The academy’s principal Marianne Gentilli was very pleased by the results which showed an increase of one per cent in the A* to B pass rate at both A-Level (36 per cent) compared to last year. Overall pass rate was 99 per cent. Notable individual performances by Year 13 include: Rob Howell (A*A*AA) who is reading maths and physics at the University of Warwick and Ella Hayes (AAAA) reading history and spanish at University College London a Annabelle Finch, 18, is jetting off to America after achieving two A*s and one A. She hopes to ultimately study for a doctorate in psychology. She said: “I am really happy. It was a bit terrifying opening my results. I locked myself in a room. My boyfriend lives in America so I’m going there to study.” Ella Hayes, 17, said: “I screamed so much (when I found out my results) that my mum said ‘you have got to stop because they will think something is wrong’. I did a lot a hard work and I got into UCL to study history and Spanish.” Sophie Griffiths, 18, was another high achiever, gaining an A*, A and two Bs, enough to get her into the University of Sussex to study law. She said: “I was scared but I knew deep down I would get in. I wanted to do law because of the fact I want to know how the world is operated, based on certain principles in society. “I’m going to go to my nan’s and tell her all about it, now.” BTEC students also achieved notable success with a 100 per cent pass rate. High-fliers included Bethany Vann, who achieved double distinction* and distinction in creative media production and distinction* in photography, and Jordan Macey who earned a double distinction* and distinction in creative media production. Both Bethany and Jordan will be reading media production at Bournemouth University. At AS the academy’s large cohort made good progress, with top marks being picked up by Rosie Reader (AAAAA), Lucy Hubbard (AAAA), Isabelle Munro (AAAA), Jack Piper (AAAA) and Alicia Jolly (AAAB). Ms Gentilli added: “Good A-Level grades are a key that unlocks a better start in life for many sixth formers. They will now be able to take up the higher education places, work placements or training they have been striving for. “They are also a well-earned reward for the sustained hard work of the students, many of whom have been with us since Year seven, and the dedication of the staff.”