Today saw the culmination of the tenacity and hard work demonstrated by our year 13 students over the last two years. Alongside friends and family, academy staff across the Trust celebrated and shared their pride in students’ achievements as they collected their A level and Level 3 results.

David Cotton, Diverse Academies CEO, said: “Our students have had to be incredibly resilient over the last two years, as they faced the challenges of the pandemic and the disruption this brought to their education – and they have done so admirably.

“Today is all about them and their successes, and we are all so very proud of what they have achieved academically and personally. As our year 13s embark on the next steps in their journey, whether that is into higher education, an apprenticeship or employment, we know they will do so with as much determination to succeed as they have shown us. On behalf of all my colleagues, I would like to wish every one of our students the very best in what I know will be a bright future ahead of them.

“I would also like to give my thanks to staff across the Trust for their continued dedication to our mission as an organisation – to nurture curiosity, develop wellbeing and empower children and young people to go beyond their aspirations. Their work reaches well beyond the classroom and includes a wide range of roles, all driven by wanting to ensure students achieve the best possible outcomes.”

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

Two of the academy’s high achievers were twins Verity and Theo Marshall. Verity gained three A* grades in English literature, history and extended project qualification and an A grade in English language. She will be taking up her place at Trinity College Cambridge. Twin brother Theo achieved A grades in English literature and economics with a C grade in maths. Theo commented: “I was shocked and delighted. I am incredibly happy. Working hard and determination really made the difference.”

Two other top performers were Evie Kendall and Freya Kemp, Evie achieved 5 A*s and Freya achieved 3 A*s. Evie will be heading to Cambridge to study maths and Freya to Oxford to study English literature in the future. Freya commented: “I am speechless. I have never felt so many emotions in one day. I am really grateful for the support I have received from the staff at East Leake Academy.”

Another successful student Rosie Ingham commented: “I never thought I would get so many A grades. I am so grateful for all the support I have received from the staff.”

Kieran Morey achieved three grade Cs in history, English literature and film studies. He is now heading to Liverpool John Moore’s to study history. Maya Marshall also showed the importance of hard work and determination in achieving an A grade in history.

Walton Academy

One of this year’s top performers at Walton, Caitlin Anders, achieved A* in maths and As in further maths, chemistry and physics. With these phenomenal results she will be heading to Lancaster University to study maths. She said: “I’m excited for the next steps. The past two years has paid off.”

Another top performer was Alice Gibbs, who excelled with A*s in maths and chemistry and an A in biology. Alice with be attending the University of Southampton to study oceanography. She said: “I am relieved that my hard work has paid off.”

Edward Warren also had brilliant results, he achieved As in history, English literature and religious studies. He said: “I feel amazing and would like to thank all my teachers for all their support, they have made all the work so much easier.” Edward will be going to the University of York to study English and related literature.

The Holgate Academy

One of Holgate’s top performers at Hucknall Sixth Form Centre was Charlotte Sladden, who achieved A* in psychology, A* in sociology, A in English literature and an A in the extended project qualification. She is now heading to the University of York to study psychology. Charlotte said: “My experience at sixth form has been incredibly friendly and supportive throughout my time here – there was always help and support available when I needed it.”

Despite a difficult year, Curtis Flint secured superb A level results. He achieved three A grades in computing, maths and physics and will be heading to the University of Nottingham to study finance, accounting and management. Curtis said: “Sixth form has supported and allowed me to achieve the grades I needed to get into university.”

Enrico Auteri was also celebrating today with a Distinction* in IT, Distinction* in iMedia and a B in photography. He will be taking up a place at the University of Leeds to study digital media. Enrico said: “Sixth form has given me the platform to further my education and propel me to get the grades I needed to get into my dream university to study digital media.”

Charlie Windmill was also delighted after receiving a grade A in English literature, B in film studies and C in psychology, and will be going to Leeds Art University to study creative writing. Charlie said: “I am honestly lost for words. I never expected to do as well as I did and I’m grateful for the time I’ve had at Holgate and Hucknall Sixth Form Centre.”

Sophie Robinson-Develin and Amy Ainsworth both achieved three A* grades on the childcare diploma. Sophie will now head to Nottingham Trent University to study primary education, while Amy is heading into employment. Amy commented: “Good memories, good result, I would come to the sixth form again if I could.”

Tuxford Academy

It was a double celebration in the Willlows’ household as Tuxford twins Frida and Tilda Willows collected their results today. The girls achieved AAB and A*AA respectively. Frida is going to Newcastle University to study biomedical sciences and Tilda will study chemistry at the University of Leeds. They commented: “All the hard work has paid off”.

Also a top performer was Makary Jasinski, who was ‘very happy’ to achieve A* A*A. He is heading to the University of Leeds to study physics and maths.

Neve Chadwick was also celebrating this morning after being awarded A*A*B. She has a place at the University of York to study linguistics. She said: “I wasn’t expecting these grades but I am very happy!”

Another superb result was achieved by Jimmy Hancock, who achieved A*AA. He has a place secured at the University of Warwick to study maths and physics joint honours.

Celebrations were also in order for Georgina Ward who said “I am absolutely thrilled” when she received her results of A*A*A. She is heading to the University of Nottingham to read neuroscience.

Retford Oaks Academy

Retford Oaks top performer, Chloe Lazenby, achieved an incredible set of results with A* in psychology, A in criminology and B in English literature. Her response to this fabulous achievement was: “I’m so relieved! I’m glad it’s over but so happy with my results. I’m looking forward to studying forensic psychology at Nottingham Trent University.”

Another top achiever was Amelia Redfearn who achieved an A in core maths and B in business studies. Amelia will be going on to a Level 3 apprenticeship at Fledgling Day Nursery in Doncaster. She said: “I’m really pleased with my results and very much looking forward to starting my apprenticeship.”

Ella Woodhouse’s dedication also paid off, with an A in art and B in media studies. Ella is going to the University of Lincoln to study media production, she said: “I’m so excited to go to university and share accommodation with my friends, I’m really glad to have got these results.”

Queen Elizabeth’s Academy

One Queen Elizabeth’s student who was delighted with her results today was Shannon Jackson. With a grade B in psychology, B in sociology, B in the extended project qualification and a Distinction* in health and social care, she will be heading to the University of Hull to study paramedic science. Shannon said: “I really enjoyed my time at Hucknall Sixth Form Centre and am very excited for my next journey.”

Rinalds Baltins was also celebrating success today. He achieved a grade B in photography, C in finance, a Merit in business and a D in the extended project qualification. Rinalds said: “I can’t wait to be moving and going off to the University of Plymouth – I’m looking forward to the independence of living by myself. It wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing staff at Hucknall Sixth Form Centre. I want to say to the staff who taught me a huge thank you for everything you have done.”