SMILES swept across the face of most students at Helena Romanes School today (Thursday August 15) after their A-level results were revealed.
The school, in Parsonage Downs, Great Dunmow, had 99 per cent of pupils achieve A*-E grade – meaning most got into their first choice university.
Natasha Dawson was delighted with her three A’s and one C which secured a place at Lincoln. The 18-year-old said: “It is always really scary because you never really know what to expect.
“But I was so pleased when I found out and it was such a great relief.”
Natasha, of North Street, Dunmow, will be studying Interior Architecture and Design after gaining three A grades in Sociology, Business Studies, Textiles and a C in Art, Craft and Design.
Josh Bunyan had already celebrated his place at university the night before. The 19-year-old, who is going to study Business Management at Aston, achieved double distinctions in BTEC Sport, Development, Coaching, and Fitness, and an A in Business.
“I am really looking forward to university, the freedom of it and meeting new people,” Josh told the Broadcast.
Head boy Max Turner, 18, of Rayne, received confirmation of his place at Southampton University to study English – even though he is sad to say goodbye to his school.
He achieved A grades in English and EPQ (extended project qualification) and C grades in law and psychology.
“I was awake at about 5am and refreshing the computer to find out whether I’d got my first choice. I’m ecstatic that I have; I feel like the pressure has been released. I can now breathe,” he said, adding that he hopes to join the police force at a graduate level and work his way through the ranks after finishing university.
Matt Fletcher, head of sixth form at HRS, said: “The majority of our students have applied to go to university and the signs are that all will have the opportunity to go to their first choice. That is our aim, to make that happen.
“Our 99 per cent pass rate is consistently high and that’s ultimately what is getting our students into university.
“For our many students like Max, who have worked so hard, they are getting the reward they deserve.”
Headteacher Simon Knight added: “I am very proud of the achievements of our A-level students.
“The grades and success reflect very positively on the sustained hard work of the pupils, the support provided by their parents and the commitment of the staff at the school.”
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