Sixth formers achieve top destinations

Exceptional A-level results have secured top university places and highly sought after apprenticeships for Toll Bar Sixth Form students.

A mixture of delight and relief filled the air today when envelopes were opened to reveal the outcome of two years hard study.

A 100% pass rate was achieved by 14 A-level courses at the New Waltham sixth form, part of Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust, and first choice destinations were secured by the vast majority.

Executive Principal Philip Dickinson congratulated students and their families.

"We have had some incredible individual successes, with students going to some fantastic destinations," he said.

"Overall, I'm really pleased with the results. It has been a really nice atmosphere this morning, with staff are on hand to offer advice and support.

"Students have worked so hard and they deserve their successes."

Libby Jackson, who switched from Caistor Grammar School to Toll Bar Sixth Form, has a difficult decision to make.

Her A* in Criminology, A in Law and B in Religious Studies secured her place to read Law at the University of York – but she also has a paralegal apprenticeship offer at Grimsby solicitors Wilkin Chapman Rollits.

"I really don't know what I'm going to do at the moment. I'm torn," she said. "For the last month, I've been doing some work experience at the firm before my apprenticeship starts in September.

"I'm really pleased with my results and it's a nice decision to have to make."

Mum Lindsey Jackson was "very proud".

"She's worked so hard and her results are well deserved," she said.

"Toll Bar Sixth Form has been great and I can't thank the staff enough for their teaching and the support given to Libby."

Mr Dickinson said: "Libby's came from Caistor Grammar and really threw herself into life here.

"She's been a terrific Head Student, involved in Student Council and made the most of what's on offer. She has a really difficult decision to make and I wish her all the best."

Matilda Cowie will read History at Durham University after securing A*s in History and Art and A in Politics.

"I'm very happy about it," she said. "I was terrified before I opened the envelope. When I saw the results I was shocked and relieved.

"It's been really good here. The teachers have been so supportive and the revision sessions were so helpful."

Mum Debbie Cowie said her daughter's results were "amazing".

"I was nervous for her because she wanted the results so badly.

"She worked too hard at times. But I was going to be happy whatever the outcome and I am so proud. Durham's a gorgeous city."

Another student celebrating was Maddison Goodwin, with As in Spanish and English Literature and an A* in History, meeting the grade requirements to take up an apprenticeship at Bridge McFarland solicitors.

"I'm very happy," she said. "All the hard work has paid off. I've always wanted to be a solicitor and, hopefully, this means I'll be able to secure the apprenticeship.

"I have been doing a work placement in family law at the firm and love it."

Parents Peter and Karen Goodwin were "very proud".

"She's put in a lot of hard work and we're just pleased it has paid off," said Karen.

Definitely going to the University of York to read Law is Nell Cutler, who secured ABB in Criminology, Sociology and Law respectively.

"Toll Bar's been great and I've loved it here," she said. "I got the results I needed to get into York and that's what matters."

Jake Norman was "absolutely buzzing" to get an A* in Photography and Cs in Geography and Criminology to secure his place to read Sports Photography at Nottingham Trent University.

To support his ambition, he took photographs over two years for Cleethorpes Town FC and enjoyed work experience at Lord's, the home of English cricket.

"I was not expecting an A*," he said. "Sports photography is what I've always wanted to do and my ambition is to be an official photographer at Chelsea Football Club."

Parents James and Karen Norman went with him to collect his results.

"It's amazing because that is what he's always wanted to do. It's been his passion," said Karen.

James said: "We are so proud - he's the only A* pupil in the family!"

Leo Metawea had an unconditional three-year apprenticeship offer to join Tronox.

"The apprenticeship route allows me to stay at home, earn some money and buy a house," he said.

"I will be training to be a mechanical mainstream engineer and work towards a level four apprenticeship in mechanical engineering."

Ava Burke switched from Cleethorpes Academy to Toll Bar Sixth Form, a decision which has paid off after securing a place on the foundation course at the Royal Veterinary College in London.

"I've always wanted to be a vet," she said. "I remember at my Year 6 leavers' assembly at Bursar the presentation said as such.

"I came here because the classes are smaller and the time in lessons was longer. I'm pleased I did."

She secured three Cs in Biology, Chemistry and Maths.

Head of Sixth Form Christine Hook said: "We're delighted to see the vast majority of students achieve their first choice destinations.

"These are the second cohort of students to have benefitted from our work with the Elephant Group, which supports students to access top-third universities."

Highlights included 75% achieving A* or A in English Literature; 80% A* to B in Geography; and 44% A* in Art.

Current Year 11s from across the area joining Toll Bar Sixth Form next month will receive support packages to boost success, including a free iPad and book vouchers.

They can apply via www.tollbarmatsixthform.co.uk/enrolmentform/

Any queries about applying or any questions about further study in general can be directed to the Sixth Form Team via (01472) 500505.

Head student Libby Jackson, who switched from Caistor Grammar to Toll Bar Sixth Form, is congratulated by mum Lindsey.

Parents Peter and Karen Goodwin with Maddison.

An emotional moment for Matilda Cowie and mum Debbie.

Matilda and mum Debbie reflect on results which secured her place at Durham University.

Sports Photography will be studied by Jake Norman at Nottingham Trent University.

Tears of joy for Nell Cutler with mum Emma Rice and nanna Theresa Rice.

Nell with mum Emma, nanna Theresa and brother Jonny Day.

An apprenticeship in mechanical engineering awaits Leo Metawea.

A place at London's Royal Veterinary College was secured by Ava Burke, who collected her results with mum Sarah.

Year 12 student Harriet Price, who came in to collect her Criminology Certificate, achieved halfway through the course. She achieved a B.