STUDENTS from the Crediton area in the Upper Sixth at The Maynard School in Exeter were in celebratory mood during the morning of Thursday, August 18, when they received some outstanding A-Level results across a broad range of subjects in both arts and sciences.

Alice Edwards, from Copplestone, gained two A* Grades and one A Grade, plus an A* in the Extended Project Qualification, and will be studying English at the University of Edinburgh.

Lucy Rising from Yeoford also fared well with her results.

With a 100 per cent pass rate, more than half of all Maynard students gained A* and A grades, and 84 per cent achieved A*, A and B grades.

“I am so relieved,” said outgoing Head Girl, Anna Broad, from Woodbury.

Speaking on the day she got her results, she added: “I went away travelling across Europe and forgot all about my A-Level results but I had a couple of weeks to think about them when I came back. I didn’t get much sleep last night and this morning I was really nervous. But it’s so good now and such a good feeling to know I have the necessary results to study Medicine. I haven’t liked to think too much about the future but, now I know everything is going to plan, I can start looking forward.”

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is worthy of a special mention, with 86 per cent of students gaining A* grades, and 100 per cent achieving A* and A Grades.

The girls studied an extraordinary range of topics, from how we should treat and respond to dementia, to the strategies that the British government should use to limit ISIS recruitment.

The Maynard School says it is delighted that so many students are going on to study at Russell Group Universities including Birmingham, Cambridge, Cardiff, Durham, Edinburgh, Imperial College London, Manchester, UCL and Warwick.

They have successfully gained places in a diverse range of courses including Aeronautical Engineering, Architecture, English, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, History, Natural Sciences, Physics, Physiotherapy, Politics and Psychology; six students have gained places to study Medicine.

Esther Maltby from Sidmouth scored three A* Grades and 1 A Grade (in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Art) and was absolutely delighted.

“I didn’t think that my exams had gone well and I’m just so relieved and happy. I’m going to Imperial College, London to study Aeronautical Engineering but I’m off Interrailing tomorrow (August 19) with a bunch of other friends from the Maynard so instead of celebrating tonight, I’ll be packing my rucksack!”

Another student who was in celebratory mood was Olivia Crawford who was awarded two A* Grades and two A Grades to secure her place at Birmingham University to study Medicine. “To be honest it hasn’t hit me yet. It’s a complete shock and I’m over the moon! It’s been such a long process. I decided on medicine when I was 12 years old so to be finally able to go to Medical School is just fantastic.”

It was rather a nostalgic morning for outgoing Headmistress Bee Hughes who likewise departs the Maynard School’s gates to take a place at Manchester University to study for her PhD.

“In my final year as Head I am proud of every student who has achieved so highly through hard work and determination. I am confident they will continue to be successful in their chosen fields of endeavour and I am most grateful to the professionalism of our staff who have contributed to their achievements. I wish the school community every success in the future.”

Alan Quick