SIXTH Form students at The Bishops’ Blue Coat Church of England High School in Chester had real cause for celebration today after receiving the fantastic results of their A-level and Level 3 studies.

This year’s results demonstrate just how well students have been prepared for further education, employment or training.

Students and parents have been determined and resilient to overcome the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic – leading to the University of Oxford, Leeds, Nottingham and Warwick or national degree level apprenticeship providers.

This year, the school’s top attaining student was Johanna Sealey who attained A*s in Literature, History, Psychology and Criminology and leaves the school to study Philosophy and Theology at the University of Oxford.

Holly Gibson gained straight A*s Mathematics, History and Psychology and will be reading Psychology at the University of Leeds in September.

Samuel Crossan gained A*’s in both Product Design and Mathematics as well as an A in Chemistry and will study Chemical Engineering at The University of Leeds.

Maks Wojciechowski attained A* grades in Literature, Polish and German as well as two A grades in History and Psychology and will study Law at the University of Nottingham.

Head Boy Rafael Wood and Sebastian Lews-Jones amassed a stunning 3 A* and 3 A grades between them and will both explore travel and volunteering opportunities next year ahead of applying to university in 2022.

Head Girl Libbie Churms gained As in both Literature and Film Studies and an A* in Criminology and will study Psychology with Linguistics at the University of Warwick.

Students who made significantly more progress since their GCSE results than might be expected nationally included Ella Smith (Distinction, Distinction, A) who will study Nutrition and Health at Edge Hill University and Naomi Reading (Distinction *, Distinction *, A) who leaves the school to begin a career in Child Nursing at Liverpool John Moore’s University.

Students following a range of diverse pathways this year as they move on from Bishops’ include Nic Jones (Distinction *, Distinction *, A) who leaves for Leeds as a degree level apprentice, Alexi Reade (A*, AAA) who will study Architecture at Lancaster University and Annalise Knight (Distinction *, A*, A*) who leaves to read History and Politics at the University of York.

Head of Sixth Form Stephen Moffatt said: “I am so extremely proud of this year group who despite all the challenges faced have secured a truly outstanding set of outcomes. They thoroughly deserve their success following two years of extremely hard work and commitment, as well as the relentless positivity and resilience they have shown.

"Whilst we are clearly delighted with their academic achievements we are just as proud of the individuals they have become.

"Students have been a pleasure to support since they started with us and leave us full to the brim with the wisdom, knowledge and skills, as well as the hope and aspiration, to make such a positive impact wherever their next steps take them. They have encapsulated our #BEStofBishops ethos in their time with us and I wish them every success for their futures.

"Today once again proves that the 20+ different study programmes and enrichment courses we offer at Bishops’ can open the door for students to progress to the full range of further education and employment opportunities available nationally”.

Headteacher Ian Wilson recognised the unique partnership between parents, students and staff this year.

He said: “The joy and celebration today is wonderful. Students, parents, and staff have had to remain positive, determined and focused to reap the benefits of hard work. Well done to the Bishops’ community for the smiles and future plans we have seen take shape today.”