The results this year were more in line with the 2019 grade boundaries, as is the trend nationally, and represent a suitable reward for all the students’ hard work and dedication over the last two years.

This year there were a number of individual success stories at the academy, with numerous A* and A grades.

These include Head Student Amy Hutchinson, with two A*s and two As, who is off to study Law at the University of York, and Louie Burgess, pictured below, with three A*s and an A, who will be embarking on an Open University degree in maths, whilst starting work.

There was a similar strong performance from the students studying BTEC awards this year, in Applied Science, Business, Engineering, Health and Social Care, ICT, Music Tech, Performing Arts, Media and Sport, including Sam Edwards who achieved a Triple Distinction* and is off to the University of Bath to study Sports Coaching.

Carl Tonking, Head of Year 13, said he was delighted to see Olivia Lami achieve an A*, A and a Distinction* through a lot of hard work and dedication to her studies. “I wish her all the best at Loughborough University, where she is studying Management and Marketing,” he added.

Lee Huckle, Head of Sixth Form, was extremely proud of Head Student, Esme Frankland, who has overcome a difficult year and has secured a place at the prestigious School of Oriental and African Studies University of London, to study Politics and International Relations.

Samuel Whitbread Academy Principal Nick Martin said: “This year group have been amazing role models for all of the students at Samuel Whitbread.

“As well as achieving a great set of exam results, they have also taken part in numerous school productions, such as the recent performance of Les Miserables, and performed at a national level in several different sports, including football, rugby and netball.

Dr Alan Lee, Chief Executive Officer of BEST, said: I am so pleased with this well-deserved success. The educational journey for these students has been one of the most disrupted ever. However, they, their parents/carers and staff have shown extraordinary resilience – all have my utmost respect.

“Enjoy your celebrations!”