Cambridge Medicine place caps A-level day at Camborne Sixth Form

There were tears, hugs and a lot of gold balloons at Camborne Sixth Form on Thursday morning as students tore open the envelopes that decide what comes next. For some it was confirmation of a university place months in the making. For one, it was a place to read Medicine at the University of Cambridge.

Students at Camborne Science and International Academy (CSIA) collected their A-level and vocational results on 13 August, and the mood across the common room was one of relief and celebration.

Results well above the national average

Across the sixth form, 68% of grades came in at A to B and 41% at A* to A. Students at the specialist Cornwall School of Maths and Science (CSMS) did particularly well, with 74% achieving A* to A. Vocational students matched the pace, averaging a Distinction+ grade with every entry a pass or higher.

The figures sit comfortably above the national picture, where 28.3% of students achieved A* to A and 55.6% reached A* to B this year. This corner of Camborne also came out on top on the destinations that are hardest to win. Every student who applied for a veterinary or medical degree secured a place, backed by the specialist pathways run through CSMS.

Cambridge, Bristol and the medical pathways

Among the standout results was Hala E, who achieved four A*s in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and the Extended Project Qualification and will study Medicine at the University of Cambridge. “I’m absolutely thrilled with my results and can’t thank my teachers enough,” she said. “The specialist medical pathway gave me so much confidence throughout the university application process.”

Lowen M achieved A*s in Biology, Psychology and the Extended Project Qualification alongside an A in Chemistry, and is off to study Veterinary Science at the University of Bristol. “The veterinary pathway gave me fantastic support throughout the application process, while my teachers were always there to help me get the best out of my subjects,” she said.

Law, mining and occupational therapy

The strong results ran well beyond the sciences. James S achieved A*s in Maths and Geography and an A in Economics, and will study Mining Engineering at the University of Exeter. “I’ve had brilliant support from my teachers throughout my studies, while being able to study locally has given me a great balance of independence and a really supportive community,” he said.

Milly P, pictured with her gold balloons, achieved A*s in Psychology and Sociology and an A in English Literature, and will read Law at Cardiff University. “My teachers have always pushed me to do my best while being there whenever I needed support,” she said. “I’ve really enjoyed my time here and getting involved in so many different aspects of student life, from being Head Girl to completing my Gold DofE.”

Vocational student Isabella C achieved a Distinction* in Applied Psychology, a Distinction in Applied Human Biology and an A in Geography, and will study Occupational Therapy at Cardiff University. “The support from my teachers has been amazing, and I’ve really valued the welcoming atmosphere,” she said. “It’s given me the confidence to move on to the next stage.”

Learn locally, succeed globally

Camborne Sixth Form is currently the only Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ sixth form in Cornwall. It takes students who move up directly from CSIA as well as those joining from other schools and colleges across the county, and offers a broad mix of A-level and vocational courses aimed at university, apprenticeships or employment.

For students set on the sciences, CSMS adds academic enrichment, research opportunities and university links designed to prepare them for competitive courses and careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.

The learning has not been confined to the classroom either. Living up to the sixth form’s motto of “Learn locally, succeed globally”, students this year have taken part in international exchanges and trips to Japan and Thailand, and even visited 10 Downing Street to discuss climate policy.

‘Incredibly proud’

Emma Haase, Principal of Camborne Science and International Academy, said she could not be prouder of the year group. “I am incredibly proud of every one of our students and everything they have achieved. These results reflect not only their hard work and determination, but also the dedication of our staff and the support of their families,” she said.

“Whether our students are progressing to university, apprenticeships or employment, they leave us with the knowledge, confidence and resilience to succeed. We wish them every success as they begin this exciting next chapter and look forward to welcoming a new generation of students to Camborne Sixth Form, where they will become part of a supportive community that encourages every young person to achieve their full potential.”