Students in Hucknall were in a celebratory mood this morning (Thursday 18 August) after receiving their A level results.

The Hucknall Sixth Form Centre, on Portland Road, the base for students from both secondary schools in the town was awash with anticipation and delight as results were collected and opened.

Students from the National Church of England Academy, part of the Minster Trust for Education (MITRE), achieved an excellent set of outcomes, with 22% of students gaining A*- A grades, 44% gaining A*- B grades, and 70% receiving A* - C. Whilst 68% of students who applied to university were accepted to their first choice.

Headteacher Martin Brailsford was present to share in the celebrations and said: "What has been most pleasing is just how many of our fantastic students have managed to go to their planned destinations. The hard work and dedication of so many has meant students may move towards a bright future of their choosing.

"From a performance perspective, it is encouraging that so many key measures have shown improvement for us since 2019. Now students should take the time to reflect on the difficult journey they have had getting to this point and just how well they have done over the last few years. We wish all of our students the very best of luck for the future".

There were a number of notable successes. Top performing students at the academy were Amelia Dobson and Grace Conidi. Amelia achieved an impressive Distinction* in Law, A* in Psychology, and A in history. She will be going to study Law at the University of Nottingham. Grace also achieved an impressive A* in maths, A in biology and B in chemistry.

Amelia Dobson will study Law at the University of Nottingham in September following her results. Photo courtesy of National Church of England Academy.

The most improved student was Ishana Melia with A (psychology), A (geography) and B (biology). Her superb progress means that she will be now going to study environmental science at the University of Leicester.

Other great individual successes include Daniel Leonhardt, Daniel Gudgeon and Ben Michael who will now go on to study sport and exercise science, mechanical engineering and drama and English respectively.

Kelly Wall, Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for sixth form, said: "I am incredibly proud of all our students and what they have achieved. They have shown such resilience during the last few years, proving themselves to be hard working, dedicated and valued members of our school community. I wish them all the best in their future careers"

At The Holgate Academy, part of the Diverse Academies Trust, a number of students achieved top results, enabling them to progress onto a variety of university courses and apprenticeships, as well as into employment.

One of the top performers 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."

Charlotte Sladden (pictured) is heading to the University of York to study psychology. Photo courtesy of The Holgate Academy.

Despite a difficult year, Curtis Flint achieved three A grades in computing, maths and physics. He will be heading to the University of Nottingham to study finance, accounting and management. During year 13, Curtis has had to deal with the ill health and loss of his Grandad, who he was very close to, making his results even more excellent. Curtis said: "Sixth form has supported and allowed me to achieve the grades I needed to get into university."

Despite a difficult year, Curtis Flint (pictured) achieved three A grades.

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 with their results. With a grade A in English literature, B in film studies and C in psychology, they will be off 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."

Matthew Pennington, principal at The Holgate Academy said: "This is a hugely important day for all our young people and recognition of all their exceptional hard work and dedication during their time at Holgate and Hucknall Sixth Form Centre. Congratulations to them – all our staff want to wish them the very best for their future."

Ms Cliffman, head of Hucknall Sixth Form Centre, added: "This year's Year 13 students have contended with two years of adversity and disruption. Their dedication to their studies and in supporting each other as a learning community throughout this time has been incredible and heart-warming. It is testament to these talented students that they have been able to achieve such good grades and will now move on to the next exciting phase in their lives."

There is still some limited availability for students to join Hucknall Sixth Form Centre from September. Anyone interested in finding out more or looking to apply can do so by clicking here.