How the class of 2020 at Tupton Hall School did on A-level results day

The celebratory mood was slightly subdued as students adhered to social distancing measures to collect their envelopes.

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But there was much cause for celebration as the school has seen some outstanding individual achievements, with results broadly in line with historic trends.

Overall, the percentage of A*-B grades awarded was 49 per cent and the pass rate was one of the highest ever, at 99.6 per cent.

Behind the headline figures are many hard-working and inspirational young people who are now looking ahead to bright and varied futures.

Despite not having been able to sit their exams, many students were extremely pleased with their results – a welcome relief after months of anguish and uncertainty during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Charlotte Burton, head of sixth form, said: “We are very proud of our students because of the people they are – the kindness, responsibility and maturity they have shown in these challenging times.

“They have had so much to deal with; the anxiety caused by the speculation about the results has resulted in a great deal of worry for the students.

“However, these results are very pleasing and there is genuine cause for celebration.”

Andrew Knowles, headteacher of Tupton Hall School, added: “We are delighted for our students after a traumatic end to their post-16 experience with us.

“Their efforts and hard work over the two years of study have been duly rewarded.

“We are all very proud of this wonderful group of individuals.

“I would also like to thank our highly skilled staff and supportive parents and families who have supported our students throughout this time.”

Some success stories

Eszter Kenez has studied for an incredible five A-levels, securing grades A* in Spanish and the extended project qualification, As in history and media studies and a D in maths. In September she will go to study filmmaking and screenwriting at the University of the West of Scotland. She said: “I have been a bit nervous during lockdown but am just grateful that all my family stayed safe. Getting my results today has been a big relief and I’m really pleased to see everyone after so long.”

Jen Shaw is one of this year’s highest achievers and now has a place at one of the country’s top universities – the University of Oxford – where she will read history. Her grades were A*s in history and English literature and a B in maths. She said: “Tupton Hall Sixth Form is a lovely, supportive environment. That’s what gave me the confidence to apply for Oxford and achieve what I have.” Jen added: “I’m really excited to start uni shopping as soon as possible.”

Nicole Lander has used her artistic talents to magnificent effect during lockdown. She created hundreds of hand-drawn pictures of key workers, raising thousands of pounds for NHS charities. Nicole has also sold some artwork to raise funds for university necessities, with several pieces going to a buyer in New York. She said: “I’ve got through lockdown by keeping busy and doing what I love.” Nicole’s A* in art, A in product design and B in law will take her to study product design at Leicester’s De Montfort University. Nicole said: “My time at Tupton Hall has been amazing. I’ve had great support from my teachers who have dedicated so much time to help me achieve.”

Adam Metcalfe has kick-started his career, having already embarked on an apprenticeship in legal administration with a local solicitors’ firm. Adam, who joined Tupton Hall sixth form after studying GCSEs at Springwell Community College, said he wasn’t sure if university was right for him. He applied for his current role via the Government’s apprenticeships website in June and, after impressing in interviews and work trials via Zoom, he started the job on July 1. “In some ways lockdown has been the making of me,” beamed Adam after collecting his C in English language and D in law. “I’m so happy and I absolutely love the work I’m doing.” He added: “I will really miss Tupton Hall. My time here has been full of experiences, people and memories I will never forget.”

Other high performing individuals:

- Samuel Furness: A A B B in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics

- Alice Robinson: A* A* A in geography, psychology and sociology

- Charlie Twell: A* A* A in maths, further maths and English language

- Bertie Williamson: A* A* A in maths, chemistry and biology

- Olivia Laughton: A A A in English literature, psychology and biology

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