TEENS throughout the area have been celebrating their A-level results after picking them up yesterday (Thursday, 14 August) in a year that has seen them unable to sit final exams.

The unprecedented circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic over the past six months led to formal examinations due to be sat by Year 13 students being cancelled. As a direct result, the hard work already undertaken through years of study left students, staff and their families throughout mid-Essex secondary schools feeling devastated.

Ormiston Rivers Academy

Despite this, students at Ormiston Rivers Academy in Southminster Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, are still able to celebrate with a 95 per cent pass rate overall, and an incredible 89 A*-B Grades. The Academy's headline results improved in terms of progress and performance across the board with many subjects 30-50 per cent improved on last year.

Students will be moving on to a wide variety of leading and specialist universities to study a diverse range of degree courses, including the sciences, Politics, Law, English Literature, Psychology - and Comedy. There are also several students continuing their degree studies into nursing and policing.

Some individual stories of student success at Ormiston Academy include:

• Alice Flanders – A A A (Biology, History, Psychology)

• Harry Simpson - Dis* Dis* A B B (H+S Double Award, Drama, Psychology, EPQ)

• Danielle Cooper - Dis* A B B (Performing Arts, Drama, English, EPQ)

• Nathaniel Head - Dis* Dis* B (Engineering, Music Tech, Business Studies)

• Ben Griffiths - A B B Dis* (Chemistry, Physics, Maths, 0.5 Engineering)

• Megan Davidson – A A B Dis (Geography, Psychology, Law, 0.5 Cooking and Nutrition)

• Sally Blenman - A B B A* (History, Psychology, English, EPQ)

• Kurtis Symons-Peck – A A A B C (History, Drama, English, Psychology, EPQ)

• Kobe Lynam – Dis* B B (Performing Arts, Drama, Business Studies)

• Michaela Myers – Dis* B C (Performing Arts, Drama, Geography)

• Kate Frost in Year 12, one of the academy's new Sixth Form leaders for next year, achieved A* A A A A (A2 Maths, AS Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Further Maths).

Principal Emma Baker, said: "I am absolutely delighted that our students have secured the grades they so richly deserve, particularly in light of the extremely difficult circumstances we have found ourselves in over the past few months. I wish them all every success in whichever future path they have chosen to pursue".

William de Ferrers School

William de Ferrers School in Trinity Square, South Woodham Ferrers, is celebrating some spectacular results, despite this unprecedented academic year.

Especially stunning success was achieved by the following students:

• Jack Bunyan with four A* grades in computer studies, mathematics, further mathematics and physics. Jack is furthering his education at the University of Bristol and will be reading mathematics and computer science.

• Samuel Bridge achieved two A* grades in biology and chemistry and an A grade in mathematics. Samuel will be reading medicine at Kings College, University of London.

• Charlotte Alexander gained an A* in art, an A in product design and an A in English language and literature. Charlotte will be reading fine art at the University of Loughborough.

• Tegan Roberts-Morgan secured three A grades in computer studies, mathematics and further mathematics. Tegan also achieved an A* in her extended project qualification. Tegan is furthering her education at the University of Bristol and will be reading computer science.

• Adam Bacon achieved an A grade in business studies, distinction * distinction in engineering and an A in his extended project qualification.

Other students who excelled in a number of their courses include: Emily Crisp, Holly Letts, Elodie Davies, Emma Hawes, Rachel Laverack, Ella Pegrum and Lauren Scott.

A spokesperson for the school said: "The staff at William de Ferrers school congratulate our students and of course all the students across the county for what they have achieved and wish them every success as they progress onto the next stage of their education, employment or training."