Stories of Success

Our A-Level results day was a celebration not only of academic achievement but also of the personal journeys. These are just some of the experiences we have been fortunate enough to share today.

Mia (A*A*A* in Biology, Chemistry and Geology) and Arthur (A*AAB in Geology, History, English and Theatre Studies) took very different academic paths but shared a love for co-curricular life, from Chicago to Twelfth Night and jazz band. Mia heads to Exeter to study Biochemistry, while Arthur begins History and Politics at Oxford. Both offered similar advice to future Sixth Formers: “Start revising sooner than you think” and “Create your resources as you go.” They were united in their praise for teachers. Mia described all her teachers as “amazing.” Arthur thanked all of his teachers for their support and highlighted the help he received from his history teacher and with his Oxford application. “Mrs Vaughan for English was really, really helpful and really helped me develop my love for drama,” he added.

Pax, who leaves with A*A*A, and a distinction in Leiths, will study Resource and Exploration Geology at the Camborne School of Mines. His results far exceeded his initial predictions, thanks to what he calls a “massive lock-in” of focused revision and the “loads of support” from teachers who ran clinics and additional sessions. He balanced academics with sport, drama, and music, saying these activities gave him “a welcome break” and helped keep him motivated. His mother, Esmé, was incredibly grateful, “It’s just so exciting to see him achieve academically in a way that reflects how his mind works”.

For Megan, Deputy Head Girl, joining in Lower Sixth meant adjusting quickly, including changing subjects early on to follow her passion for Biology. Achieving A*A*AA, she is taking a year out before reapplying to study Biology, with ambitions in public health or conservation. She attributes her leadership roles and involvement with the sustainability committee to boosting her confidence and honing her public speaking skills, and says Maths, her surprise top A-level, was a highlight, and thanked her teachers for all their support.

Eleanor, who joined in Lower Sixth and achieved A*A A in Psychology, Business and Geography, is bound for Exeter to study Business Management with a year abroad. Eleanor valued the welcoming and supportive environment at Truro School, saying, “You get a lot more personalised support here than you would at the college.” Inspired by her family’s business background, she hopes to work internationally, possibly in Australia.

Thea achieved AAA and an A* in her Extended Project Qualification. History became her standout subject, nurtured by “supportive teachers who made a real difference.” Completing her EPQ early allowed her to focus on her A-levels in depth. “If I could give my younger self advice, I’d say don’t base your degree choices solely on grades or expectations. I almost chose a path for the wrong reasons, but I’m now pursuing history because it’s what I truly enjoy,” she reflected.

Martha achieved A*AA in Biology, Chemistry and Geology and is hoping to pursue a path in Dentistry. Her advice for those starting Sixth Form is simple but heartfelt, “Just keep going.”

For Charlie, who earned an A*AA in Geology, Business and Core Maths, the journey was about finding the right fit. Dropping Biology early on allowed him to concentrate on the subjects he enjoyed most. His mum described a dramatic turnaround: “We couldn’t have asked for more support from the staff, they’ve been extraordinary. Whatever happened today, we knew they’d already given him everything he needed to succeed.” Charlie is now heading to study Geology.