Hundreds of anxious sixth formers this morning nervously opened the exam results that could change their lives forever. Many Thomas Alleyne's High School pupils arrived at the school at 7.30am today, Thursday, August 17, to open their A-level results.

The Uttoxeter school has retained last year's impressive 98 per cent pass rate, with the "vast majority" of students getting the grades to enter their first-choice unis. Students will now embrace varied further education options, ranging from Oxford University to higher apprenticeships. Some will jump straight into the world of work.

Alleyne's' results for vocational subjects put it in the top one per cent in the country - youngsters achieved an incredible 100 per cent pass rate.

Megan Gardiner, of Draycott in the Clay, got As in history and geography and a B in biology. She is heading to study physiotherapy at the University of Birmingham.

The 18-year-old said: "I'm so happy. I couldn't stop crying happy tears when I opened my envelope. I just worked so hard and there was a lot of pressure on stress - but it all feels worth it now.

"I'm really excited to go to uni. Freshers' week is really exciting, as is living in a new city and specialising in one subject. I'll be going out in Burton to celebrate tonight - I might even have a few drinks."

Abi Owen (right) with friend Cerys Baron
Abi Owen (right) with friend Cerys Baron

Abi Owen, 18, was "over the moon" to have got an A* in ethics and philosophy and a distinction star in her BTEC health and social care course.

The Uttoxeter teenager is now assessing her options as she is not sure whether to study mental health nursing or criminology.

She said: "I'm so excited and so happy with what I've got. I'd like to give my special thanks to Mrs Lindsay, my ethics and philosophy teacher, who is just amazing.

"I'm relieved it's over and now I can just chill out to celebrate some results I really didn't expect to get."

Kate Hardwick
Kate Hardwick

Kate Hardwick, 18, got an A in biology and Bs in geography and English language. She is heading to Loughborough University to study air transport management.

The Oakamoor resident said: "It's a bit of an unusual course, but I'm thinking about a career in the RAF. My results weren't so great last year, so I worked harder this year and it really paid off. I thought I'd done okay, but this is better than I was expecting.

"I haven't really thought about celebrating - I didn't want to tempt fate. I'll probably do something with my mum and dad. I'm really looking forward to uni - it'll be a different experience."

Exceptional individual performances included Alfie Holmes, who got four A*s and will study maths at Oxford.

Harry Cooper is off to study computing at Imperial College, London, after getting two A*s and two As.

The University of Bournemouth will be the destination for Hayley Winstanley after she secured an A* and two As. She will study make-up for media and performance.

Headteacher Julie Rudge said: "We are thrilled with our students' results. They are testament to the students' hard work, the support of their families and strong teaching and support from staff at Thomas Alleyne's.

"Our outgoing Year 13 group have not only excelled academically they have also been superb role models to other students throughout their time at Thomas Alleyne's.

"We are sad to see them move on but wish them well for the next step in their lives, be that in work, apprenticeships or at University."

Vocational student that got top marks included Johnathon Mackay, who got two distinction stars, an A and a B.

George Simister got two distinction stars and a B and will study broadcast journalism at Salford University.

Tyler Williams has secured an apprenticeship at Total Enterprise Solutions with her two distinction stars and a C.

Alison Trenery, chair of governors and mayor of Uttoxeter, said, "I am delighted to see another excellent set of results from Thomas Alleyne's sixth formers and such an impressive performance in both vocational and academic subjects.

"These results, together with the tremendous level of extra activities and community engagement undertaken by these sixth formers, should open doors into interesting and rewarding careers. They are a credit to the school, their families and the local community."

Prospective parents are invited to open evenings of October 4 for Year Nine and October 11 for the sixth form.

Anyone interested in joining the sixth form should call 01889 561820 or email sixthform@tahs.org.uk

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