Students at Ormiston Rivers Academy (ORA) are celebrating their A-level results today (Tuesday, 10 August), after facing a year of extraordinary challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The resilience of the sixth formers at Ormiston Rivers in Burnham-on-Crouch has shone throughout, with students across the school performing well. Bright futures await them, as they will be moving on to a wide range of first-choice universities, apprenticeships and jobs.

Students' results were determined by teachers, based on work they produced throughout their course, after formal exams were cancelled for a second year in a row. These grades were moderated and assessed by external exam boards which awarded the final grades.

Individual stories of student success include Kate Frost, who is going to Downing College at Cambridge University to study Engineering after achieving four A*s in Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Further Maths. This is made even more impressive by the fact that she is in the academic year above her age group, so will start university a year early.

Oliver Rivers, who achieved four A*s in Drama, French, Geography and Maths, is going to study Modern Languages and Cultures at Durham University, where he will have a year abroad.

Charlotte Cant is leaving with three A*s in English Literature, Extended Project, Sociology and an A in Law, after two years at the sixth form which has seen her confidence blossom. She will study English at the University of Southampton.

Bethany Robertson is headed to the University of Exeter to study Interntional Relations after acheiving one A* in Sociology and three As in Core Maths, Geography and Physics. She hopes to one day become an ambassador.

Millie Lumley is celebrating an A* in Art and three As in Law, Extended Project and Finance LIBF, which got her into Norwich University to study Graphic Design.

Emily Ham, who has been ORA's dance captain for the past two years, is off to study at Performers Dance College after achieving a Distinction* in Performing Arts and two merits in Child Development and Health and Social Care.

Tia Evans has accepted an apprenticeship in Advanced Civil Engineering, Buildings and Infrastructure with ARUP in London, after achieving two Distinction*s in Child Care and Engineering, a distinction in Health and Social Care and a B in Extended Project.

Ella Bieber, who achieved a Distinction* in Sport, an A* in Finance LIBF and an A in Psychology, has chosen to study a Degree Apprenticeship in Tax Assistance with RSM in London.

Joseph Murray is set to study Bioengineering at Exeter University, after achieving an A in Biology, two Bs in Chemistry and Maths and an A* in Extended Project.

Emma Baker, principal at ORA, praised her students' excellent results. She said: "This has been a summer like no other for all schools. Our Year 13 A-level students' grades reflect outstanding hard work over the last two years, and particular resilience.

"We are very proud of all the effort that they have put into their studies, and know that these outcomes will help to ensure that they can proceed to their next stage in their futures whether that be University, work or via an Apprenticeship route.

"For many, the loss of the exams, which appeared initially to be great news, will leave them feeling uncertain whether to celebrate their results.

"They should do so, because these results are based on performance in mock exams, classwork, homework and coursework that they have done.

"I am hugely proud of what they have achieved during their time at Ormiston Rivers and we look forward to seeing what they can go on to achieve in the coming years.

"I am also very grateful to all the parents, who have provided outstanding support at all times, but particularly in the last term, and of course to the teachers who have worked with, encouraged and enthused these young people throughout their time at the academy."