A level successes at Ripon Grammar School

Ripon Grammar School A level students Melody Swires, 18, of Boroughbridge, Andrew McCann, of Ripon, and Sally Pearson, 18, of Richmond, who each secured a place at Oxbridge universities

Ripon Grammar School student Will Ashton lost the top of his little finger and cut through the tendons in his left hand while chopping wood on a circular saw earlier this year.

Despite undergoing two operations, during his A level studies, the 18-year old secured two A*s and two A grades in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics to gain a place at Harper Adams University, Newport, to study agricultural engineering.

Will, of Leyburn, who was born into a farming family, said: “I caught my little finger on the saw and it continued to cut into the next two fingers and across my palm.

Ripon Grammar School A level student Will Ashton, 18, of Leyburn, who lost his finger in a farming accident

“Luckily for me it’s now healing well and it was my left hand so being right handed it didn’t impede my studies too much - despite missing a few lessons for physiotherapy.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the grades I’ve achieved and really pleased to be going to Harper Adams University to study for a career path which I know I’ll enjoy.”

Ripon Grammar School star student Mary Kumarendran set the benchmark for her year group by producing an outstanding result of five A* grades which will see her read medicine at Oxford University.

The 18-year old, of Northallerton, said: “I didn’t expect to get all A*s, I’m absolutely shocked but very, very happy.

Ripon Grammar School A level star student Mary Kumarendran, 18, of Northallerton, who secured 5A* grades to read medicine at Oxford University

“I come from a family with a scientific background so medicine is all I’ve ever thought about doing and to be able to do that at Oxford University is thrilling.”

Mary will be joined by five fellow Ripon Grammar School students who will also be studying at Oxbridge universities.

Ellie Fielding, 17, of Northallerton, secured two A*s and an A grade to study philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University; Melody Swiers, 17, of Boroughbridge, will read veterinary science at Cambridge University after gaining three A* grades and an A; Andrew McCann, 18, of Ripon, who achieved an A*, two As and a B grade, is bound for Oxford University to read French and linguistics; Sally Pearson, 18, of Richmond, gained two A*s and an A grade and will read geography at Cambridge University; and Hannah Moss, who received an A* and two A grades, will study English and drama at Oxford University.

Overall the school, which consistently gains the best A level results in North Yorkshire, saw its 125 A level students achieve a total of 61 A*s and 109 A grades, with 45 per cent of students achieving A*-A grades and 71 per cent gaining A*-B grades.

Headmaster Martin Pearman said: “I am extremely pleased with this year’s results.

“There have been some tremendous individual performances and our students have once again done fantastically well.

“Many of them have achieved their first choice of university – which is always the most important point for me – and can now use these results as a stepping stone for the next stage in their lives.”