A student with special educational needs has wowed staff and students alike after bagging a stellar set of A-level results this morning.
James Murphy, who started at the Urswick School in Year 7 with the reading age of six, gained As in sociology and law, as well as a B in psychology.
“I’m speechless,” he said. “My grades are so good I’m hopefully going to get into an even better university than I first applied for. I worked really hard for this, but I want to thank everybody who has supported me for seven years as I know they worked even harder in giving me support.”
Deputy headteacher Dele Rotimi also spoke about the school’s sense of pride at the unique journey made by many of the school’s cohort, with many of the school’s sixth formers starting the school with very low reading ages.
He said: “For these students to access the highest grades at A-level, and gain entry into top notch courses and universities is testament to the skill, expertise and passion of our staff, who understand that we owe it to our students to help them close the disadvantage gaps and realise positive life outcomes.”
Overall 43per cent of students at the Paragon Road school, which opened its sixth form academy in 2012, bagged A* to B grades and all of them gained a 100pc pass rate. All students who applied have been offered a place at university.
Anil Suyur achieved A* in sociology, A in economics, and double distinction in BTEC diploma ICT and goes on to Kings College, University of London, to study political economy.
Anil said: “I’m over the moon. I am a strong believer in self-discipline and hard work. Thanks to all my teachers for instilling this in me from Year 7 – It has all paid off.”
Kanesha Edwards achieved A*s in law and sociology, and a B in psychology. Kanesha, who will study psychology at Queen Mary’s College, University of London, said: “I want to thank the school for the support and motivation my teachers gave me over the last two years, and also the support from my mum in helping me achieve my goals.”
Chloe Morris was stunned at gaining entry to her first choice, University of Bath, to study English. She then hopes to do a teaching qualification for her post graduate degree.
“I am completely overwhelmed to have achieved my first choice; I can’t believe I am going to Bath, it is such an amazing university,” she said. “I want to thank from the bottom of my heart my teachers, who supported me over the last two years and believed in me even when I doubted myself”.
Head of sixth form Fiona Bishop added: “I’m so proud of our students and all they have achieved. Their hard work has certainly paid off, and they are a credit to the school and their families. I wish them the best on the next step to a bright future”
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