A record year of A-Level results for Inspiration Trust

Students across Inspiration Trust’s family of schools in Norfolk are celebrating with a superb set of A-Level results.  

Numerous students have secured places at their dream universities, achieving a high number of grades at A* and A, with the Trust as a whole scoring 83% of all grades at A*-C — a 3% increase on last year. 

Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form 

Students once again cemented Sir Isaac Newton's place as on of the top performing sixth forms in the country, with 84% of grades at A*-C, including 68% at A*-B and an incredible 44% at A*-A. 

One hundred and sixty-two students have achieved their first place at University, with nine students confirming places at Oxford and Cambridge. Fifteen students achieved A* in every subject they took, with more than half of students achieving an A in at least one subject. 

Chris Jennings, Principal at Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form said: 

“Students hard work and dedication over the past two years has been truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved. Their resilience and commitment has been nothing short of remarkable. 

 

It's been an absolute pleasure to be part of their journey.” 

Kieran said: 

“I had the best time at Sir Issac over the last two years. From the support and mentoring I received from teachers and staff, to the fantastic societies like F24. I will never forget the people and the memories I have made at this school. Going on, I know the school will keep supporting me in the future.” 

Ashley said: 

“This school changed me. It’s such an amazing supportive place. Don’t ever let grades define you, trust the process and just enjoy being a part of this incredible community. You are capable of anything you put your mind to. Whilst being here I’ve not only found myself but so many amazing people too.” 

Jane Austen College Sixth Form 

Jane Austen College, rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and recipient of ‘Secondary School of the Year’ award in recognition of its exceptional classics curriculum, is celebrating 90% of A*-C grades, 68% at A*-B, and 35% of grades at A*-A. 

Following these exceptional results, Jane Austen College Sixth Form is delighted to see 92% of its students gain a place on their chosen courses and at their first-choice university. 

Glen Allott, Principal at Jane Austen College said: 

“We are incredibly proud of our sixth form students for their exceptional A-Level results. Their dedication, resilience, and ambition have truly paid off, and these achievements are a testament to their hard work and the unwavering support of our exceptional staff. This is a moment of celebration for our entire college community.  

 

As they move on to the next stage of their journeys—whether in higher education, apprenticeships, or employment—we are confident they will continue to thrive and make a positive impact. Their futures are undoubtedly bright." 

Alex Lincoln is celebrating standout KS5 results and a confirmed place at the University of Cambridge to read Philosophy at Gonville & Caius College. 

Alex achieved A* grades in English Literature and Philosophy, and an A in History. His journey has been anything but straightforward. Alex began his sixth-form studies at Sir Isaac Newton East in Great Yarmouth following time at East Point Academy in Lowestoft. When Sir Isaac Newton East closed last year, he suddenly found himself without a sixth form. As part of the Inspiration Trust, Alex was offered a place at Jane Austen College. 

Alex was quick to credit those around him. He thanked his teachers for their support, the staff and pupils at Jane Austen College for being so welcoming, and the Inspiration Trust for funding his transport, which made the demanding routine possible. 

Thomas Paine Sixth Form 

At Thomas Paine, students achieved 80% of grades at A* to C, with 44% of grades at A* - B, and 26% of grades at A*-A, the school’s best ever results! 

Michael Fordham, Principal of Thetford Academy and its sixth form, Thomas Paine said: 

“This has been an astonishing year of results for the Thomas Paine Sixth Form. We have a 100% pass rate this year, and all of our students excelled in their qualifications.

  

We have seen a significant uptick this year in students successfully gaining places at Russell Group university as a consequence of our Gregson Scholars programme, funded by Balliol College, Oxford.    

All our students gained their first-choice university place, with students heading off to study everything from aerospace engineering to fine art.” 

Sarah Blakey-Stoppard achieved 4 A*s and an A, and is heading off to Gonville and Caius College, University of Cambridge, to study Engineering.   

Sarah said: “I am excited to be heading off to Cambridge – the course there begins broadly but allows me to specialise later, and I think aerospace engineering is where I want to go. I found Further Maths the most interesting A Level once I had overcome the initial challenges!” 

Twins Taylor and Tyler Mark-Conlon both got A*AAA. Taylor is heading off to the University of Sheffield to study Geography and Tyler is going to the University of York to study Psychology.

Taylor said: I am really pleased with my results and very excited to be studying geography at Sheffield. We need more geographers in the world to solve our challenges today.

Tyler said: When I went to York I loved the campus and the course, and it immediately felt like home. I’m delighted to get the grades I need to start my course there in September!

King Edward VII Academy Sixth Form 

Students and staff alike are celebrating 70% of A-Levels at A*-C, a 5% uplift from last year. The Sport & Physical Activity and Health & Social Care courses had a 100% pass rate, with those taking the extended diploma (equivalent to three A-Levels) achieving an average grade of Distinction*. 

These results mean that this is the seventh successive year that once again 100% of students achieved a place at university, an apprenticeship or full-time employment. 

This year, the prestigious King’s Gold Medal Award will be going to Charlotte at an in-person ceremony with His Majesty. Her award celebrates not only her academic success of A* A* A B but also her exceptional dedication to her studies and a strong commitment to supporting others. 

Her academic ability and work ethic are truly outstanding, culminating in A Level results of A*, A*, A, and B. Charlotte’s genuine passion for English has been a driving force behind her success, and she will continue to pursue this at Durham University, where she has earned a place to study English Literature. 

Darren Hollingsworth, Principal at King Edward VII Academy said: 

“This year’s results represent the strongest outcomes KES has achieved in many years, and we couldn’t be prouder.  

 

These results are a testament to the resilience, ambition, and dedication of our students, as well as the unwavering support of our staff and families. It is incredibly rewarding to see their hard work and determination reflected in these excellent results.  

 

Whether they are moving on to university, apprenticeships, or employment, we wish each and every one of them success and happiness in the exciting journeys ahead. We congratulate all our Year 13 students and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in the future.” 

Head Student Yousif Fakhri also achieved an exceptional set of results (A*A*A) and has achieved his ambition of studying medicine at UEA.  

Amelia Gooding, triple Distinction* in Sport and Physical Activity who will be studying Sport Science at Loughborough University said: 

"I felt over the moon when I opened my results. My time at KES has been amazing and the support I have received throughout the years has been just as amazing! I plan to continue my studies at Loughborough University where I will be doing BSC sports science, coaching and physical education. I am so excited to see what the future holds for me and I can't thank KES enough for the role they have played in helping me receive a place at my dream university." 

Everyone at Inspiration Trust is extremely proud of what all its Year 13 students across all its sixth forms have achieved. Both teaching and professional services staff would like to congratulate each and every student and wish them the very best with whatever their future holds.  

Open events 

For anyone considering one of our sixth forms, we’re holding a series of open days where people are welcome to come along, look around and hear from teachers and students about the courses on offer and what it’s like to study at our academies.