Northwich pair toast A-level success for Sir John Deane's

Jay Fowler and his girlfriend Jenny Bodger got the grades they hoped for after studying for their A-levels at Sir John Deane's Sixth Form College.

For Acton Bridge living Jay, the next stop on his educational journey is Sheffield, where he will study Architecture after achieving 3 A*s in Mathematics, Chemistry and 3D Design.

He said: "To be honest, I thought I'd get the grades I needed, but I didn't think I'd do as well as I did.

"I'm really chuffed.

"It's not been the best year, with being in and out of school so much, but it paid off in the end.

"It was a bit nerve wracking having the teacher assessed grades, because you're not entirely sure how it's going to work.

"But I did like the way they had it set out, with the different exams, so if you did badly in one, it wasn't the end of the world because you could pull your finger out for the next one, which I did.

"My teachers were really good as I imagine working remotely was just as hard for them as it was for me.

"I've been a keen artist all my life and I knew I wanted to pursue a career that was arty.

"But I also enjoy science, so Architecture combines them both nicely."

Jay Fowler and girlfriend Jenny Bodger will now head off to university in Sheffield and Leeds

For girlfriend Jenny, who lives on Kingsmead, an A* in Psychology, as well A's in both History and Music, resulted in winning a place at Leeds University to do a degree in the latter of those.

"I knew I'd done well in Psychology, but not that well," she said.

"With Music and History, we had coursework that I didn't know how well I'd done on, so I'm really pleased I did alright.

"I'm going to Leeds to do a music degree.

"We won't be too far away from each other too, with Jay just being over the hills in Sheffield.

"I did quite well during the first lockdown, but the two most recent ones were more difficult, but I got through it.

"All my teachers were great and they always kept us informed about what was going on.

"Working online was new for them too and they adapted to it well too."

For other students at Sir John Deane's, achieving excellent A-level results means they will be taking their places some of the country's top universities, with the majority securing their first choices.

Sir John Deane's Sixth Form College Head Girl Zoe Hartland and Head Boy Alistair Bailey

Head Girl Zoe Hartland, former pupil of Bridgewater High School, achieved A, A*, A* in Mathematics, Government & Politics and 3D Design and will be studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at St Catherine’s College, University of Oxford.

Meanwhile, Head Boy Alistair Bailey, former pupil of Tarporley High School, achieved A, A, A in Economics, Geography & Government & Politics and will be studying Politics and International Relations at Lancaster.

Sir John Deane's new Principal Christopher Atherton

New Principal Christopher Atherton, said: "We have been on an incredible journey with our Year 13 students who, despite all of the challenges of the past 18 months, have demonstrated awe-inspiring determination and ambition.

"Teachers and progress mentors are immensely proud and we are delighted that their endless enthusiasm and commitment, in an unprecedented year, have now been rewarded."

Students have secured many highly competitive places including Medicine, Engineering, Midwifery and Teaching at some the UK’s top Russell Group Universities, while many others will be starting higher level apprenticeships and employment.

Christopher added: "Given the impressive personal attributes of all our students we know that they will go on to make an extraordinary contribution to society and shape a brighter future for us all.

"We wish them all the best for their next chapter."