As with most schools and colleges across the country today, RNC was a flurry of activity. Phones, computers and spreadsheets galore filled one of the campus classrooms as examination and teaching staff manned the phones to relay the results to eagerly waiting students. 

Despite everyone’s anxiety about how the results would work out for RNC students, from early on, the overall picture was looking good with all of this year’s leavers, who had applied to university, getting into their first choice.

John Lynch, RNC’s Director of Learning and Curriculum, said:

‘We are really delighted with the results on the whole. It’s a fantastic reflection of the hard work of both the students and the staff up to and throughout lockdown. There are a couple of disappointing grades but generally speaking, results have been absolutely fantastic and every student has got their first choice university place.’

Here’s what some of RNC’s students had to say:

Abby Lewis, from Stafford, achieved a Distinction* in BTEC Level 3 Business Studies and a B in AS English Literature and said: 

‘I can’t wait to come back to RNC and see everyone. I’m so happy with my results and I’m doing so much better than I was at my old school.’

Hafsa Rafiq, from Elland in Yorkshire, achieved a grade B in A Level English Literature, a C in A Level History and a Merit in OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical in Performing Arts. Hafsa is heading to Queen Mary University of London to study a BA(Hons) in English Literature.

‘I’m 100% happy’, says Hafsa. ‘It was heartbreaking that we didn’t get to do the exams but I’m glad that I’m left with the results that I have. I’ve been saying that I want to go to London since I was a child and now I’ve got this chance, which is really great. I’m excited for this opportunity and nervous, I don’t really believe it yet!’

Kelsey Trevett, from Watford, achieved an A* in A Level English Literature, A* in A Level History, an A in A Level French and a B in AS Mathematics. Kelsey will be heading to the University of Oxford to read Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at the prestigious university’s Trinity College. Kelsey said:

‘I’m very, very relieved and over the moon to be moving on to something new and exciting. I’m very surprised, overjoyed and really grateful that I’m in a situation where I can move on and do new things at university which is obviously thanks to RNC both on academics and independence too.’

Tara Wheatley from Ruislip, Greater London achieved grade A in A Level Psychology, A* in A Level Sociology, A* for her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and a Distinction* in Level 2 Sports Coaching. Tara will be heading to the University of Southampton. She was thrilled and said:

I’m absolutely over the moon with my results and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of RNC staff and I’m really excited to see what the future brings at Southampton.’

‘Staff at the College are hugely proud of all of the students’ achievements under such extraordinary circumstances’ said John Lynch.

‘Congratulations, and for those students leaving us this time, we wish you well for the future and we look forward to welcoming back our returners in the Autumn.’