Congratulations to Coombeshead Sixth From students who have proved that hard work and determination lead to a fantastic set of results at A level and Level 3 BTEC.

Matthew Shanks, Trust Lead, Education South West, said: ‘We are especially impressed with how students in this cohort have overcome the challenges in education and been rewarded with such good grades and opportunities for the future.

‘Strong results in the challenging facilitating subjects including English, Core Mathematics, Sciences and Humanities, will enable our students to progress to the next stage of their education secure in the knowledge that they can achieve their goals.

‘We are delighted many of our students have secured places to study a variety of degree courses including Business with Languages at Reading, Languages at Manchester and Fashion and Communications at Kingston, amongst many others.

‘Forensic science and related criminology courses have grown in popularity with our students, some of whom have secured places at Bristol, to become assets to our law enforcement of the future.

‘This has built on the success of our social sciences department who are celebrating excellent results this year.

‘Degree level apprenticeships are a fantastic way of continuing higher education whilst experiencing the work environment and putting learning into action.

‘Both Tom and Oliver Taylor have fought off stiff competition to secure these in construction and finance.

‘BTEC candidates’ results were also a standout achievement this year, building on the success of previous years’ results with many of our students achieving the coveted Distinction * grade which is equivalent to an A* at A-Level in Performing Arts, Music, Sport & Fitness and Food and Nutrition. Several of our students are looking forward to taking up places at BIMM, Falmouth and Plymouth to pursue their dreams in music, acting and theatre studies.

‘Sport studies have always been a strength at Coombeshead, and we continue this tradition with students who are going on to study degrees in this field including Sport Rehabilitation and Conditioning.

‘Our stand out A-Level candidates achieved grades which reflect their hard work and passion for the subjects they have studied. Charlie has achieved an outstanding Distinction*, Distinction, Distinction at BTEC and will go on to share his love of learning through his education degree at Plymouth, ready to pass on a passion for Drama and Performing Arts.

Oliver is going to capitalise on his A in English Language, A in History and B in Biology with a career in finance. Virag, with a Distinction, Distinction*, B in Performing arts and Drama is going on to prepare for a performing career with a course at the world famous BIMM institute.

As well as congratulating the students we would, as always, like to acknowledge the help and support given by parents and carers and the dedicated, supportive and professional teaching staff.

Jackie Druiff, director of Sixth Form, Coombeshead Academy, said: ‘Congratulations to all students for their achievements. Hard work brings rewards.

‘It is important to remember that these young people had their final years of study set against the backdrop of a pandemic.

‘We all commend them and their teachers for overcoming the disruption and the difficulties to get here. Most students completing their 16-19 studies in 2023 will not have sat a formal exam before this year.

‘In analysing this year’s results, it’s important to remember that the return to roughly pre-pandemic grading means that these results are naturally lower than those in the three years since 2019.

Matthew Shanks, Trust Lead, Education South West