English Literature, advanced economics and mathematics, as well as 95 per cent in sociology and 90 per cent in history. The college recorded that 100 per cent of students achieved an A* to B in art and design graphics and 50 per cent in sociology.

At BTEC, 93 per cent of students achieved between a Distinction* and a Pass. In applied science, business, IT, sport and exercise science and Uniformed Protective Services, 100 per cent of students achieved between a Distinction* and a Pass and in CTEC 100 per cent of students achieved between a Distinction* and a Pass in digital media, sport and IT.

Mr Grant said the college is on hand to help any student who didn’t get the grades they were expecting. “We are very keen to support any student needing help with the University Clearing process and they must not hesitate to get in touch with us over the coming days and weeks if they need to,” he said.

This story was originally published in September 2024 on this webpage.