Award winners celebrated at Churchill Academy's Speech Day

The success stories of students at Churchill Academy were celebrated at a packed awards ceremony on Wednesday (September 19th).

Nearly 400 people, including staff, students and families, gathered at the Academy to hear who had won the 40 prizes presented by the former FirstGroup chairman Trevor Smallwood OBE.

Individual stories included the outstanding academic achievement of

James Rudge, who took Headteacher's Prize for Best Overall Performance at A-Level after being awarded four A* A-Levels in Economics, Maths, French and History.

James, 18, of Belmont Road, Winscombe, said: "I could not believe I got the grades and it's been amazing to win the award. Now I'm looking forward to studying Economics at Warwick University."

Abi Tivey, 18, of Kent Road, Congresbury, is heading to Cardiff to study Medicine after achieving four As at A-Level.

She said: "I'm really pleased with my results and excited about training to become a doctor."

Five 16-year-olds were jointly awarded the Headteacher's Prize for Best Overall Performance at GCSE after gaining 11 A* and A grades.

One of these, Kiriaki Lagou, 16, of Weston Village, said: "I was so happy to achieve this and am going to study A-Levels in Physics, Maths, Chemistry and Art."

This year 99.4 per cent of all A Level exam entries were successful at Churchill Academy with 21 per cent being A* or A grades.

Almost 55 per cent of grades achieved were A*, A or B grades with 82 per cent at A* to C grades.

In GCSEs, 83 per cent were awarded five or more A* to C grades and 64 per cent passed five A* – C grades which included English and Maths.

Headteacher Dr Barry Wratten, who belongs to the Association of School and College Leaders, (ASCL) praised staff and pupils for their outstanding efforts:

"It's 12 months since we became an Academy and we have now achieved the best A-Level results in the area.

"We aim to maintain our focus to ensure our students achieve the very best."

 "While academic results are the gateway to a positive future we never forget the positive social and emotional aspects of young lives."

After songs by Hannah Lowrie and Charlotte Eyres, Trevor Smallwood told guests: "It's very important to be comfortable with who you are, work hard at something you enjoy and believe in and keep your integrity."