A-LEVELS: Hundreds of Thomas Rotherham College students pick up results

Joe Fisher (18), of Kimberworth, suffered a knee injury during his P.E studies which put him out of action for eight weeks. He stretched the ligaments in his knee and couldn’t take part in any physical coursework but managed to recover and achieve a C.

“They had to assess what they had seen me do before,” he said.

“I’m still not back to full fitness and I was on crutches for eight weeks.

“In the end it got quite stressful.”

Joe, who also achieved a B in history and a D in biology, said he would like to work as a P.E. teacher after university.

He was still waiting to hear from Sheffield Hallam University to see if he had secured a place on their sport and exercise course.

Charlotte Finch (17), of Thorpe Hesley, was one of the school’s top performers, achieving A*s in maths, further maths, computer science and chemistry, and will study maths at the University of Warwick.

“I think I have done better than I thought I would,” she said.

“I needed A*s in both maths subjects and one more A* or two As (to secure a place at Warwick).

“I have always enjoyed maths.”

Charlotte said she did not yet know what career path she wanted to take and was keeping her options open.

Charlotte’s twin sister, Megan, achieved A*s in maths and further maths and As in computer science and English literature.

James Parsons (18), of Killamarsh, will study electrical and electronic engineering at Sheffield Hallam University after achieving Cs in biology, chemistry and maths.

James said he enjoyed studying maths and liked problem solving.

“I’m looking forward to going onto the next step of my life,” he said.

“It has been great studying at Thomas Rotherham College and they have been really helpful.”

Georgina Bradford (18), of Rawmarsh, will study sports science at Loughborough University after achieving an A in psychology and Bs in P.E. and biology.

Ben Jackson (18), of Kimberworth, achieved a B in maths and Ds in chemistry and biology and was waiting to hear if he had secured a place on the biomedical science course at Sheffield Hallam University.

A total of 41 per cent of the grades achieved by A-Level students at Thomas Rotherham College were A* to B grades.

Principal Shirley-Ann Brookes-Mills, who began her role in June, said: “We have done really well and we are really pleased with our results.

“We have got quite a lot of subjects with 70 per cent to 90 per cent high grades (A* to B).”

Mrs Brookes-Mills said data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency showed that students from Thomas Rotherham College had a 10 per cent higher chance of getting a first-class honours degree than the national average.

“It’s not just about data and getting good results, it’s about the skills we have given them and the preparation for their future life,” she said.

“The students have coped really well with the new A-Levels. They got to grips with them really well.

“I would put the success down to hard work and commitment.

“Rotherham is a very proud place and I like to think of Thomas Rotherham College as a jewel in its crown.”