Today, colleagues from across the Trust joined our post 16 students, along with their friends and families, to celebrate their A level and Level 3 achievements.
David Cotton, Diverse Academies CEO, said: “On behalf of my colleagues across our post-16 settings, I want to express how incredibly proud we are of our students. While today is naturally centred on academic results and achievements, our pride extends far beyond the numbers. We celebrate the remarkable young adults they have become, admiring their personal growth, resilience, and the determination they’ve shown throughout their journey. These qualities will undoubtedly propel them towards greater success in the future.
“From everyone at Diverse Academies, we wish each student every success in their next steps – whether that be higher education, an apprenticeship or entering the workforce. We are confident they are well-prepared, with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the world ahead.
“I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to our dedicated staff across the Trust. Their unwavering commitment to inspiring curiosity, nurturing wellbeing, and empowering young people to surpass their own expectations is truly exceptional.”
Student success stories
Across Diverse Academies there have been many outstanding individual success stories – here we share a few from across the Trust.
East Leake Academy
One East Leake student who was delighted with his results was Alexander Hawkins. With A* grades in chemistry, maths, further maths and physics, Alex will now go on to study aerospace engineering at the University of Sheffield. He said: “I am extremely happy with my results and wish to thank all my subject teachers.”
Another student celebrating today was Ella Das. After achieving excellent grades in history, art, English literature and EPQ, she will be taking up their place at Queen’s University Belfast to study international relations. Ella said: “I wish to thank all my subject teachers and I am very delighted with my results.”
Demonstrating outstanding progress over the last two years, Thomas Baker was delighted with his A level results. With grades A, B and C in biology, chemistry and physics, Thomas is heading to Lancaster University to study biology. Thomas said: “I’m so very happy with my results and wish to especially thank Mr Buttinger, Mr Collins, Mr Jackson, Mrs Freeston and Mrs Slack.”
The Holgate Academy
One of this year’s top performers at Holgate was Bethany Sladden, who achieved outstanding grades of A* in maths, A* in biology, A in chemistry and A* in the extended project qualification (EPQ). She will now be heading to the University of Warwick to study biochemistry. Bethany said: “I am really, really pleased with my results.”
Jasmine Lam was also celebrating this morning after being awarded A* in Chinese, A in maths, B in photography and grade Cs in further maths and physics. She has a place at Loughborough University to study maths and commented: “I’m delighted with my results, it’s what I expected.”
Another superb result was achieved by Shannon Davis, who achieved grades A, A, B and C in maths, criminology, physics and further maths. She has a place secured at the University of Nottingham to study physics. Shannon said: “I am so happy that all my hard work over the past few years has paid off.”
Walton Academy
Among the top performers at Walton Academy was Freya Stanbury, who will be heading to the University of Warwick to study philosophy and literature after achieving A* grades in English literature and religious studies, along with a B in history. Freya said: “I’m very happy and surprised with my results. Now, I can look forward to my next steps.”
Another superb result was achieved by Lucy Hemstock, who earned a Distinction* in health and social care, an A in religious studies and a B in sociology. Lucy has secured a place at the University of Leeds to study business management. She said: “I’m really pleased with my results and happy to have secured my place at university. I’m excited to take a gap year to travel through Australia and Asia before starting my studies.”
Congratulations were also in order for Emily Depoortere, who will be taking a level 7 apprenticeship in audit and assurance at Deloitte in Nottingham. Emily gained BBC in chemistry, biology and maths. She said “I’m really excited to start the next challenge. I’d like to thank all my teachers for their support.”
Retford Oaks Academy
Three students from Retford Oaks have all secured places at their chosen higher education destinations, are now setting their sights on exciting futures.
Abi Briggs has secured her place at York St John University, where she will study creative writing and media. Reflecting on her achievements, Abi said: “To sum it up in one word, I would say ecstatic!” She earned an A in media studies, a B in English literature, and a C in English language. With a passion for storytelling, Abi will surely enjoy the next step in her educational journey.
Greg Houghton is thrilled to have been accepted to the University of Sheffield, where he will study European Law. “I was so happy when I checked and saw I’d been accepted at the University of Sheffield,” Greg shared. His impressive results, with B grades in criminology, history, sociology, and law, demonstrate his commitment to understanding societal complexities. Greg has big plans for his future, including a third-year study abroad, with Denmark as his top preference.
Louisa Merrion is still considering all her options but is particularly interested in pursuing a career in drama. She has earned a place in higher education with strong B grades in media studies and drama, and a C in biology. “A lot of options are open to me, and I’m excited to plan for the future,” Louisa said. Whether she decides to study drama at university or explore other creative paths, Louisa’s enthusiasm and talent will undoubtedly lead her to success.
Tuxford Academy
One of this year’s top performers at Tuxford was Elizabeth Thornton, who achieved A*A*A, grades in maths, biology and chemistry. She is heading to the University of East Anglia to study medicine. She said: “I’m so excited to be going to university!”
Congratulations are also due to Rowan Cormack, who achieved A*A*AA in English literature, history, German and Spanish. She is going to study English literature and German at Bristol University. Reflecting on her success, Rowan said: “I am very relieved that all the hard work has paid off.”
And further congratulations were in order for Dan Kay, who achieved A*A*A in his A levels. He plans to study medicine after taking a gap year. Reflecting on his achievement, he said: “I am so happy with my results.”
Another superb result was achieved by Sophie Howard, who achieved A*A*A in biology, maths and Spanish. Hannah has a place secured at the University of Sheffield to study biomedical science. She said: “I am surprised but very happy with my results.”
Queen Elizabeth’s Academy
Two of QEA’s standout students, Cody Thompson and Jessica Foulds, are embarking on unique and exciting journeys that reflect their individual strengths and passions.
Cody Thompson has demonstrated remarkable perseverance throughout his academic journey. Despite finding A level studies challenging, Cody stayed committed and is pleased with his results, with particular strengths in his extended project qualification (EPQ) and in applied science, for which he achieved a merit. Cody has secured a place at Inspire to study hospitality and catering, where he is eager to channel his creativity and passion for the industry. Reflecting on his experience, Cody said: “I found the A level studies hard but stuck with it, and I’m pleased with my results.”
Jessica Foulds also reflects the diversity of success, having studied English literature, history, geography and the EPQ. Jessica is excited about her next chapter, having been accepted to Nottingham Trent University to study music performance. “I am pleased with my results and looking forward to my next steps at university,” Jessica shared, ready to pursue her passion for music.
