Congratulations to our Upper Sixth pupils, who received their A-level results today, with many heading to top universities. Below, we’re sharing a small selection of inspiring stories from this positive, hard-working and highly impressive year group.
James overcomes adversity to secure four A*s
James joined Brighton College in Year 9, and spent most of his years at the school undergoing intensive treatment for leukaemia. During his chemotherapy he chose to focus on academics, as he was unable to play sports other than tennis. Having secured ten 9-7s in his GCSEs, James is now celebrating outstanding A*A*A*A results. He has beaten leukaemia, and plans to study economics at Warwick University.
James’s resilience and positivity have been an inspiration to his teachers and his peers. We asked James about his time at Brighton: “My House was brilliant: they didn’t treat me any differently. I was supported, and it was wonderful to have a normal school life. I’ve loved my time at Brighton College.”
Does James have any advice for pupils facing similar challenges? “Focus on what you’re passionate about. Focus on what you can do, and become great at it.”
Mr Cairns said: “James has been a model of quiet fortitude and an inspiration to every other pupil in the college, and I am thrilled for him that he has secured a clean sweep of A* grades and a place to read Economics at Warwick. No one is more deserving of success.”
Australia beckons for A-grade twins
Twins Henry and Finley, who joined Brighton College in 2013, have excelled in their A-level exams, achieving 6 A*/As between them. The boys will be going to study in Australia at the University of Queensland, where Finley will be reading Exercise and Nutrition Science on the Doctor of Medicine Pathway and Henry will be pursuing Advanced Finance and Economics.
Finley changed his university plans having been inspired by the doctors around the world tackling Covid-19. He used his time to study for and sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), enabling him to change his planned career.
Finley told us: “We’re excited about our results. Fortunately we’re Australian so we are allowed to enter the country, but face a hotel quarantine when we land.”
Our Head Master, Mr Cairns, doesn’t think a short period of quarantine will deter them: “Finley and Henry have worked so hard to secure top grades and places at the University of Queensland. They are both terrific lads, with outlooks so positive that a little bit of quarantine won’t put them off.”
Three A*s for Georgia
Continuing her exceptional performance at the College, Georgia, the grandchild of Sir Peter Hall, who founded the Royal Shakespeare Company, and daughter of director Edward Hall, achieved top grades. With three A*s, Georgia will be applying to read geography at Oxford, as well as liberal arts at American universities.
Georgia told us: “I’m feeling very happy and a bit overwhelmed! It’s a slightly surreal experience. I’d love to attend Oxford – or Yale or Brown in the USA.”
Well done to all of our Upper Sixth pupils.
