ORMISTON Rivers’ impressive A Level results were part of widespread success across the whole of Essex for this year.

The Burnham academy increased their average pupil point score in both academic and vocational measures at 28.59 and 36.87 respectively.

This resulted in a significant increase in the number of top grades at A Level and a significant improvement overall at AS Level.

There was also sustained growth in numbers for entry into the sixth form for 2017. The vast majority of this year’s Year 12 will progress to Year 13 next year.

The number of applicants for Year 12 has remained significantly high, and the sixth form is now oversubscribed for the 2017/18 academic year.

John Player, head of Ormiston River Sixth Form, said: “It’s a wonderful thing to look upon these results, and that such a small and intimate sixth form can produce such outstanding results.

“This year group have been their own little community throughout the past year, because it’s quite small, everyone knows each other, and they’ll still keep tight-knitted as they go in separate directions. I’m very proud, and couldn’t think of a better school to be teaching at.”

Joan Costello, Principal at Ormiston Rivers, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the continued progress and achievement of our sixth form, and would like to congratulate all of our students on their well-deserved examination results.

“We wish them every success and happiness in their next endeavours”.

Around 4,850 students collected their results in Essex, with initial data showing the county is in line with the national average pass rate with 97.7 per cent of all grades awarded A*-E.

There were 77.5 per cent A*-C grades, while 26 per cent of grades awarded were A*-A.

Ray Gooding, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “I am delighted to hear that the county’s students have again achieved some fantastic results.

“A lot of hard work goes into studying for A Level exams and I am pleased that effort has been rewarded.

“Congratulations to everyone who collected their results today and best of luck for the future, whatever that may hold.”

The results come as Essex continues to outperform other local authority areas both regionally and nationally in the retention of young people in post 16 education, employment and training.

Latest figures show the percentage of young people in Essex who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) or whose education/employment status is unknown is just 4.8 per cent, compared with an East of England average of 5.2 per cent and national average of 6.3 per cent.

Some 92.8 per cent of Year 12s and 87.2 per cent of Year 13s are participating in education, employment and training in Essex.

If any students are unsure what to do next, help finding education, employment or apprenticeship opportunities is available from Essex County Council’s Employment and Skills Team by calling 0800 707 6384.

Visit www.facebook.com/esuessex.

Grace Clearly came out with straight As in English, psychology and religious studies, as well as an A* in her extended project – a 6,000 word assignment designed to help students prepare for work at university and beyond.
She said: “These results couldn’t be better, I’m so happy it all worked out and I can’t wait to start philosophy at Sheffield Uni.
“I’m quite indecisive, I’ve got lots of ideas of what I want to do, and philosophy is really interesting, I like the debate side of it, and it’ll take me in lots of directions, hopefully!”

Maldon and Burnham Standard:


Ollie Cattell achieved two A*s and an A in maths, physics, and chemistry, an A in his Extended Project, and a Distinction* in his Level 3 Engineering qualification. His next stop is Nottingham University to study Mathematical Engineering.
He said: “It’s exactly what I was hoping for, every exam has worked out really well and I’ve got into the university I’ve been thinking about for months.
“It’ll be a long, difficult but really interesting course, and the university campus is huge and beautiful, it’s probably one of the main reasons everyone chooses to go there.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard:
William Harland-Hackenschmidt achieved two Bs and a C in Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry, and Distinction* in his Level 3 Engineering qualification.
He said: “A nice surprise to come into this morning, I wasn’t sure how it would play out but I’m happy with what I’ve got.”
Alejandro Whyatt achieved two Bs and a C in History, Geography and Economics and A* in his Extended Project. He’s going to work at the Rio Cinema in Burnham and hopes to carry on up the ranks.
He said: “I couldn’t be happier, it’s exactly what I wanted and now I’m looking forward to working in the Rio and other cinemas around the area.
“I love doing it and cinema as a whole, hopefully I can work my way up and get into the management side in the future.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Emily Darling achieved three Bs in religious studies, psychology and performing arts plus an A in her Extended Project. She’s off to the University of East Anglia to further study psychology.
She said: “I thought about doing straight forensic psychology, but I thought it could be too limiting so thought I’d go for the full spectrum so I have plenty of options.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard:
Others include Emma Henderson who achieved BBC in economics, English literature and law, and A* in her Extended Project, Francesca Johnson with CCC in Law, History and English Literature and A* in her Extended Project.