At the Castle School Sixth Form, part of CSET which encompasses both the Castle School in Thornbury and Marlwood School in Alveston, the average grade achieved across 148 students was a B for the A Level courses and a Distinction for the vocational courses, which are their best examination results to date.

Some of the highest achievers were Matty Dawson with 4 A* grades, Amy Mawby with 4 A* grades plus an A in her EPQ, Chloe Ross with 3 A* and 1 A grade, and Charlie Carnaby with 2 A* and 2 A grades.

Matty has a place at the University of Cambridge to study Law, while Amy has a place at University of Leeds to study Biology, Chloe will be studying Law with French Law at the University of Leeds, and Charlie is going to study Mathematics and Physics at the University of Exeter. Matty is one of six students who received a place at Oxbridge, along with Tom Elderton (Cambridge - Natural Sciences), Keeran Parthipan (Cambridge - Natural Sciences), Raman Parthipan (Cambridge - Engineering), Eve Kilmartin (Oxford - Engineering) and Jack Harris (Oxford - Computer Science).

Other students who made significant progress to secure a place on their dream courses are Leoni Bale, who is going to study Fine Art at the University of London; Aspen Bridgewater who will be studying Microbiology at the University of Reading; and Ashleigh Nelson who will be studying Nursing at University of West England, Bristol.

The vast majority of students achieved their first place at university, whilst others are planning to move on in careers such as agriculture, events management and the RAF.

The Sixth Form also has a vocational programme, with courses such as Healthcare and Childcare on offer. The average grade achieved on these courses was a Distinction and students are moving on from this to train in nursing and midwifery. Zoe Kerton has received a place at Norland College to study Early Years Development and Learning.

Catherine Cheese, Head of Sixth Form, said, ‘We are incredibly proud of this cohort of students and the dedication and resilience they have shown to their studies throughout the past two years, especially within the context of Covid-19.’

‘They have shown determination to achieve their goals as well as such kindness to one another throughout the whole process.’

‘It has been a privilege to work with these students and we wish them all the very best for their futures.’

Headteacher Joe Docherty said, “Well done to all our students at the Sixth Form for their results. Success comes in many different forms and we are proud of our students for progressing onto a number of different university courses as well as employment and training.’

‘Some students have gained results well beyond their expectations, whilst others have made life-changing progress throughout their time at our Sixth Form.’

‘My thanks go to all the staff who have taught and supported them, and to parents and family members for supporting them - but today is mainly about congratulating these young people and wishing them success for their next stage in their lives.