'Terrific atmosphere' at Vandyke Upper School in Leighton Buzzard as students achieve impressive exam results

‘Deserving’ students are celebrating exam results at Vandyke Upper School in Leighton Buzzard.

According to headteacher Tim Carroll, there was a ‘terrific atmosphere’ at the school as students returned to collect the life-changing envelopes.

He said: “I am delighted with the results and proud of students’ achievements.

“Students have worked so hard over two years. This cohort did not get to sit their GCSE exams due to the pandemic so for many this was the first exam room experience and they have come through with flying colours. Sixth Form courses are demanding and students deserve every credit for their achievements. This is an exciting time for them and they deserve our congratulations and best wishes.”

Director of Sixth Form Kerry Quinn revealed the group had achieved a record number of places at Oxbridge institutions this year. She said it was a testament to the ambition and self-belief of the year group.

She added: “It has been well reported that this was a tough year for A-Level results and UCAS entries, however most of our students are rightfully delighted with their results and into their first-choice universities.

“Supporting them for the past two years has been inspiring - they have worked hard, supported each other and delivered under pressure in these examinations without the experience of external GCSEs.”

Star performers include:

George Phillips who is off to the University of Cambridge to study psychological and behavioural sciences after gaining four A*s.

Molly Griffith will start her Level 6 Apprenticeship with Mercedes Benz Financial Services in September after achieving grades A, B and C.

Beth Pearson who will be going to university in Edinburgh to study geography after getting A* grades in all of her subjects and completing the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

Ethan Janes who achieved three A* grades and will take up a place at Herford College, Oxford to read biochemistry.

Ollie Ewing who will study PPE at Leeds having achieved A grades across all subjects.

Charlotte Silber who achieved straight top grades and goes on to Oxford to study French and German.

Molly Roberts who got distinction star in music, B in English and A in Media Studies.

Dan Miller who got A* in history, A* in English Literature and B in psychology and will be going to university in Leeds.

Zoe White who will be studying music at university in Liverpool having achieved a distinction in music, A in media studies and C in psychology.

Evie Bell who got B in English Literature, B in history and A in geography and is off to Birmingham to study history and politics.

Kian Callaghan who will be studying law at Royal Holloway after achieving an A in law and B in English and business studies.

Mia Richardson who will be going to UEA at Norwich to study history.