Coventry and Birmingham schools celebrate record breaking exam results

Cardinal Wiseman students celebrate results

Two schools in Coventry and Birmingham are celebrating a stellar set of A-level and Level 3 vocational results.

Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School - Coventry

This school, part of the Romero Catholic Academy, has reported improvement in the number of students achieving the highest grades, with many securing places at leading universities and highly competitive degree apprenticeships.

Students will now progress to Russell Group universities, other leading universities, degree apprenticeships and employment.

Harryson Barber achieved A, A, A in mathematics, physics and chemistry.

He said: "I got the grades I needed to do what I wanted to do, so I'm really pleased and ready to start the next stage of my life.

"I'm now going to start a degree apprenticeship in civil engineering with Jacobs. I wasn't as keen on the traditional university route, and the apprenticeship will give me a job while helping me to develop the skills I need for my future career.

"I've always enjoyed a challenge, which is why I chose these A-levels, and I'm really pleased that all the hard work has paid off."

Kacper Ciepinski achieved A, B, A, A in mathematics, further mathematics, Polish and physics.

He said: "I was pretty nervous to open my results. I'm now going to study mechanical engineering at the University of Warwick. I knew I wanted to do something involving engineering and maths, so this felt like the right choice for me.

"I had to really focus over the last year and now I've got where I wanted to be."

Rosmary Joshy achieved two Distinction* grades and one Distinction across her Level 3 vocational subjects, including top grades in digital media and ICT.

She said: "I was very excited and really pleased with my results. It still feels unbelievable to me, so I'm very happy.

"I'm going to apply for apprenticeships in digital marketing or IT. I've always been good with technology and I'm creative as well, so I thought I could combine both of those interests.

"The first year was tough for me and I experienced some mental health challenges while changing my subjects and trying to find the right path. I followed my gut feeling about what was right for me."

Natalia Pilc achieved A, A*, A*, A* in psychology, history, English and Polish.

She said: "I'm shocked and still shaking. I can't believe it. I didn't expect to do this well, particularly in history, so I'm incredibly happy.

"I'm now going to study law at the University of Warwick. I hope to become a solicitor specialising in either criminal or corporate law. The fact that I've come through with these results makes me really proud."

Isaac Onuwuka achieved A*, A*, A in mathematics, physics and chemistry.

He said: "I'm really excited to get my results. Physics was probably the most difficult subject, but I've always loved science, so I'm really pleased.

"I'm now going to take a gap year to work before applying to study electrical engineering. I would eventually like to work in prosthetics, as my mum works in a hospital and that has inspired me to pursue a career where I can help and support people."

Bartosz Okuniewski achieved Distinction*, Distinction, Distinction in ICT, digital media and business.

He said: "I've done better than I expected. I'm now hoping to secure an apprenticeship in administration or human resources. I'm passionate about learning, which is why I think an apprenticeship is the right route for me.

"I want to find a job with good career opportunities and somewhere I can stay for a long time. It's important to choose subjects you enjoy because then that knowledge stays with you."

Eden Pollock achieved Distinction, C, Distinction in health and social care, psychology and applied science.

She said: "I was in shock initially because I've worked so hard for this.

"I'm now going to Coventry University to study adult nursing. I've always been inspired to help people and I'm looking forward to being able to do that for patients and service users.

"Each of my subjects has helped me to develop the knowledge and understanding I will need for my future career. All the hard work was worth it and I'm grateful to everyone who helped me."

Laura Burtonwood, Principal at Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School, said: "We are incredibly proud of all of our students receiving their results today. Their achievements are a reflection of the hard work, determination and resilience they have shown throughout their time at Cardinal Wiseman.

"In many ways, today's successes are about something even greater than merely results. They are a culmination of the small choices made and the determination to keep going when things became difficult.

"Behind every grade is a young person who has worked hard, overcome challenges and refused to give up. Today is about celebrating that journey as much as the results themselves.

"These results have opened doors to an exciting future for our students. Whether they are heading to university, beginning an apprenticeship, entering employment or pursuing another pathway, we wish them every success as they begin this next chapter.

"I would also like to thank our dedicated staff and the families who have supported our young people throughout their journey. Their encouragement, belief and hard work have played an important part in helping our students achieve their goals."

Bishop Challoner Catholic School - Birmingham

Bishop Challoner Catholic School Sixth Form reports another fantastic year of post-16 success.

Executive Headteacher Adam Hall said: "These results are a wonderful celebration of everything our students have achieved. At Bishop Challoner we believe in 'doing ordinary things extraordinarily well', and this year group has embodied that philosophy through their everyday commitment, perseverance and ambition. We are immensely proud of every one of them."

Head of School, Ranjit Pabila, added, " We are incredibly proud of our students and their achievements this summer. These results are a testament to their hard work, resilience and ambition, as well as the outstanding commitment of our staff.

Achieving ALPS 2 for A Levels places us in the top 10% nationally, while our ALPS 1 rating for BTEC places our vocational provision in the top 1% nationally. These are exceptional achievements and demonstrate the breadth and quality of education we provide.

We are delighted to celebrate with our students today and wish every one of them the very best as they progress to university, higher and degree-level apprenticeships, employment and the next stage of their education and careers."

Results were strong across the board, however standout results were posted by the Biology Department, with 100% achieving A*-A grades, the Chemistry Department, with 80% achieving A*-B grades, and the Sociology Department, with 92% achieving A*-B grades. Vocational subjects also performed exceptionally well, with an impressive 92% of students attaining D*D*D*-DDD grades in Btec Business.

Vocational subjects also performed exceptionally well, with an impressive 90% of students attaining D*D*D*-DDD grades in Btec Health and Social Care.