A-level Results Day 2019: Harington School in Oakham results
Students at Harington School are celebrating outstanding A level results today, with over a quarter of all grades achieved at A* or A standard.
Eight students (Sofia Breeze, Joseph Halford, James Howell, Emily Lemon, Isabel Orchard, Ben Raine, Jamie Robertson, Cameron Smith) achieved A*s in all three of their A-level choices. This is particularly impressive as students need to typically achieve well over 90 per cent in their exams to achieve this highest possible grade.
Students have secured places at the most competitive universities in the country. James Howell (A*A*A*A) and Jamie Robertson (A*A*A*AA) will both be studying natural science at Cambridge, whilst Amelia Seymour (A*AAA) and Ayse Tavasli (AAA) will be studying law at Oxford and Cambridge respectively. Sofia Breeze (A*A*A*AB) will be studying medicine at the University of East Anglia.
Not to be out done, Amelia’s twin sister, Hannah (A*AB) will be studying veterinary science at Liverpool. Both girls have enjoyed themselves greatly at the school and felt that their friendly rivalry and strong work ethic had served them well. Amelia said, “I have loved studying at Harington and for both Hannah and myself to achieve so well is amazing.”
Whilst university places are still being confirmed, the school is anticipating that nearly 50 per cent of all students will have secured the grades required to take up a place at Russell group university. This reflects the high quality of specialist support provided by the school. Students leaving the school will be studying a really diverse range of courses including architecture, aeronautical engineering, nutrition, criminology, and computing, alongside the more conventional paths of chemistry, maths and French.
This year four students have opted to join the military, including one student, Alice Weaver who will be training as a dog handler. These students have enjoyed a strong association with the military serving for many years as cadets with the local regiments. Two students will be completing financial apprenticeships and one student is even planning to venture into a very niche route of watchmaking.
Head of school John Harrison said: “I am really proud of the achievements of all our students who have worked closely with the teaching staff over the last two years to achieve some really impressive results. Students are now entering into a really diverse range of courses in which I am sure they will excel.”
Ben Raine, 17, of Great Easton gained three A*s in physics, chemistry and maths, plus an A in computer science.
He said: "I'm really happy. I thought I had done badly in physics and chemistry but to get A*s is absolutely brilliant.
Ben plans to go to Birmingham University to study chemistry and enjoy university life. He wants a career related to chemistry but will work it out at university.
Connor Verrill, 18, of Stamford gained a C in economics, and Ds in maths and physics, which is as he wanted.
He plans to take an accountancy apprenticeship in Melton with SRB Associates, which he expects will last two years.
James Howell, 18, of Harringworth gained As in maths, further maths and physics.
James did as well as he expects and said he feels 'pretty good.'
He plans to do natural sciences at Cambridge. He likes the flexibility of its first year course, saying he can choose something more specialist later.
James has 'no clue' what he intends to do afterwards.
He added, he has had a great time at the school and made friends that will last a lifetime.
Isabel Orchard, 18, from Langham, gained as in history, geography and psychology.
Isabel felt 'really happy' as she did better than she thought.
She intends to study law at the University of Leeds and become a lawyer.
Isabel wanted to thank Harington School for the support from staff she had received, saying without them to guide de her through, she would not have achieved as much.
Sam Treadwell, 18, from Tilton, gained a C in chemistry, a C in biology and a B in psychology.
Sam felt 'not too bad', saying the exams had been 'really tough.'
He is to study criminology at Leicester University, having received an unconditional offer from it.
Sam hopes to join the police as he wants to help people and make a difference.
"There something difference every day and you don't know what to expect."
Amelia Seymour, 18, of Oakham, gained three As in history, biology and maths.
As mentioned above, she plans to study law at Oxford and then train to be a solicitor.
Amelia did as well as expected and said she felt really happy.
Amelia's twin Hannah gained a A* in geography, an A in biology and a B in chemistry.
Hannah felt 'ecstatic, scared' but had already started celebrating her results.
Hannah is to study veterinary science at Liverpool University, aiming to be a vet afterwards.
"My dog suffered nose problems and see how the vets tested really appealed to me. It was the practical aspect and I have done practical work experience over seven years."
Mum Lucy said she felt very emotional, very happy with and very proud of her twins.
Abi Lovering, 18, of Uppingham gained As in English literature and geography and a B in history.
Abi felt happy and very relieved to have the results and also 'over the moon.'
She is to study English literature and history at Edinburgh University.
Abi wants to do something in law or politics.
She said: "I want to make a positive difference to the world. I feel passionate about politics. We need to change, we need to grow more compassionate and do a better job at looking after society."
Samantha Peberdy (AAB), who is studying illustration next year, said: “I have really enjoyed my time at Harington, made some great friends, and I am looking forward to the next stage of my career.”
Abigail Lovering (AABB), who is studying English literature at Edinburgh, said@ “The teachers were incredible and the level of support we have received throughout has been great. I will be sorry to leave but I am really looking forward to next year.”
Harington School is a sixth form college offering academic A-levels based in Oakham, Rutland. It has gone from strength to strength since opening in September 2015, including being judged as outstanding in all categories in an Ofsted report in January 2017. The School has grown in size each year since opening and is expected to be over-subscribed for September 2019.
Click here for live coverage for results from all schools across the area.