AFTER a thoroughly rotten year mired in the pandemic, A-Level and GCSE students across the area have come up smelling of roses. 

 

The government announced in January that students would not take GCSE, AS and A-Level exams, due to the impact of the pandemic.

 

Rather than more traditional methods, namely timed examinations, students have been given grades based on recommendations by their teachers.

 

Overall, 28.9 per cent of UK GCSE entries were awarded one of the top grades this year, up by 2.7 percentage points on last year when 26.2 per cent achieved the top grades, figures for England, Wales and Northern Ireland show.

 

The proud head of John Masefield Sixth Form Centre has lauded the “amazing results” of Ledbury’s A Level students.

 

Star performers include Ella Lipscomb, who achieved four A* grades, and Daniel James and Jess Schofield with three A* grades each.

 

It has now been confirmed that the vast majority of students have achieved their first choice of university.

 

Mark Hawksworth, head of the sixth form said: “We are extremely proud of the ongoing success of our students and sixth form.

 

“Through the resolve, hard work and focus of our students, and the excellent teaching and dedication from John Masefield teachers, our young people have once again secured some amazing results and look set to have superb futures.”

 

Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre has also reported some outstanding A-Level results. 

 

Acting Principal Rhys Phillips said: “We are immensely proud of the work and achievements of our students, especially after such a difficult and disrupted year. 

 

“We have a consistent message to our students that hard work always pays off, and this is truly reflected in the results of our students this year.

 

“Our teachers have worked tirelessly to ensure students are all able to progress onto further education and study, and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future.”

 

GCSE students also have plenty to celebrate. Martin Farmer, headteacher of Bromyard’s Queen Elizabeth High School, said: “What our pupils have achieved in the face of such disruption gives me and our staff a real sense of pride.  

 

“Staff, pupils, and all concerned have worked hard to make sure that pupils were able to give their best and show what they could achieve.”