A first-class performance as Plume students seal uni places

Plume Academy students were eager to pick up their A-level results.

The Year 13 group of 85 students at the Maldon school surpassed expectations this time, securing improved outcomes in several areas including an A* to E pass rate which increased to 96.6 per cent from 96 per cent.

The college is also delighted with the significant increase in BTEC level results where the average grade per subject has improved from a Distinction- to a Distinction+.

The overall average points score per student has also increased from 31.2 to 31.6.

Emma Vaughan, 18, who also appeared on national TV in a remake of Blockbusters earlier this year, was very pleased with her results.

Her As in Spanish and law and Bs in History and French mean she will be going to Durham University to study modern and medieval languages.

She said: “I’m just so grateful I have a supportive network of people who have helped me along the way because I know I get very nervous.

“I’m calm now, and I really am looking forward to going to university.”

Michael Brandon, 18, received a B in physics, As in maths and geography and an A* in his extended project on renewable energy.

Even though he received his first option to study at Exeter University, he is taking a step back to see what other options are available.

He said: “I’m also looking at the Royal Navy to become a pilot and I’ve also looked into investment banking apprenticeships.

“I’ve been in school for 13 years so I might want something different.

“I’m looking to get a part-time job to build up some money so it will give me the time to make my choices.

“My advice to those coming up is to make sure you take notes throughout the year for revision.”

Ben Herbert, 18, received a double starred distinction, a B in photography and a C in history and will be going to Sussex University to study media production.

He said: “I’m glad it all turned out quite well.

“My coursework meant I only had to take three exams which was good because I wasn’t under as much stress.

“I’m looking forward to moving out and some more independent learning and living.

“Ever since secondary school I’ve thought of going to university.”

Head girl Jade Radley, 18, burst into tears of joy after she received her results.

After receiving a starred distinction in dance, and a C in English literature and a C in drama, she will now be going to Chichester University to study theatre.

Ms Radley said: “I feel great, I’m just a bit overwhelmed with emotion.

“It was hard work to get this. Last year I didn’t get the grades I wanted for English, so I put in the work and raised two grades above.”

Jake Law, 18, performed well with a starred distinction in ICT, an A* in maths, an A in business and a B in his further maths AS.

He hopes to study maths at Loughborough University.

Mr Law said: “It was very stressful. There’s the excitement of finding out how you’ve done and the stress of working out what to do next.

“I’m overwhelmed that I did what I did. I’m really proud of my further maths because I was self-taught.

“That A* in maths was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, I’m just lost for words.”

Plume Academy principal Carl Wakefield said he was exceptionally proud of the results.

He said: “The bottom line is all of this cannot happen without a huge amount of hard work being put in by our students themselves and whilst working in collaboration with a fully committed and highly skilled team of staff.

“When combined with the support and input shown throughout from our students’ parents and carers, it is clear to see why we have had yet another extremely successful year.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside them all.”

Assistant vice-principal Ruth Clark said staff have offered unwavering support.

She said: “As an academy, we are exceptionally proud of the achievements of our post-16 students and as the senior lead for Plume College, it continues to be an absolute privilege to work alongside staff, parents and carers to ensure all our students achieve their very best.

“In addition to congratulating our fantastic students, I would like to thank our parents and carers for their support, and our teachers for their unstinting dedication.

“It has been wonderful to witness so many delighted students collecting results at the academy.

“On a final note, I would like to wish all of our Year 13 leavers well as they progress to university, college, apprenticeships or employment and thank them for their hard work and commitment during their time at Plume Academy.

“We look forward to hearing about their continued success especially via our alumni programme.”