Shropshire college students make history with A-level results
A Shropshire college’s students have made history with exceptional A-level results this summer.
The Year 6.2 students at Acton Burnell-based Concord College achieved impressive grades with 82.2 per cent at A*/A and 95.8 per cent A*-B.
The outcomes and university destinations were today described as ‘nothing short of extraordinary’ by principal Neil Hawkins.
Seventeen students received Oxbridge offers, 37 UCL offers – a new record – 18 KCL offers and 41 offers to study medicine, dentistry and veterinary science.
Overall, 78 per cent of Concord’s university places were for top 10 UK universities or medical schools – 90 per cent for top 20.
Leaver Robbie Smith, who achieved an A* in geography, and an A in mathematics, chemistry and English (AS) and will be studying geography at Cambridge, said: “It was disappointing to leave Concord in the way we did, and missing out on end-of-year traditions, but it was a truly successful year nonetheless.
“I’m delightful with my place, and look forward to meeting new people, living more independently and learning from other students and Cambridge academics.
“Equally, I look forward to a reunion at Concord sometime in the future.”
Grateful
Also speaking of the end of term and his excellent results, leaver Will Bernasconi – who achieved an A* in mathematics, an A in further mathematics and an A in economics – has secured a place at Bath University.
He said: “The end of term was scary in a way – obviously we were well prepared for exams, but unforeseen circumstances made me nervous of being judged right across the year to contribute towards my grades.
“I’m grateful however that we were accurately assessed across our online examinations, Saturday tests, predicated grades, AS levels and teacher experiences.
“Personally, I’m absolutely looking forward to university; meeting others, greater independence, and I might continue to take part in sport either competitively or recreationally, in Bath’s incredible sports facilities.”
As per popular university course choices in recent years, 41 of Concord’s 2020 leavers have opted for medicine, dentistry and veterinary science. Medicine is the most subscribed, with 28 places at UK medical schools alone.
Reflecting on the excellent grades and university places gained, Concord’s assistant principal (careers and university admissions), Dr Rob Pugh said: “For obvious reasons, there was more uncertainty for students before and after results day this year.
“Yet, the overall figures are very healthy in terms of offers made and offers achieved, which is particularly encouraging.
“This year was by far the largest UCAS cohort we had, so it’s been a very successful year.
“As well as top UK university places, we have a number of students studying at prestigious universities around the world – also including six leavers who are going to study at US universities, two at Berkeley, one each at UCLA, University of Southern California, Princeton and the University of Washington.”
Mr Hawkins added: “In what was an unprecedented year in terms of academic disruption, I would like to thank the staff for the work that went in during lockdown, during the year and over the past years to make such outcomes possible.”
