OVER 13 per cent of students from the John Bentley School in Calne will be starting courses at Russell Group universities in the autumn following a successful set of A Level results yesterday.

The number of pupils attending the one of the 24 leading UK universities has risen by 3 per cent on last year.

Overall, nearly 40 per cent of the grades John Bentley students achieved were A* to B standard.

Acting Principal, Melanie Sutton, said, “I am delighted by these results. This has been a challenging year on so many levels yet the students have maintained their focus and secured excellent grades.

“These outcomes are testament to the students’ dedication, their hard work and the support they have had from their teachers and their parents. We wish them all the very best for their future studies and careers.”

There were stand out exam performances from Beth Sawyer (A*A*A), Katie Smyth (A*AB) and Tom Baguley (ABB). Beth is going on to read Biochemistry at Bristol University whilst Katie will be reading Pychology at Birmingham University and Tom will attend Liverpool University where he’ll study Geography.

Ruth Wood, Director of Post 16, said, “Yet again, our students have shown that they have the drive and determination to succeed. I am confident that they will grasp the new opportunities available to them and go on to even greater success in the future.”

Also in Calne, at St Mary’s School, 16 girls achieved straight A*s and As and well over half the entries were graded A* to A.

The impressive results included 100 per cent A* grades in Spanish and 100 per cent A* and A grades in Art and Further Maths, the latter for the fifth consecutive year.

High achiever Gefei Yin is set to read Maths at Imperial College London after achieving 3A*s and an A, including a full marks in nine out of the 12 Maths units while Betty Mak has gained direct entry into the second year at St Andrew’s to read Maths, having gained 2A*s and 2As.

Seven girls with offers for Oxbridge were successful in gaining their places, including Imogen Dobie, from Marlborough who achieved A*s in English, History and Spanish, and will be reading History at Jesus College, Oxford in the autumn.

Millie Marriott Webb, also from Marlborough, also performed exceptionally well, achieving 3A*s in Maths, Chemistry, with full marks in two A2 papers, and Physics, with full marks in both A2 written papers, to secure her place at Leeds University to read Mechanical Engineering.

Headmistress, Dr Felicia Kirk, commented “I am very proud of all the girls and of these excellent individual results which reflect the girls’ hard work and the dedication of all of the teachers.

“St Mary’s Calne focuses on, nurtures and supports each individual girl as they find their own talents and what truly motivates and inspires them, allowing them to thrive and excel in every aspect of their education. I wish all of the girls well as they leave us for the next stage in their lives.”