TEARS of delight and disappointment swept through Malvern last week as students were handed their dreaded A-Level results.
Hundreds of teenagers flocked to schools and colleges across the town on Thursday (August 13) to learn whether their university dreams were to become a reality.
The Chase secured another batch of ‘outstanding’ A-Level scores, as 80 per cent of pupils got three A to C grades, with Andrew Daley leading the way with five A*s.
Leah Wild was close behind with four A*s, Freya Abbotts claimed four A*s and a B, Matthew Ballone got three A*s and an A, Bromlyn Cameron earned two A*s and two As and Angus Duncan had two A*s and three As.
Headteacher Richard Jacobs said: “We are thrilled our students have done so well again, they deserve their success.
“Every single one of them worked hard throughout their courses. They have not only been happy and successful here at The Chase but they now have the opportunity to be happy and successful throughout their lives.”
Almost half the students at Dyson Perrins CofE Academy gained an A* to B grade while the average score achieved for those following vocational courses was a Distinction.
Rhianna Purcocks was among the top performers as she secured an A* in maths, and three As in further maths, chemistry and physics which enabled her to progress to Birmingham University where she will read theoretical physics.
It is part of her scholarship sponsored by Malvern-based QinetiQ.
Stuart Wetson, headteacher, added: “These results are a fitting reward for the hard work and efforts of our students and staff and evidence of our ongoing progress.
“I am thrilled for the students individually, many of whom have exceeded even their own expectations – they are a credit to themselves and to Dyson Perrins.”
Malvern St James Girl’s School were also celebrating ‘excellent’ results, with 21 per cent of grades being an A* and 79 per cent were A* to B.
Four of the 62 girls will take up places at universities ranked in the top five in the world.
Trish Woodhouse, headmistress of MSJ, said: “The picture is a very impressive one and reflects the exceptional preparation and support the school offers at this critical point in students’ careers.”
Hanley Castle High School headteacher Lindsey Cooke praised the ‘brilliant’ students who helped the school achieve an overall pass rate of 98 per cent.
Year 13 leavers gained 35 per cent of passes at A* or A or equivalent, 59 per cent a A* to B and 80 per cent at A* to C.
Sean Gleeson was top of the pile with three A*s in chemistry, maths and further maths and will now go on to study maths at Oxford University.
“I can’t quite believe it,” Sean said. “I would just like to take this opportunity to thank all my teachers who gave me their support, I am really looking forward to making the most of new opportunities at Oxford.”
Other high performers included Matty Philpotts’ three A*s and an A and Jack Sharman’s three A*s and an A.
The school, which also celebrated its best ever set of AS results, came fifth out of about 3,500 non-selective schools for its chemistry results in the country.
Mrs Cooke added: “It is hard to believe this fantastic group of young people are finally leaving our school, but we could not be more proud of their achievements.
“They are multi-talented, brilliant academics, but many are also musicians, artists or outstanding sportsmen and women.”
Elsewhere, Malvern College did not wish to publish its overall results.
