PRINCIPAL of Westholme School Lynne Horner believes their students triumphed – despite the impact the pandemic has had on their A-Level education and outcomes this year.

Students at the Lancashire independent school secured an excellent 62% A*-B pass rate, with 29% achieving grades at A*-A and a 100% pass rate in 19 subjects. More than a fifth of the year group secured top outcomes with straight A*, A or B’s in a wide range of subjects.

They are now looking forward to pursuing further studies in subjects such as Criminology, Engineering, Accounting, Physics, Acting and Architecture – reflecting the breadth of talent within the Sixth Form.

Mrs Horner added: “The shock of cancelled examinations and the loss of social celebrations to mark the end of their school journey undoubtedly upset our students. Despite this, I have been so impressed by their resilience and ambition.”

This year’s grades were determined using Centre Assessed Grading (CAG) imposed soon after exams were cancelled in March and an Ofqual algorithm, resulting in students being unable to prove their individual efforts through examinations.

“It is usually the student who is in charge of their own fate through the examination process. Whilst I am delighted with the well-deserved outcomes for the vast majority of our tremendous class of 2020, there are some whose ability and diligence has been arbitrarily altered by the predetermined statistical outcomes imposed. Individual students should come first, not data.”

Mrs Horner praised staff and students alike for their achievements and also the hard work of teachers during this unprecedented year and the challenges all have faced.

“We cannot mark the occasion as we normally would, but I am so very proud of our students’ achievements today and commend their significant contributions to the wider life of the school and our local community over many years.

“They are young people who deserve to shine, and I wish them all the very best for a successful future, beyond Westholme.”

For Louisa Harkness, the world is her oyster after receiving an A*AA in Spanish, English and Drama after joining Westholme Sixth Form from St Bede’s in Blackburn. She is now off to study Modern Languages at Durham University.

Louisa, 18, from Darwen, has taught herself Italian up to GCSE grade during lockdown. She said: “Westholme has such a family feel and made me feel so welcome when I joined the Sixth Form. I have really enjoyed doing the musical Chicago last year.

“This year has been stressful, but I think Westholme dealt with it very well and were very good at supporting us from home.”

Mrs Horner, Principal, said: “It was through the recommendation of Mr Callaghan, Headteacher at St Bede's, that Louisa joined Westholme for Sixth Form. We met him at a civic event and he told us about this superstar student he had in Year 11 who he thought would benefit from the extensive opportunities and experiences that Westholme would offer.

“Louisa did really well in her GCSEs and got a scholarship to the Sixth Form and has truly flourished and she has contributed to Drama, Musical Ensemble, and has shone academically.

“Louisa is a perfect example of making the most of the enhanced opportunities we can offer and we are delighted to be able to support a local student through our links with 11-16 schools in the area.”

Molly Taylor, from Blackburn, cried tears of joy after finding out she had received top grades in her A-Levels.

Molly received AAA in Physical Education, Maths and Psychology and is now planning to take a year out before going to University.

She said: “I have done extremely well and I am over the moon with my results. As I opened the results I was full of tears and can’t take the smile off my face.

“I was going to go to dance college in London after receiving offers from three different placements – but I’ve decided to take a year out due to the pandemic because as a family we don’t feel it’s the right time for me to relocate.

“I’m going to work with my drama teacher and try and make a name for myself in television.

“I’ve made so many great friends during my time at Westholme, especially in Sixth Form, and I plan to keep in touch with everyone.”

Georgiana Ewart-Jones, 18, from Clitheroe, received an AAB in Psychology, Textiles and Business and is off to study Business at The University of Leeds.

She said: “I’m so glad I got an A in Psychology. It was really scary waiting to open the email with my results. My parents are so happy. They know how much I wanted to go to Leeds.

“There have been so many highlights at Westholme. The teachers have been so supportive and everyone at the school is so friendly.”

Ana Bradbury, 18, Whalley, has got into her first choice of university – Oxford Brooks – where she is looking for studying Architecture.

She said: “I have been very nervous because it has been out of my hands but I’m really happy and very excited.

“The highlight at Westholme has been the people. Everyone wants to learn. The staff have been so supportive.”

India Sidhu, 18, from Burnley, did even better than she expected in her A-Levels.

India is now looking forward to studying History and is considering which University.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the grades. I did quite a bit better than expected.”

Josh Dodding, 18, from Great Harwood, is hoping to be a future star of stage and screen after getting accepted to study Musical Theatre at Royal Central School for Speech and Drama in London.

Josh received an ABB in his A-Levels in music, theatre, and classics.

“It’s something I have always wanted to do. Central was my first choice and I’m over the moon I have got in. I’m hoping it will lead to a career on stage or on screen.”

Josh has been involved in every school theatre performance he could and last year played the male lead of Billy Flint in the musical Chicago.

Josh praised the support he has received from staff at Westholme. He said: “You can talk to them about anything, not just about your subjects.

Lucy Barrett, 18, from Mellor, is off to Northumbria University to study Interior Architecture.

Lucy wanted to do something creative and it was her work experience placement at an architecture practice that led to her university decision.

“My parents are over the moon.

“What I’ve loved most about Westholme is how supportive the teachers have been. I chose a mix of subjects and no one said you can’t do that. You get such a great feeling from the whole school. You are encouraged to do whatever you want.”

Dominic Naylor, 18, from Whalley, is thrilled with his results – after receiving a A*AA in Geography, Maths and Physics.

Dominic, Head Boy at Westholme School, said he was really pleased with his results and is now looking forward to studying Geography at Newcastle after receiving an unconditional place.

The teen has studies at Westholme since Year 1 and said it was the mix of both human and physical features of Geography taught at Westholme that encouraged him to choose this particular course for further education.

He said: “I have enjoyed every minute of my time at Westholme. Becoming Head Boy was a highlight and speaking at prizegiving and acting as a role model for other pupils. Staff were so supportive when it came to UCAS and my personal statement and helping me with career choices.

“I have tried to get involved in everything that school life can offer – from sports to shows, and trips. There’s lots of things I’ll miss. It’s a special place.”