Top grade achievements at Derby College Group

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects scored significant increases in higher grades including Chemistry with 55% of students gaining A*/A/B grades which is a 10% increase on last year.

Other subject areas celebrating higher grades include modern languages such as Italian and Spanish as well as Film Studies and Media.

Furthermore, 16 subjects available for students at JWC scored 100% pass rate.

Head of The Joseph Wright Centre Stacey Adams said: “We are very pleased with the overall strong pass rate and particularly the increases in higher grades achieved for several key aspects of the A level curriculum.

“Once again, the breadth and flexibility of subject options has enabled students to choose subjects that they enjoy, which is reflected in their grades.

“This will give them the widest options to progress onto the next stage of their lives whether that be higher education, apprenticeships or the world of work.”

Among the students celebrating was Ethan Lee (19) from Breaston who gained A* grades across the board in English Language, Psychology and Sociology.

Ethan is a former pupil at Friesland School and is now going to the University of Nottingham to study Cognitive Neuro Science and Psychology with the aim of a career in research into autism.

“I am another level of relieved and thrilled with my results.  I have had a great experience at College and can’t thank the staff enough.”

Ethan was part of the College’s pioneering Peer Mentor programme – supporting fellow students – in line with his passion for equality – and was presented with as Peak Award this summer by the College for his achievements.

Yousra Jamal who gained A grade in Mathematics and B grades in History and Psychology.

Yousra (22) from Alvaston attended Derby College for GCSEs and then progressed onto A levels.

She has got a place at Southampton University to study Medicine with the aim of being a doctor which has been her life long dream.

Jaiya Verma (18) from Allenton is a former pupil at Merrill Academy and achieved A for Extended Project and B grades in English Language, English Literature and Sociology.

She is now going to either Durham or Newcastle University to study English Literature with the goal of becoming an English teacher.

“The teachers have been amazing and really care about us.  I am pleased with my results and I now hope to follow in the footsteps of my mother who was a teacher in India.”

Uther Naysmith (18) has clinched a coveted place at Oxford University to study Law having achieved A* in Politics and A grades in History and French.

Uther, from Matlock, has been home educated by his parents Fionn and Malcolm who are both actors by profession.

His ultimate goal is to become a barrister and specialising in constitutional law and human rights.

“Having been home schooled, I wanted to come here where I would have the independence which I have been used to growing up. I have really enjoyed my time at JWC where everyone is very respectful.

My teachers encouraged me to apply for Oxford which I had not thought of doing before.”

Former Littleover Community School pupil Heidi Perkinton (19) from Mickleover has secured a place at Bristol University to study Law having gained A* in Geography and Sociology alongside Distinction star in BTEC Law.

She said: “I had no idea I had done so well.  I have decided to defer my place for a year so that I can do volunteering at the Citizens Advice Bureau to gain some work experience.”

Her mum Louise said: “I am so pleased for Heidi.  She has worked really hard and I am relieved that it has all paid off.”