All A Level students from the Royal National College for the Blind are celebrating after securing their first choices at university.
The results were in line with general trends across the UK, with 36% of A Level examinations taken graded at A* – A. 61% percent of exams taken were graded at C and above and overall 94% of all A Level examinations taken were graded as a pass.
Top of the class was Orla Raftery who achieved A, B, B in Biology Mathematics and Physics respectively. She has secured a place at the University of York to read an MSci in Natural Sciences. Orla, from Sale in Manchester, was delighted with her results. She said:
‘I’m thrilled that I have achieved the grades to get into my first choice university. The course specialises in mathematical bioscience and in the future I would like to go into research in this field.’
Other high achievers included Emma Stead, who gained A, A*, A* in History, Sociology and her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). As the results were released Emma was representing the Para Lionesses in the Blind Football World Cup at the IBSA World Games in Birmingham.
Raven Scott also achieved great results with A, A, B in History, Psychology and German. They said:
‘I have had a lot more success than I would have if I had stayed at my sixth form. It is a much healthier academic environment and the support given is amazing. I can’t imagine having the same levels of support anywhere else in the country. I am especially proud of my Psychology result. It has gone up massively since my first year and I put so much effort into it.’
Raven will return to RNC for one more year to do an A level in Sociology and an EPQ. They added:
‘The topic is still to be decided but I am considering doing a scientific paper because I want to study Sociology at uni.’
Claire Lewin, Student Progression and Teaching Quality Lead at the College said: ‘We are delighted the results in both vocational and A Level courses. A huge congratulations to all of our students who have not only done brilliantly academically but also have grown in their independence and confidence.
‘For many of our students this has been the first year that they have had to sit external exams due to COVID so we are exceptionally proud of all them.
‘There are disappointments in the AS grades but this is in line with the national picture where exam boards are returning to pre-COVID grading.’
