A-levels: John Bentley School, Calne

Students have improved on last year’s best ever results with more than half the year group achieving at least one A*, A or B grade.

Melanie Sutton, deputy head, is thrilled. She said: “Our students have done brilliantly and we are so proud of their achievements. The vast majority are now able to take up places at their first choice university.”

One of the many happy students this morning was Alex Kimble who was elated with her A*, A and B. Her achievement is all the more notable having undergone major surgery in October.

“My friends were amazingly supportive, driving me to school,” she said. Her next step is the University of Southampton to study human geography. Also into her first choice university is Lauren Henley who is going to Plymouth University to study marine biology.

Lauren achieved A*, AA and puts her A* in maths down to her fantastic teachers. “Mr Smy and Mr Darton have been amazing, I couldn’t have got the A* without their help.”

Lauren is passionate about her subject and has just returned from a diving trip to Mauritius with boyfriend Joe Goddard, another John Bentley student who is thrilled with his A, BB result which has won him a place also at Plymouth University where he will study civil and coastal engineering.

Joe joined John Bentley in the sixth form and has made some great memories in the time he has been here: “Everyone has made me feel really welcome and part of the school. It has been a fantastic year.”

Another high achiever is Maddy Moxey who gained A* AA in maths, chemistry and biology as well as an A in further maths at AS Level. Maddy is going to read maths at Bristol University and puts her passion down to her brilliant teachers who have inspired a true love of the subject Brett Perrett had been applying for jobs over the summer and has been considering a career in banking or possibly with the Army but his AAB results have caused him to reconsider. Brett has put his success down to his business studies teacher, Mr Cooper, and is now thinking about applying to Exeter University to do economics.

Also heading for Exeter University is former head student Fern Kenyon-Hamp whose A*, A, B results mean she has been accepted to study zoology.

“I have been looking at a career as a wildlife journalist and this course will stand me in good stead,” she said. “I will miss my friends and teachers immensely but I am really excited about a completely new subject and can’t wait to get back to Cornwall.”

Exeter University is also the destination for Jodie Hoskin who is “chuffed” with her A*, A, B result and looking at a career in law following her history degree.

Elsie Sims achieved a A*, A, C result and with her A in art, Elsie plans to try her hand as a professional artist. Emily Lovelock has gained a place at Bath Spa University with her B, B, C grades where, inspired by geography teacher Mr Rogers, she hopes to become a teacher herself.

Nadia Hutchings achieved a Double Distinction * in BTECs in Music and ICT. Nadia’s passion is horses so plans to train as a farrier.

Roisin Kelly has credited her tutors with her A* BB result as they have been so supportive and like “second mums” to her. She will be studying psychology at Plymouth University.

Another success story is Mike Wilkins who achieved a Distinction * in his ICT BTEC while studying for maths, biology and drama A-levels. Mike has won a place at the prestigious Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester and he can’t wait to get involved with student life; “I’m excited about being in an environment with other people who are passionate and interested in the same thinks I am.”

Gordon Trafford is incredibly proud of the last set of results as headteacher of John Bentley; “John Bentley has gone from strength to strength and this set of results further illustrates the commitment of the staff to excellent teaching and care and the dedication of our bright, talented young people. I am very proud to have been part of such a successful school.”