Class of 2020 at Thomas Becket Catholic School in Northampton 'build on school's strengthening A-Level pedigree'

Students and staff at Thomas Becket Catholic School in Northampton have been celebrating today, with the headteacher saying the Class of 2020 has "built on the school’s strengthening A-Level pedigree".

The number of A*s and As increased by seven-fold on last year, as more and more students have secured the very top grades. Among those who have impressed were Marcelina Flakiewicz, Abbie Shortt and Kajetan Pietrowski who secured a host of As between them and will be heading off to university to study film studies, medicine and history, respectively.

Kajetan said: “There was so much pressure this year considering what has happened and all of the recent news about how we were going to be graded. Luckily it turned out okay and I am extremely happy.

“The amount of support I have had has been almost overwhelming. Ever since we left for lock down the amount of emails, contacts and supports I was getting from my teachers reminding me to do my work, reminding me to stay on top of what I would have been studying in school – it was extremely helpful and enabled me to keep on top of what I needed to learn to do well at university.“

Vocational results also strengthened, with the majority of subjects building on last year's success.

Mark McLaughlin, headteacher, said: “There is no shying way from the fact that the last few months have been extremely challenging for our students and their families.

“The responsibility of serving this wonderful group of children has one that my staff have been fully committed to. Having invested so much in their futures we were so keen to see them get grades that reflect their hard work. I am delighted that the majority of students have seen a just reflection of their efforts in their results, but I am aware that is not the case for all students and subjects and we will work hard to help resolve this in the next few weeks.

“It has been a real pleasure to work with this fantastic group of students and we are delighted that we can celebrate their considerable achievements. They have given Thomas Becket Catholic School so much and built relationships with our staff that have enabled them to build foundations for not only considerable academic success, but for happy future lives. We could not be prouder of them.

“This is a cohort that has achieved academic excellence, served the community of the school, generated positive and kind relationships with peers and staff and have supported the school in its ongoing improvement. We know that we say goodbye to exceptional young people who will make a real difference in society.

“Good luck to them and thank you.”