At the end of a challenging year, many of the students at Felsted are able to celebrate their results as they prepare to move on to the next stage of their lives and education.  All of the students, teachers and parents deserve great credit for the way in which they have coped through this time.  
 
This is particularly true after the recent announcements from the Government and OFQUAL about the reversion to Centre Assessed Grades, and the subsequent chaos that this has caused for university placements.  Felsted undertook a rigorous and objective process to put forward centre assessed grades (CAGs) that were supported by evidence gathered from mock exams, class work and coursework, and this means that the final grades awarded to the students are statistically robust.  Unfortunately, as with every statistical model, there are some who come out particularly well, and some who are less fortunate, and we are working with those who need support in gaining entry to university, apprenticeships or the workplace. 
 
There is still much to celebrate, with some exceptional achievements rightly recognised, and I am proud of all of the students, regardless of the grades that they have been given in this process. Many congratulations to the leavers of 2020, for what you have achieved, but more importantly, the way in which you have coped with this process. Felsted remains very proud of the achievement of our students, as they have succeeded academically, but have also demonstrated resilience, independence and care and kindness for one another.

Felsted pupils have achieved an excellent 100% pass rate over the past 3 years. 33% of all grades were A*-A, 64% A*-B and 87% A*-C (3 year average).
 

Emma Jones, was one of Felsted’s joint top performers, securing her dream to read Veterinary Medicine at Emmanuel College, Cambridge with a clean sweep of four A* grades in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths. Deputy Head Girl and an Academic and Sports Scholar at Felsted, Emma was a member of the Felsted 1st hockey and cricket teams, recently selected for the Surrey Stars Regional Development Centre as well as playing for Essex Women’s Cricket. Emma turned down the chance to represent Hong Kong last summer, as she hopes one day to break into the England Cricket team. She was also a member of the Felsted media team, Combined Cadet Force and is currently completing her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Emma achieved a Gold Award in the British Biology Olympiad earlier this year and also completed a voluntary expedition to the Atlas mountains last summer in Morocco with the Round Square Big Build Organisation, building a much needed classroom for women and children to be educated.

“I am delighted with my results and I am so grateful for all the support Felsted has given me to achieve my dreams. I can’t wait to get started at Cambridge and look forward to playing cricket for them also!”

Elliott Smith was one of Felsted’s joint top performers, achieving a superb four A* grades in Biology, Chemistry,  Maths and Further Maths respectively, to secure his place to read Medicine at University of East Anglia. At Felsted since the age of four, Elliott has immersed himself fully in school life. A Prefect, Academic and Music Scholar, Elliott also gained a Gold Award in the British Biology Olympiad earlier this year. A Grade 8  Drummer, Elliott performed in almost every ensemble going, willing to share his passion for music in all genres. He was also well known for his singing, coming 2nd in his rock band in the Felsted Battle of the Bands! 

Elliott is delighted to be starting on his dream to become a Doctor and is particularly grateful for the support from the Medical Society at Felsted with his applications.

Hannah Palma was also one of Felsted’s joint top performers, securing a fantastic four A* grades in Art & Design, English Literature, German and History of Art, to read History of Art at St.Andrew’s University.
 
An Art Scholar and member of the Andrews Society, Hannah joined Felsted Sixth Form from the South Tyrol in Italy, to encounter new academic challenges and improve her English. To achieve these grades in a foreign language is just phenomenal! Hannah fully immersed herself in school life, becoming a peer counsellor and taking part in the peer tutoring program, joining the Diversity Society, Eco Club, Library Committee, and being appointed a House Prefect. She hopes to secure a future in both academia and art curation. Hannah would like to thank all her teachers for their support and Felsted for all of the opportunities it has provided. 

Charlotte Perry is delighted to have secured her offer to study Classical Archeology and Ancient History at Oxford University (Somerville College) by achieving A*A*AB grades in Classics, English Literature, Politics and Latin respectively. An Academic Scholar, Felsted Prefect, and Andrew’s Society member, Charlotte was also a founding member of both the Felsted X student media team and the Felsted Pride Society. A weekly boarder at Felsted, Charlotte took full advantage of all the opportunities on offer.

"Despite the last-minute Government changes to plans and stress of the past few months, I’m absolutely thrilled to have secured my place at Oxford. Coming to Felsted was one of the best decisions I’ve made, and I can’t thank all of my friends and teachers enough for their support. Honorable mentions have to go to the whole of the Classics department for enthusing me with a deep love for their subject, and also to Mr Townsend for his encouragement and support over the years. While I’m looking forward to starting the next chapter academically, I know I’ll take my memories of Felsted with me for many years to come. If I can’t achieve my dream job as the next Mary Beard (or indeed a real life Indiana Jones), then I’m looking forward to working towards my other options in the fields of law and journalism.”

View more success stories here