Students across Diverse Academies have been celebrating today after collecting their A Level and Level 3 results, sharing pride in their achievements with friends, family and academy staff.

David Cotton, Diverse Academies CEO, said: “Results day is a significant milestone for all young people and no more so than this year, following what has been another very challenging time for students and staff alike.

“I share immense pride in our post 16 students and all that they have achieved, both academically and personally. They have worked incredibly hard and I know that our students leave us well-prepared for the next steps in their journey, whether that is into higher education, an apprenticeship or employment. I would like to wish all of our students the very best in what I know will be a bright future.

“I would also like to extend my thanks to my colleagues across the Trust for all that they have done in the last year. Their tireless efforts both within the classroom and behind the scenes in a range of roles is humbling. Our staff teams continue to display in abundance how we place our communities at the heart of what we do – and put our mission to nurture curiosity, develop wellbeing and empower children and young people to go beyond their aspirations firmly into action.”

Student success stories

Across Diverse Academies there have been many outstanding individual success stories – here we share a few from across the Trust.

Tuxford Academy

Top achievers included Ellie Hickman from Winthorpe, who has been awarded A*s in English literature, drama, psychology and extended project. Ellie will be taking up her place at the University of Sheffield to study English language and literature. She said: “This really shows that all of my hard work has paid off, I am so pleased with my results and looking forward to starting at university in September.”

Douglas Barnes, from Askham, also achieved top A* grades in computer science, further maths, maths and physics. Douglas will be heading to Trinity College, University of Cambridge to study maths. He said: “I had no idea that I had done so well. This time two years ago I hadn’t imagined I would be going off to Cambridge – I’m really pleased.”

Abigail Cawthorne from Retford said “I am just speechless. I am so happy and my results have exceeded all of my expectations.” Abigail gained A*s in business, sociology and history and will be going on to the University of Leeds to study international business and marketing.

Continuing the trend, Jacob Macpherson, from Rolleston, achieved A*s in English literature, politics and history. Jacob is going to the University of Exeter to study politics and said: “I am really proud of my results – it is a huge achievement.”

Sam Barnett, from East Markham, achieved A*s in maths, further maths and physics and said: “I am really pleased with my results. I would also like to thank all my teachers at the academy for their support.” Sam will be going to the University of Bristol to study theoretical physics.

Katie McLean, from Retford, was also celebrating. She has been awarded A*s in history and English, and an A in biology. She will be going to the University of Cambridge to study history. She said: “I am very excited to move forwards with my education and I am really looking forward to going to Cambridge.”

Retford Oaks Academy

This year’s top performer, Lauren Emery, achieved a hugely impressive set of results with A*s in all of her subjects – English language, history, German and her extended project. Lauren will be taking up her place at the University of Lincoln to study history.

Another student with notable results was Joe Mattenshire, with an A* in chemistry, an A in biology and an A in sociology. Joe will be going to Newcastle University in September to study medicine.

Bebe Bierton’s dedication to study also paid off, with an A* in criminology and As in English language, English literature and criminology. Bebe will be going on to the University of Birmingham to study English literature and creative writing.

Queen Elizabeth’s Academy

This year’s top performer, Abby Stafford, received A*s in English literature, English language and film studies and is going to the University of Warwick to study English literature and creative writing. On receiving her results, Abby said: “I feel good, I’m so relieved to get these results. The pit has gone from my stomach!”

Another student who was thrilled with today’s results was Amina Thanni. Amina achieved a grade A in psychology, Distinction* in applied law, a B in English literature and an A* in her extended project qualification. She will be studying law at The University of Sheffield. Amina said: “Looking at my results makes me realise just how hard I’ve worked and the excellent support I have had from teachers at HSFC through lockdown. I am very pleased to be going to The University of Sheffield.”

Walton Academy

One of this year’s top performers, Katie Hartwood, achieved two A*s and one A grade in history, criminology and English literature. She will be taking up her place at the University of Nottingham to study law. She said: “I am really proud of my results, the hard work paid off.”

Another top performer, Sophie Warden, achieved one A grade and two B grades in maths, chemistry and physics. With a place secured at The University of Sheffield to study aerospace engineering, she said: “I am really pleased with my results and I am excited to go to Sheffield to continue my studies.”

Ella Louise Scanlan achieved two Distinction* grades and an A* grade in business, health and social care and criminology. She said: “I was so shocked to achieve three top grades, I will miss school so much, it has been fun. I am taking a gap year now to decide on my next steps, I am planning to go to university next year. I will be sad to not walk into the school gates again.”

Another high-flyer is Luke Griffin with a Distinction* and two A grades in business, geography and criminology. He will be studying business management at Nottingham Trent University. Luke commented that he was “super surprised and delighted with his results, he would like to thank all of his teachers for their support and he is really pleased he chose to come to Walton Post 16 to complete his studies.”

The Holgate Academy

This year’s top performer, Eden Burch, achieved a hugely impressive set of results with four As in chemistry, biology, psychology and her extended project qualification. Eden will be heading to her first-choice, University of St Andrew’s, to study neuroscience. Eden said: “Having joined Holgate in year 12 from another school, I have felt really supported – the teachers have been really flexible and have helped me achieve my excellent results, I am so pleased.”

Dedication to his studies also paid off for Reece Gatland with a distinction in applied law, distinction* in public services, a B in criminology and a C in his extended project qualification. Reece said: “My results just prove that hard work pays off. I am so proud of myself and really pleased with the support my teachers offered at HSFC”. Reece will be heading to the University of Nottingham to study law with criminology.

Amie Marshall showed incredible determination and resilience throughout her studies at The Holgate Academy and we are so pleased that she will be heading off to the University of Lincoln to study law, having achieved As in criminology and finance this year, adding to her law and business grades from last year. Amie said: “I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this without the help from my tutors – I am really pleased to be going to university to study law”.

East Leake Academy

One of this year’s top performers, Isaac Baguley, achieved A* grades in chemistry, biology, maths and further maths. He will be taking up his place at St John’s College, Cambridge to study natural sciences. He said: “I was inspired by all my subject teachers, especially Mrs Freeston and Mr Renshaw who helped with my application for Cambridge. East Leake was the best place for me because I have great relationship with all staff and nowhere else would be better.”

Another top performer, Jack Osborn, achieved A* grades in physics, maths and further maths. With a place secured at Imperial College London to study aeronautical and spacecraft engineering, he said: “I was mostly inspired by Mr Barkley and Mrs Moore. I chose to stay at East Leake because I was familiar with the teachers and it is an excellent sixth form.”

Millie O’Connell achieved A* grades in chemistry, maths and business studies. Millie will now be heading to the University of Leeds to study law. She said: “I was inspired by all my subject teachers who provided me with lots of support. I appreciated that all my teachers were willing to go the extra mile.”

Another high-flyer is Amy Ralphs with A* A* A A* grades in geography, history, English literature and the EPQ (extended project qualification). She will be studying geography at UCL. Amy commented that she was delighted with her results. “I have been particularly inspired by Mrs Clifton and Mr Strickland. I chose to stay because I was familiar with the subject teachers and felt comfortable studying A Levels at ELA.”